The Bugle - November 2012 by The Bugle

3 Years and Counting!! The Bugle is celebrating its 3rd birthday this

month with a bumper edition. A big thanks to all our readers for your continued support!!

November 2012 Issue #37

Breath test fines delayed ... again

INSIDE > > > NEWS - Bees make 'blue' M&M honey

Bees in the Alsace have been making blue honey after eating waste from a local Mars factory >> Page 7

FRENCH LIFE - The wolf is back

♦ Law came into force in July this year ♦ €11 fine for anyone stopped by the police who does not have an unused kit in their car ♦ Fines due to be imposed from 1st November, but this has now been pushed back to March

has already attacked it as just a “little cosmetic measure”. Under the new law, aimed at reducing the number of road deaths in France, it is compulsory to have at least one unused and easily accessible breath test kit in your vehicle at all times. Anyone found not carrying this device will face a fine of €11. According to Transport Ministry officials, the rule will equally be applied to foreign drivers and tourists, and only drivers of motorbikes less than 50cc are exempt. The single-use kits can in theory be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as online and should cost no more than €1.50 each, although the recent lack of

>> continued on page 7

FEATURE - Le Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

Alysa Salzberg takes a look at the largest cemetery in Paris - Le Cimetière du Père-Lachaise >> Pages 15-17

he latest news in the breath test kit fiasco is that drivers have been given a further four month grace period from on-the-spot fines… and that the law could be scrapped altogether. Although the law theoretically came into force on 1 st July this year, fines will not now be imposed until 1 st March 2013 at the earliest. The delay is a result of the continued shortage of test kits across the country, but new interior minister Manuel Valls has also indicated that he will use the time to consult road user groups and victim groups and to evaluate the usefulness of the law. The Ligue Contre la Violence Routière

The return of the wolf to the Massif Central could have wide-ranging implications for one of France's favourite cheeses >> Page 11

With sales on the rise, have the French developed a taste for British foods...? >> Page 6

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

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

he Bugle turns 3 this month, which is odd, as it feels like a lifetime ago that I nervously pressed ‘the big red button’ and sent edition #1 to the printers in 2009. We have come a long way from a fledgling company with no journalistic experience, to the only remaining free English-language newspaper in France! I am incredibly proud of what The Bugle has become and I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped us along the way. There has not been a celebratory mood in Bugle Towers, however. In the last fortnight, our family of four has suffered a bout of chickenpox, one of shingles and two cases of gastro. When I tell you that one of us has not been ill at all (my eldest daughter), the maths should tell you that one of us has had a particularly rough time of it. The worst appears to now be passing, which is a shame, as I had just ordered four custom-sized bells for us all and taught the family how to say ‘unclean’ in French! Not that we have seen many people. As news of the plague that descended on our house spread, visitors have been strangely sparse. (Hmmm, I’ve just given myself an idea for next summer’s visiting season!) A strange thing happened to me this morning. I put on the radio in my

car (it is the only car I know that gives crystal clear Radio 4 LW across the entire region!) and heard people talking positively about the British economy. Apparently it grew by 1% last quarter. Many were putting this down to “the Olympic effect” and the distortion of the extra Jubilee bank holiday in the previous quarter, but nevertheless, many more appeared positive. It reminded me of a BBC article that several readers forwarded to me during the month about the different national ‘moods’ either side of the Channel. In it, Hugh Schofield wrote: “I will say this - never in 16 years of living in France, and making pretty regular trips back and forth across the Channel, have I ever felt a greater disparity in national moods… It really did feel like Brits were looking at themselves after half a century of decolonisation and deindustrialisation and immigration and the ‘end of deference' and all the rest of it, and saying ‘Well, here we are and actually, we are not so bad.’ It pains me as a lover of France to remark that no similar state of mind is anywhere near realisation over here.” In France the novelty of a new leader has worn off, unemployment is still

rising and taxes are on the up. How different it might have been if Paris had not been pipped to host the Olympics by London. People I spoke to back in the UK during the summer did indeed speak of an improvement in the national mood following the Jubilee celebrations and the Summer Olympics. One even said that morning commuters on the Tube were talking to each other. I assumed I was having my leg pulled, until another friend independently corroborated this. That is something I have never seen! The only people who ever spoke to me on the Tube were either asking me for money or trying to forcibly take it from me! It is amazing how quickly these things can turn around and I am sure that we must be through the worst of it… musn’t we?! I’ve always thought that the people with the power to end the financial crisis are not the bankers or the politicians, but the national newspaper editors. If the Sun, or the French equivalent, ran a front-page headline saying the economic downturn is over, I’m pretty sure that people would rush down the shops, start spending and everything would indeed improve. But maybe that’s why I studied Chemistry and not Economics… I was sad to see, as I’m sure was everyone, that the last surviving RAF pilot from the Battle of Britain has died aged 99. It started me thinking about how my daughters will see World War II. My parents’ generation were born during the war, or very shortly after. My generation were brought up on stories from our grandparents. My daughters’ generation will have to read it in a

book or see it on TV. Will the sheer importance and enormity of it be lost on them? Does it become less ‘important’ to successive generations as it becomes more distant? I can’t say that I know all that much of the Boer Wars that ended less than 40 years before World War II began… I do not yet know what is contained in the French history curriculum, but I will certainly try to educate my children about the two World Wars and the heroics of The Few who turned the course of history. On a more cheery note:

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday The Bugle! Happy birthday to you!!

Until next month! Steve Martindale Editor

INSIDE this edition

1 & 3-5 Local News 6-10 National News 11-14 French Life 15-17 Feature 18-19 Classifieds 20 Letters to the Editor 21 Notice Board 22 Clubs & Associations 23-24 What's On B1-B8 Business Directory

General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions@thebugle.eu Write to: The Bugle Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France

ENGLISH SPOKEN

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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Asian hornets declared a pest Vierzon church hornets will only attack you if they believe that their hive is in danger, or more importantly their queen. Stay more than 5 or 6 metres away from their nest and they will usually stay peaceful and will leave you alone. Hornet attacks in the Limousin are rare, but can be fatal. Individual hornets can sting multiple times - unlike bees, the hornet does not die after stinging because its stinger is not barbed. Once it has recharged its venom pouch, it can sting again. People who are allergic to wasp venom are also generally allergic to hornet stings. In terms of their sting, the Asian hornet is much the same as the native frelon (the indigenous hornet). Hornets, like many social wasps, can mobilize the entire nest to swarm and sting in collective defence, and this can be highly dangerous to humans. The hornets use a special pheromone to raise the alarm of a potential attack and the rest of the hive will join in. It is not, therefore, advisable to kill a hornet anywhere near

could be turned into a mosque

n a move that will give some comfort to the region’s struggling beekeepers, the minister for agriculture and the environment has announced that the Asian hornet is to be officially classified as a pest, describing it as an “invasive foreign species, and a danger to beekeepers”. Given the severity of the situation in many parts of France, the ministry has also put in place a procedure to accelerate the process, which should now be completed by the end of 2012, subject to approval. The classification will open the way for organised programmes to combat the spread of this non-native species that preys on honey bees and has decimated France’s bee population in recent years (see also page 7). As well as being a threat to bees, Asian hornets have a fearsome reputation, mainly due to the painful sting that they possess. They are also believed by many to attack without provocation. As a general rule, this is untrue:

a nest, as the distress signal can trigger the entire nest to swarm. If you have a hornet’s nest on your property and you would like it removed, then it is generally speaking your responsibility and not that of

the local Mairie. A professional exterminator will usually be able to do the job in a matter of minutes and should charge in the region of €90 – search on www.pagesjaunes.fr under “désinsectisation” to find local exterminators. ■

Ameublement Décoration Antiquités Mode Cadeaux Accessoires Trouvez des trésors uniques et irrésistibles

Free range rare breed pork

locally produced by Steve and Moira Coleman FIND US AT THE FOLLOWING LOCAL MARKETS

Saint-Sevère-sur-Indre - Wednesdays Boussac - Thursdays (Next to Fountain in market centre) Châteaumeillant - Fridays (centre of market) La Châtre - Saturdays (top end, near ﬂorist)

web: www.ducnoir.com email: info@ducnoir.com For more information or to reserve your order.

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A vast range of designer home decor to suit all styles Classic – Country – Contemporary New stock arriving continuously brands including: Miss Selfridge, New Look, Next, Monsoon, Marks & Spencer and many more! 3 Ave. Gay Lussac 87200 St Junien T: +33 (0)5 55 79 57 60 www.moulin-de-tintin.com Open: Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 7pm Sunday 12 midday – 6pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

he diocese of Bourges has made the tough decision to sell a church in Vierzon, Cher, that has become surplus to requirements and a drain on resources. Nothing too unusual there. But the news that one of the potential buyers of the €170,000 building is a Moroccan syndicate who want to turn it into a mosque has proved more controversial. The church, which is 26 metres long and 11.3 metres wide, can hold up to 200 worshippers. At the same time, the local mosque has become too small and local Muslims are looking to move into a larger building. The news that the church could be transformed into a mosque has caused a bit of a stir in elements of the local Catholic community. Interviewed by the daily

newspaper La Croix, Saint Eloi's priest, the Rev. Allan Krauth, accepts that the situation is ‘sensitive’. “Some parishioners will be favourable to the idea that their former church will continue to serve as a place of worship with other believers who live a moderate form of Islam; but others nourish a sometimes irrational fear faced with the rise of radical Islamism, a fear reinforced by recent highprofile news stories.” The fate of the church has not yet been decided and no sales agreement has been signed. Church officials say that the final decision will be taken by the bishop and point out that there are other potential buyers, including businesses, artists and even a local association looking for premises to hold civil funerals. ■

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

Car Breakers - C.R.A.L.

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

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

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

t may not always feel like it, but a recent survey has revealed that the Limousin is the second cheapest region in France for servicing and maintaining a car. According to the survey, carried out by UFC-Que choisir, the average cost of a service (for a “T1” basic service) is €57, €2 more than in the Auvergne, France’s cheapest region for car servicing. “The maintenance of a vehicle is essential and unavoidable,” said the group which carried out the survey. “It is one of the most important budget items for a household. We are therefore very interested in the prices being charged by professionals.” The survey was based on the price of servicing

two common cars: a Renault Clio and a Peugeot 207. The €57 cost of the service was below the national average of €64 and far less than the €77 charged in the Ile-deFrance region. Maintaining a diesel car in France has also shown to be more expensive than a petrol equivalent. The average French person spends €737 each year maintaining their petrol car, but a staggering €1,461 on a diesel. Another statistic thrown up by the survey is the difference in the cost of a service at dealerships, compared to independent mechanics. The price for an hour’s labour is on average €10-15 more expensive at a dealer, with the cost of the service itself a surprising 50-70% more expensive than your local

mechanic. The survey also revealed that one in three dealerships will refuse to service a car from any other make, citing a lack of expert knowledge and/ or insurance to work on other types of vehicles. Consumer groups have highlighted inequalities in the market, pointing out that the figures reveal that 83% of vehicles less than 2 years old are serviced at the dealership where they were bought. UFCQue choisir had its own take on these results: “The consumer feels tied into the network of the manufacturer.” The result is a virtual monopoly on spare parts. “This has already been denounced at a European level. If there was more competition for spare parts, the price of them would decrease.” ■

Servicing cars cheaper in the Limousin

Average speed camera installed on motorway An average speed camera system has been installed on the A20 near Tulle, covering a 7km stretch between exits 44 and 45 (Lubersac and Tulle) on the southbound carriageway. At time of print, the cameras were not yet in service, but are due to come online in November following testing. The system works by registering a driver’s registration number, along with the exact time that they pass a first camera. Further down the road, the same thing happens and the average speed between the two points is calculated. If the average speed is above the speed limit for that stretch of road, fines and a points deduction will be issued. ■

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

No appeal from airport director Jean-Philippe Gaillard, the former director of Limoges International Airport who was found guilty last month of fraud, has announced that he does not intend to appeal his conviction. A court in Limoges found the serial liar guilty in September and sentenced him to two years in prison, with one year suspended, as well as fining him €5,000. Jean-Philippe Gaillard was found to have falsified his CV and presented himself with a clean criminal record in order to secure the position at the head of the airport. In reality, he had a string of criminal convictions behind him, for amongst other things impersonating a police officer, and at the time of his arrest was already wanted to serve

an outstanding jail sentence in Périgueux for a previous offence. The 44-year-old had made up virtually every detail on his CV, basing many elements on just a scrap of truth. Perhaps the most bizarre fact in the case is that, according to one source at the airport, “he did an amazing job. He was so good, it leaves you stunned!”

Those most likely to jump the border in search of better healthcare were residents of the Dordogne, Lot, Indre and Charente departments. The services most in demand were those of neurosurgery, ophthalmology and fertility treatments.

Healthcare tourists

A man was stopped on the A79 this month with 500kg of 'frozen' Asian food in his van. Having bought the produce in Paris, the spring rolls and prawns were destined for sale in Limoges. Two problems... the man's vehicle was not refridgerated and the 'frozen' food was decidedly thawed out. The trader told the arresting officers not to worry as he was going to re-freeze the produce when he arrived in Limoges! Gendarmes destroyed the soggy goods at the roadside and the case has been presented to the Procureur!

A recent survey has revealed that the Limousin region is a popular destination amongst the French… for healthcare. The study, carried out by the regional health authorities in association with the INSEE, showed that 17% of all patients in 2010 (177,000 trips to hospital in total) came from outside of the region. This was far more than any other region: Bourgogne came in a distant second with 10%.

'Frozen' goods

The Bugle, live on France Bleu Creuse Tune in to our next show: 09h30 MONDay 5th November

Got a story for The Bugle? editor@thebugle.eu

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A SUMMER IN THE LIMOUSIN Two Artsits - One Exhibition

Fri 2nd Nov to Sat 1st Dec ORADOUR-SUR-VAYRES

wo professional artists, Diana Dabinette and Nigel Fletcher will be holding a month-long exhibition to show a selection of their most recent work. Diana has been painting since 1975 and now paints exclusively in Watercolours. She paints from the heart and finds inspiration from poetry and literature, as well as the natural world and landscapes, and even the most unlikely objects which may display an element of quiet nostalgia and reflection. "The sheer versatility and unpredictability of watercolour make every picture an emotional adventure for me. The pleasure of putting the paint on the paper is everything." Nigel has been painting full-time for about 6 years after a career as an illustrator and graphic designer. In May 2009 while still living in England he decided to paint a small oil painting every day for one year and send the image to all the members of his email list. It was a success and he sold most of them! Six months later he moved to France, which was something he had always wanted to do. "I wanted to continue to paint the small oil paintings and realised that if I could get internet connection where I live in France I would be able to continue to sell my daily paintings." Now he lives in Petit Meynieux near Vayres and paints every day and sends the little paintings out to the ever growing email contact list. If you would like to join the list and see the small paintings as they are made go to www.frenchsketchbook.com and submit your email address in the box provided. On display at the exhibition will be a large selection of these small oil paintings as well as some of his larger watercolours. The exhibition is being held at La Galerie de Gabriel, Rue du General de Gaulle, Oradour-sur-Vayres. Tuesday to Saturday 9.30-12.30 & 14.00-18.00. Closed Sunday and Mondays. Contact: Diana, email diana.dabinett@club-internet.fr website www.galeriedegabriel. com & Nigel, email nvfletcher@btinternet.com website www.frenchsketchbook.com

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

H2 0 Creuse HEATING

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

Pain au chocolat takes political centre stage

ot on the heels of “pasty-gate” in Westminster, France’s humble pastry, the pain au chocolat, has found itself in the eye of a political storm. The furore began at a rally on the Côte d'Azur when hardline politician Jean-François Copé, who is battling to become the new leader of Nicolas Sarkozy’s rightwing UMP party, gave a pastry-related anecdote that opponents have been dining out on ever since. Having already complained that “anti-white racism” is prevalent on poor French estates, Copé said he identified with “exasperated” parents who, after a hard day's work, got home to find their child had had his pain au chocolat “snatched” outside the school gates by “thugs” who say that “there must be no eating during Ramadan”. He later repeated the statement in a tweet: “There are neighbourhoods in France where children can't eat their pain au chocolat because it’s Ramadan.” Both those from the left

and right of the political spectrum slammed Copé for the comments. The Socialist prime minister called them “stigmatising” and François Baroin, supporting Copé’s opponent François Fillon, warned against “toxic and dangerous little phrases”. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice and a Fillon supporter, laughed nervously when questioned on the story on radio, joking that “Pain au chocolat is an inalienable right of all French children”. Meanwhile, the trusty pain au chocolat - the only breakfast pastry to have inspired a hit single, Joe Dassin's 1969 'Le petit pain au chocolat' about a lovelorn boulangère - has never created so many headlines and has become the focus of much satirical comment. One tweeter said that it would play into the hands of the far right and Marine ‘Le Pen au chocolat’. In response, members of the Collective against Islamophobia in France distributed pain au chocolat to commuters at Saint Lazare station in Paris to protest against the comments. ■

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

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Are the French developing a taste for British food?

ou can't trust a country with such bad food, Jacques Chirac once famously said of the UK, but are the French now developing a taste for British cuisine…? Marks & Spencer recently announced that its Champs Elysées store sells more chicken tikka masala than any branch in the UK and the fifth highest number of BLT sandwiches. It has also recently opened a second Paris store with a number of Simply Food outlets planned for the near future. The UK’s mad cows now seem a distant memory, with many French restaurant owners preferring Scottish beef. YvesMarie Le Bourdonnec is the butcher at Paris’ Le Beef Club that boasts “the best beef in the world” - the New York Times recently awarded him their best hamburger of the world prize - and all the beef served in this fashionable 24hour steak house comes from Britain. Stilton and cheddar cheeses are an increasingly common sight in deli counters and ‘le crumble’ has become a trendy addition to any menu du

jour, even in rural France. In 2011, British food exports to its Gallic neighbour reached £2.2bn, double the figure from 2000 when adjusted for inflation. And it is not just food that has got France’s taste buds going; Britain’s booze is also a hit. Scotch whisky now accounts for half a billion pounds in exports to France, the popularity of real ale is on the up, and sparkling wines

from Sussex and Kent are winning awards and prompting favourable comparisons with Champagne. Many put the change down to the belief that the balance of culinary power has shifted in recent years. “There's no doubt that standards of cooking in France have declined over the last 30 years,” says Rowley Leigh, head chef of Le Café Anglais, a French-inspired restaurant in England. “Since nouvelle cuisine, they've lost their mojo.” Speak to the man on the street, however, and the prevailing belief still remains that the British can’t cook. “People in villages in France are very incurious. Their view of England is of people wearing bowler hats eating boiled food.” So exactly who is eating all this imported food is currently a topic for debate. More and more French supermarkets stock British food aisles, but many claim that the French shopper will not so much as glance at these cross-Channel offerings, arguing that they are there simply to serve the local expat

populations. Jonathan Meades, a broadcaster and food critic living in Marseilles, says the change is being driven by young, urban French who see British food differently to Chirac's generation. There are about a third of a million French living in London and these expats bring back stories of the British capital's booming restaurant scene and culinary diversity - Indian food in particular - that much of France lacks. Agnes Poirier, a French journalist who divides her time between London and Paris, believes that the fascination with stores such as M&S and the ‘unusual’ foods they carry - mint sauce with lamb, the triangle sandwich, coleslaw - sums up France’s interest in British food. “It's quirky. They look disgusting, so people are absolutely entranced to find they like them.” Fans of French cuisine need not worry, however. The figures show that France still sells twice as much food to the UK as it buys in return. ■

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

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French bees producing blue honey

eekeepers in Alsace have finally solved a mystery that has had them scratching their heads for months - why their bees are producing blue honey! Since August, beekeepers in the town of Ribeauvillé have witnessed their bees returning to the cluster of apiaries carrying unusually colourful substances which have turned their honey into

unnatural colours. It transpires that these honey bees have developed a sweet tooth for M&M’s!! The source of the chemicals causing the ‘unique’ honey is a biogas plant 4km away that processes waste from a local Mars factory that produces the popular brightly coloured sweets. Agrivalor, the company operating the biogas plant, said it had tried to address the problem after

being notified of it by the beekeepers. “We discovered the problem at the same time they did. We quickly put in place a procedure to stop it,” Philippe Meinrad, co-manager of Agrivalor, told Reuters. He said the company had cleaned its containers and incoming waste would now be stored in a covered hall. Bees make honey by collecting nectar in a special storage stomach.

How did the French see Megan Stammers?

hose who follow the British press will be well aware of the recent ‘Europe-wide’ manhunt for 30-yearold maths teacher Jeremy Forrest and 15-year-old schoolgirl Megan Stammers. Following the last confirmed sighting of the pair - CCTV footage of them walking arm in arm on a cross-Channel ferry - the front pages of the British press featured little else. The press was excited and horrified in equal measure; a case of child abduction or an illfated love affair? Sussex police issued an international arrest warrant and Interpol were allegedly on the case. How strange then, that if you only read the French press, you would never have known that Megan Stammers had gone missing and headed to France, nor that she had been found a week later walking the streets of Bordeaux. Indeed, the BBC sent a reporter to Paris who could not find a single person who had heard of the schoolgirl. The French authorities responded to the affair with what seemed to the British a very laissez-faire attitude indeed, arguing that the couple “could be anywhere in Europe by now”.

France even refused to launch a criminal investigation - the pair weren’t breaking any French laws. In France the age of consent is 15, a possible reason that the couple headed across the Channel. Unless Forrest stood accused of kidnapping Megan Stammers, which at the time he was not, then her disappearance was no more than a missing persons case in France - one of many that would receive few resources. The British press on occasion painted a picture of Forrest as an unshaven paedophile monster, whereas the French viewed him as more stupid than dangerous. In France it was seen as a kind of love story; a couple of impassioned fools who had defied law and morals in order to be together - a real life Lolita. Yes, he broke the law, and worse, he abused the trust of a minor in his care and he will pay the price in due course, presumably in a UK jail. But that does not stop the French romanticising Forrest somewhat, picturing him as someone who knowingly sacrificed everything – his marriage, his career, his freedom – for a brief and impracticable love affair. ■

Fish and Chips

www.lesnackshack.com Tel: 05.55.68.24.19 Mob: 06.76.69.43.63 Friday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday

2nd 5th 7th 8th 9th 10th 13th

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

Early Dates for December

Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Friday

3rd 5th 7th 8th 11th 13th 14th

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

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

Le Snack Shack is a traditional British ‘Fish and Chip Takeaway’, oﬀering a varied menu direct from the U.K. We serve the best Icelandic Cod, cooked in a crispy, golden batter accompanied by chips and mushy peas or curry sauce. Our full menu can be found on our website - www.lesnackshack.com Take away and eat in the comfort of your own home or feel free to have a drink alongside your meal at the bar.

Siret: 517 841 839 00015

Dates for November

They then return to the hive and transfer their sweet cargo to the hive bees, who process the sugars in their own honey stomachs. The hive bees then deposit this processed mixture in the hexagonal honeycombs of the hive. Here the moisture evaporates with time, leaving behind the thick, sticky honey that we know and love. After developing a taste for the chemical dyes at the biogas plant, these have been transferred to the honey. Unfortunately for fans of M&M’s, although the colourful mixture still tastes like honey, it will not be going on sale. “For me, it's not honey. It's not sellable,” said Alain Frieh, president of the apiculturists' union. The bright blue honey is

the latest headache for an industry that has suffered in recent years. Bee numbers have been in steady decline of late due to a combination of weather, new predators being introduced and the increased use of pesticides. Following a harsh winter and the continually rising bee mortality rates, the French government has recently banned one pesticide linked to bee deaths. There are around 2,400 beekeepers in the Alsace region, tending an estimated 35,000 colonies producing around 1,000 tonnes of honey a year. France is one of the largest producers of honey in Europe, producing 18,330 tonnes annually. ■

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Breath test kit law to be scrapped >> continued from pg 1 stock has driven the price up to €5 in some places. They are valid for up to 2 years and should bear the mark “NF” (Norme Française), and drivers are being advised to carry two in case they need to use one. In 2011 there were approximately 4,000 deaths on the roads of France, with little change from 2010. Overall, alcohol is responsible for 31 per cent of all fatal road accidents, with this figure rising to 58.7% for weekend nighttime accidents. Opinion polls have said two in three voters in France approve of the new law. ■

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

to immobilise them. The seven-hour stand-off that followed was broken only when a French police boat and a naval vessel arrived at the request of the British government. The attack came after weeks of rising tensions following the collapse of talks between British and French fishermen over the allocation of fishing areas and quotas, particularly around the Baie de Seine, off the coast of Normandy. The French claim that the British trawlers have been fishing within the 12-mile exclusion zone. The British fishermen are adamant they were at least 15 miles offshore - although this is still within French territorial waters - when they were attacked. The French are demanding a ban on all fishing in the Baie de Seine in order to replenish its stock of fish and scallops, a ban that they voluntarily enforced throughout the summer, but that the British crews ignored. British fleets do, however, have fewer overall fishing rights. The British fleet is restricted to 3.3

million “kilowatt” days at sea - the measurement of the boats’ fishing capacity. The French are allowed 7.7 million days, although they use only a quarter of their actual capacity. In reality, this restricts the British crews to 36 days’ fishing in the current October to December quarter. In recent crisis talks in Paris, 8 British and 12 French representatives of the trawler owners gathered to thrash out a deal. The British offered to suspend fishing in the Baie de Seine for 8 weeks in return for one million kilowatt days of the unused French quota. All the British and 11 of the 12 French fishermen were in agreement, but one representative of a group of Brittany fishermen scuppered the deal. Deadlock ensued, the British continued to fish the bay and weeks later the recent attack took place. “We carried on fishing perfectly legally in the 15mile zone, as we have done for years, and so it was extremely worrying that they attacked us as they did,” said Andy McLeod, whose boat the Van Dijck

was among those attacked. “What they did to fellow fishermen was extremely unpleasant. It was frightening for our lads and we don’t know if it’s going to escalate.” Mr McLeod is among others now calling for the Royal Navy to step into the dispute by mounting more regular and highly visible patrols in the area. Scallop trawling is big business. An average sized boat can haul £40,000 worth of scallops in a single trip and £70 million of scallops are exported from Britain every year. Ironically, a large proportion of these are exported back to France. ■

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Hollande set to ditch homework

resident François Hollande has virtually guaranteed support from a large percentage of the French public… if only they were old enough to vote. France’s president brought cheers to playgrounds across the country recently when he announced plans to do away with homework! The move came as part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving standards for over-worked French pupils, especially those in disadvantaged areas. He outlined the proposals for his five-year term, which also include increasing teacher presence in disadvantaged areas, targeting absenteeism and reducing the number of students who fail and are thus forced to repeat school years. He pledged to employ some 60,000 teachers in the coming years after former French President Nicolas Sarkozy cut tens of thousands of jobs during his time in office. “Education is priority,” Hollande said at Paris’ Sorbonne University. “An education programme is, by definition, a societal programme. Work should be done at school, rather than at home,” in order to provide equality for those students who do not necessarily have educational support at home, he added. Under Hollande’s reforms, the school week would also return to four and a half days, as had widely been expected - the school week was reduced to only four under the previous administration in an effort to cut costs. French children’s test scores are above the European average, but pupils endure some of the longest working days on the continent, often not leaving school until 5pm or 6pm. ■

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t has been a long time since Britain and France have met on opposite sides of the battlefield, but a new naval scuffle is currently taking place in the Channel in the form of the so-called “scallop wars”. British fishermen find themselves on the front line of this ongoing battle for the right to collect the prized molluscs and the stakes have been raised recently following what many on the British side regard as an “act of piracy” when they were involved in an unprovoked attack by French trawlermen. “Their boats appeared in a line along the horizon and proceeded to surround me and about half a dozen other British trawlers,” said Anton Bailey, captain of the scallop trawler Emulate. “Suddenly they started pelting us with iron bars, rocks and firing flares at us. We had to take refuge in the wheelhouse. It was pretty nasty stuff.” Witnesses reported that some French boats even tried to ram their British counterparts and threw ropes into the propellers

The Anglo-French scallop wars

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

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New anti-terrorism legislation introduced

rance’s Socialist government has introduced legislation that will allow the police to arrest anyone found to have visited combat training camps in countries such as Pakistan or Afghanistan. Although François Hollande has ditched much of Nicolas Sarkozy’s economic policies, he has maintained his predecessor’s tough line on crime and security - Sarkozy had promised similar action against potential terrorists. The legislation, if passed by parliament, will make it possible for police to take people into custody for questioning if there is a suspicion that they were involved in terrorism-related activity beyond French borders. At the moment police can act only when offences are suspected or committed inside France. The draft law will help “detect when people, collectively or individually, embark on the road to radicalisation and terrorist violence,” said a government spokeswoman. “The terrorist threat remains at a very high level,” she continued, citing the murders of seven people, including soldiers and three Jewish children, by Mohammed Merah in Toulouse last March. The 23-year-old’s trips to combat camps were known to France’s intelligence services staff who had been tagging him for several years.

The police, however, did not take his threat seriously. The government will also extend through to 2015 police powers to intercept electronic or internet communications of terrorism suspects. Elsewhere, information gathered from a series of raids across Paris by police investigating a grenade attack on a kosher grocery, led them to discover bomb-making materials in a car park near the capital. Paris prosecutor François Molins said the discovery in Torcy, east of the capital, led authorities to invoke a legal clause to allow them to extend the questioning of 12 suspects into a fifth day. Mr Molins said that “When there is a serious risk of the imminence of a terrorist action in France, police custody - after 96 hours - can be extended by 24 hours”. This was only the second time this clause has been invoked since it was introduced in 2006. The discovery of bags of potassium nitrate, sulphur, saltpetre, headlight bulbs and a pressure cooker led the prosecutor to state: “We can say that we are clearly and objectively facing an extremely dangerous terrorist cell.” Later, in Strasbourg, police shot dead Jeremie LouisSidney, whom they suspect to be the cell's leader, after he opened fire at them with a revolver. ■

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Laguiole fights for right to name

he knives are out in a fight between the town of Laguiole, with a population of 1,200, and Gilbert Szajner, the Paris-based businessman who bought the rights to the name Laguiole in 1993 and now demands royalties for its use. Laguiole, a high-quality pocketknife with a locking blade, slim elegant handle and a logo of a bee or horse-fly, whose manufacture started in the village of the same name, is France's best-known knife brand and has been a household name here for more than a century. The corkscrew version is a favourite with wine waiters around the country. By registering the name Laguiole as a trademark, Szajner has expanded the brand to include a number of other products, including table linen, corkscrews and lighters, many of which opponents claim are being mass-produced in China. Locals no longer have the right to use the name in association with any product other than knives without paying royalties to Szajner. “The word Laguiole has been kidnapped. It has been stolen from us,” said Michel Bras, who runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Aveyron village. “It is very easy to ride on the backs of people who made sacrifices, who made the most of what little they had, to establish the name of this area. These people have been swindled by someone who does not know the place.” Thierry Moysset, director of the Laguiole Foundry, the largest of a dwindling number of cutlery makers in the village, is furious.

He would like to expand his range of products, but cannot. “I'm trying to generate jobs here but the law forbids me from doing it,” he said. “It is a crazy situation.” “Mr Szajner is riding the wave of the town’s fame,” said Carine Piccio, a lawyer for the mayor of Laguiole. “His products are systematically associated with the town via references to its history, its soil, its craftsmanship or its natural environment,” she said. “The brand rights Gilbert Szajner has accumulated have allowed him to construct a veritable monopoly of the Laguiole name, which he uses against the town and its administration to stop their growth to his profit.” The fight has been ongoing for nearly 20 years now. In 1997 a Paris court convicted Mr Szajner of counterfeiting, but two years later an appeals court reversed the ruling, pointing out that most Laguiole knives have long been made in Thiers, in the Auvergne, more than two hours north of Laguiole. It ruled that the name was a “generic” term to describe a knife of a particular shape. In the latest court case, the local council has lost a legal fight to annul the trademark on the grounds that it could lead to consumers being confused about the origin of products. The court ruled that the knife was better known than the village and that Laguiole knives had become a generic product not necessarily linked to a particular place. Specialist trademark lawyer Emmanuelle Hoffman-Attias said that the court had “judged the Laguiole

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knife had entered into current language” and decided it was “the object that was famous, not the village”. She did, however, point out a potential contradiction, highlighting that separate attempts by private businesses to register the names Courchevel (the ski-resort) and Saint-Tropez as trademarks had been refused as a misappropriation of an already famous name. The residents of Laguiole - the Laguiolais - want France’s socialist government to introduce rules for regional products similar to the appellation d'origine contrôlée regulations that apply to French wines. Following the latest legal defeat they tore down their village sign and marched to Paris. “Our name no longer belongs to us, so what do you want us to do with this sign?” the mayor, Vincent Alazard, asked a crowd of cheering protesters. ■

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

Flooded pilgrims Boris Johnson winds up the French airlifted to safety

undreds of Roman Catholic pilgrims got more than they prayed for when they had to be evacuated from the sanctuary of Lourdes following heavy rain this month. Many of the faithful were left stranded when the Gave de Pau river burst its banks after days of rain. Lourdes developed into a major place of Roman Catholic pilgrimage after 14-year-old peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have witnessed a series of visions in a cave around 1858. Since then, many people suffering illness or infirmity claim to have been miraculously cured by spring water coming from the sanctuary, the name given to the central area of the Lourdes pilgrimage site, which is home to 22 places of worship. At the height of the flood, the altar in the grotto was completely submerged. However, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception itself - situated on higher ground - did not suffer any damage, officials said. “I've seen nothing like it in 40 years,” hotel owner Pierre Barrère was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency. Today Lourdes has a population of around 15,000 but is able to take in some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists every season. With about 270 hotels, Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels per square kilometre in France after Paris. ■

he fourth film in the Asterix franchise has been released in France, and this time, it is the British who are the butt of most of the jokes. In “Astérix au Service de Sa Majesté” (Asterix on Her Majesty's Service), the indomitable Gaul and his larger than life side-kick head across the Channel,

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answering a call from the embattled Queen Cordelia of the “Bretons” played by French screen icon Catherine Deneuve. The mickey taking begins before the intrepid duo even land. Travelling with an Indian companion carrying a tea plant, Asterix asks, “What do you call a good looking man in Britain?”… “A tourist!” Based on Goscinny and Uderzo's 1966 comic book, what follows is the equivalent of Britain’s depiction of France

also suggested that the prime minister was not in full command of his senses when he made the comments. “I don't know how one can roll out the red carpet over the Channel,” he said. “It risks getting wet.” Cameron’s comments were controversial at the time, and Boris Johnson’s recent speech has reignited the debate, but experts are still predicting that many French businesses and high-earning individuals are likely to jump on the Eurostar and set up shop in “Paris-on-Thames” over the course of the next year, adding to London’s growing army of French expats. ■

in 'Allo 'Allo! The native males all wear bowler hats, the females tweed skirts. No one dares mention the s. e. x. word or any other vaguely embarrassing topic, and the whole country grinds to a halt for 5 o'clock tea. The film is also set in the pre-celebrity chef days and all dishes are served up with mint and a cod-tasting sauce. Deneuve’s performance marks a departure from her usual screen roles as she hams it up with a thick English accent, maintaining a stiff

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Britain and that will pay for our health service, and our schools and everything else.” The French government is convinced that the new tax laws will not create a fresh exodus of wealthy citizens overseas, however, citing French pride and patriotism. “There are French bosses who are patriots,” said Bernard Cazeneuve, France’s European Affairs minister. “There are, amongst the battery of measures that we are going to take in favour of businesses, measures which will encourage investment and incite firms to stay in France.” Michel Sapin, the Labour minister,

Asterix heads to Britain in new film

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ondon mayor, Boris Johnson, ruffled feathers on this side of the Channel recently when he used his speech at the Conservative party conference to denounce President Hollande as a “tyrant”. “Allons enfants de la patrie”, he began - the opening lines of the French national anthem - “We say to the people, not since 1789 has there been such tyranny in France. I am very keen to welcome talented French people to London.” An estimated 300,000 French people already live in London, leading many to now refer to England’s capital as France’s sixth largest city, and Mayor Johnson said he would welcome more tax exiles. “I am very pleased to welcome talented French people to London if they come to power our economy - if and only if they do not deplete our national resources.” He slipped into French and added: “Vous êtes tous bienvenues!” Johnson’s comments come on the back of France introducing a new 75% tax band for those earning more than €1 million, and follows on from comments that Prime Minister David Cameron made at a recent G20 summit: “If the French go ahead with a 75% top rate of tax we will roll out the red carpet and welcome more French businesses to Britain and they will pay taxes in

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upper lip, even when her beloved corgis are crushed by a Roman missile. The French do not get away completely unscathed and, uncharacteristically if you believe the British stereotypes of the French, they even manage to poke fun at themselves. When Obelix and Asterix ask their aloof British guide what the “Bretons” think of the “Gauls”, he responds: “We tend to think that you are arrogant, noisy, oversexed, cowardly and smelly!” ■

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or the first time in over 70 years, indigenous wolves have moved into the mountainous Massif Central area of central France. Conservationists could not be happier, but farmers are less thrilled. Some are even warning that the re-emergence of the wolf could spell the end for Roquefort cheese! The last confirmed sighting of a wolf in the sheep-rearing pastures of the Auvergne was in 1920 and since this time, wolf sightings in France have been rare and limited to the country's mountainous border regions. That was until a handful of Italian wolves crossed the border and recolonised the French Alps around 1993. They rapidly spread and are thought to have multiplied to about 200 animals in 20 packs, ranging across much of southeastern France. Initially, the wolves were situated to the east of the busy and heavily populated Rhône valley. At some point 3 or 4 years ago, however, an alpine pack crossed the valley and entered the Massif Central, an area in which they have been extinct since the 1930s. In 2009, tracks suggested that they were about to spend their second consecutive winter there - a significant moment as two successive winters is the official definition of animal “residence” used by biologists. So meteoric has been their rise that some experts are now predicting that they could be hunting in the woods outside Paris within the next 15 years. “This is a fascinating development but it was only a question of time,” Daniel Véjux, one of France's foremost

experts on the wolf, said at the time. “It was inevitable that the need for new wild prey would force young wolves to establish new hunting territories across the Rhône at some point. Now, unless they are persecuted to extinction by mankind again, there is nothing to stop wolves spreading across thousands of square miles throughout the Massif Central and Limousin in the next couple of decades.” But how did the wolves cross the Rhône Valley? With its motorways and railway lines and dense population, not to mention the broad river itself, this valley might seem like an impossible barrier for a young wolf to cross. “Not in the least,” said Mr Véjux. “A wolf can run 60 kilometres in one night. It can swim a river and it can easily pass through urban areas unnoticed or mistaken for a dog. They are very intelligent, adaptable animals.” It is safe to say that many farmers are worried. Wolves are protected under European law and strict rules are in place to protect them. Under a “wolf code” established in France in 2004, the animals can be shot legally only by licensed “wolf lieutenants” or government marksmen and only then if all other measures have been exhausted. To ward off the carnivores, shepherds are first expected to invest in guard dogs, lighting and electric fences. This is a financial headache for the farmers of the Alps who typically have flocks running in to the thousands, but potentially ruinous for the small farmers of central France who often have small flocks of a few hundred that stay on the hills at night. This year, there have been increasing reports of wolves

The wolf in the French language Expression: quand on parle du loup (on en voit la queue) Meaning: speak of the devil (and he appears) Literal translation: when you talk about the wolf (you see its tail)

carrying out attacks in the Cévennes mountains of Lozère in the lower part of the Massif Central, the home of Roquefort cheese. The appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) granted to Roquefort cheese is bound by strict rules. These stipulate that it is “compulsory” for sheep to be allowed to graze freely and to roam on the hilly pastures “every day” provided there is sufficient grass, “weather conditions permitting”. The farmers argue that with wolves roaming the hills, this may no longer be possible. There have been 30 recent attacks in the area, with 62 sheep killed and a further 73 injured, although how many of these can be attributed to wolves is up for debate. André Baret is one such sheep farmer in the Cévennes mountains and also mayor of the village of Hure-la-Parade: “Our farms are already threatened… That's not the fault of the wolves, but they could push us over the precipice.” The farmers have received support from an unlikely source, however. José Bové, sheep farmer-turned-environmental campaigner and Euro MP for the Green Party, has called publicly for the wolves to be shot. This provoked outrage from other French Greens, who pointed out the protection given to the

Guess who’s coming for dinner…?

grey wolf under European law. One wildlife protection group even filed a legal complaint against Mr Bové for “inciting the destruction of an endangered species”. Mr Bové became a hero to the anti-globalist and ecological movement when he drove a bulldozer through a half-built McDonald's restaurant in Millau in 1999. He has since served several prison terms for cutting down genetically modified crops. He insists, however, that the grey wolf is not a green issue. “We can't be against the depopulation of the countryside and, at the same time, create

areas of the country in which farmers cannot make a living. We should shoot wolves... the priority should be to protect small farmers in mountainous areas.” Defenders of the wolf say that co-habitation between man, sheep and wolf is possible. There may be 200 wolves in France but there are over 1,000 in Italy and 2,000 in Spain, countries where sheep farms still thrive. Pro-wolf groups say there is no evidence that attacks are “out of control”, although some accept that the rapid spread indicates that tougher action is needed. Jean-Marc Moriceau, a wolf

expert and the author of Men Versus Wolves, The 2,000 Years War, said: “We should organise a wolf parliament, bringing together shepherds, ecologists and government... We need a way of protecting flocks and managing the wolf population.” Whilst the number of wolf attacks in central France is currently relatively low, the future for sheep farmers will depend on the policies taken by government to manage the country's wolf population. If the farmers are correct, the very future of one of France’s most famous cheeses depends on it. ■

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Expression: avoir une faim de loup Meaning: to be ravenous, famished Literal translation: to have a wolf's hunger Expression: entre chien et loup Meaning: at dusk, at twilight Literal translation: between dog and wolf The French expression entre chien et loup is a poetic way to talk about dusk, the brief period of time after the sun sets, when the sky is just beginning to get dark. The idea is that there's still enough light to see an animal in front of you, but not enough to tell whether it is a dog or a wolf - and by extension, whether you might be in danger.

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NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

orks will be popping around the world on 15th November as lovers of Beaujolais Nouveau mark the start of a new French vintage by enjoying large quantities of the popular tipple. At one past midnight on the third Thursday of every November over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey from little villages and towns, through a sleeping France to Paris and on for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. For a few short days, banners everywhere will proclaim: "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!" The biggest festival takes place in Beaujeu, the capital of the Beaujolais region. This small and quiet commune springs to life during the third weekend in November, hosting a massive party called Sarmentelles (socalled after the French word sarments, the name for cuttings from the grapevines which are burned in the centre of town just prior to the grand midnight unveiling). Huge barrels are opened to much fanfare and party-goers indulge in the new wine for the duration of the festival. What was once a very

local tradition has in recent decades become a national and international event. Other areas in France also boisterously celebrate the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau. Lyon hosts the Beaujolympiades (Beaujolympics), marking the release of the wine with music and fireworks followed by 2 days of sampling. There is also now a much publicised race to bring Beaujolais Nouveau to markets around the world. By the time it is over, more than 65 million bottles, which represents nearly half of the region's total annual production, will have been distributed and drunk around the world. To begin with, what we now know of as Beaujolais Nouveau was a wine created by the producers of the area as a ‘wine of the year’, designed simply to celebrate the end of the harvest. The wine was only fermented for a few weeks, and was intended for immediate consumption, certainly not later than a few months. Indeed, it was not until the establishment of the Beaujolais Nouveau AOC certification just before the Second World War that the release date for this wine became fixed each year.

Wine producers began to see the marketing potential of Beaujolais Nouveau and by the 1970s its release and the ‘race’ to get the first bottles to Paris became a national event, attracting considerable media attention. This race to deliver the first bottle soon spread to other countries in Europe in the 1980s, and North America and Asia joined in the madness in the 1990s. In some places, the wine was delivered by hot-air balloon, elephant, motorcycle, helicopter or by relay runner. Concorde was even drafted into service one year! Since 1985, the release date has been fixed as a Thursday (as opposed to the 15th of the month that it had always been until that point). This was another marketing ploy intended to make the most of the wine

consumption during the weekend that followed its release. The man largely credited with ‘inventing’ this annual drinking frenzy is Georges Duboeuf, the so-called King of Beaujolais. His empire reaches just about every corner of the Beaujolais region just north of Lyon and roughly 10 per cent of the wine flowing out of the area comes from his cellars. It is Duboeuf who is chiefly credited with turning the release of Beaujolais Nouveau into a global phenomenon - a marketing masterstroke for a wine mainly borne of the region’s worst vineyards, a wine barely removed from the fermentation vat, a wine that many say is nothing more than pleasantly tart bar-room swill. That said, I’m sure plenty of us will still enjoy getting caught up in the ritual again this year! ■

Did you know...? Strictly speaking Beaujolais Nouveau should more properly be termed Beaujolais Primeur. By French and European rules, a wine released during the period between its harvest and a date in the following spring, is termed primeur. A wine released during the period between its own harvest and the following year’s harvest, is termed nouveau. All the grapes in the Beaujolais region must be picked by hand. These are the only vineyards, along with Champagne, where hand harvesting is mandatory.

Data gives global warming argument a frosty outlook Regular environment contributor, Arthur Smith from Harlequin Developments, takes a look at how the recent data on global warming has flown in under the radar and considers the global spread of mobile phones.

aving my usual scoot round the internet recently, it appears that the great threat of global warming might not be such a great threat at all. According to new data released by the Met Office this month, the world stopped getting warmer almost 16 years ago. The figures, which have triggered yet another ‘heated’ debate among supporters of both sides of the argument, reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012, “there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures”. This means that the ‘pause’ in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996. Before that, temperatures had been stable or declining for about 40 years. The new data, compiled from more than 3,000 measuring points on land and sea, was issued quietly on the internet, without any media fanfare, and until recently, it has not been widely reported. I don’t suppose it will sit well with the policy makers who insist on increasing the new ‘green taxes’ for our own benefit… And as if that news wasn’t bad

enough for the ‘global warming will kill us all brigade’, I also found news on the internet that ice around the South Pole has expanded to cover a record area. Researchers say, rather confusingly, that both occurrences are down to the ‘complex and surprising’ effects of global warming. Now I am fairly certain that man has contributed something towards heating up the planet over the last 200 years, but nothing like what some would have us believe as they repeat their ‘global warming mantra’ and use it as an excuse to increase taxes. ------------------------------------ I don’t know how many of you have been watching This Is India on UK TV recently, but I, for one, am hooked. The series centres around the lives of various people in India, their living conditions, and what they are prepared to do to earn enough money for their families to live. I am constantly amazed at the sheer ingenuity of human beings to make a life for themselves when faced with such great adversity. The only thing that I am slightly puzzled about is that they all seem to

have mobile phones… ------------------------------------ On the subject of mobile phones (and technology in general), it seems that about a third of the world's population are unable to access the internet and one billion people do not own a mobile phone (makes me wonder how I never get to sit beside one of these billion when I’m on a train!) This, according to the report, shows that many of the globe's citizens are disconnected when it comes to modern-day communication. Research (or someone with a lot of time on their hands) has shown that six billion people, six out of seven of the world's population, had a subscription to a mobile phone by the end of 2011. Is it me, or is anyone else wondering how we ever managed to live and communicate with each other before we had all this ‘essential’ technology? Oh yes, it was by actually talking to each other, and for anyone who was too far away, writing a letter. And please don’t get me started on ‘text speak’ and all its annoying little symbols, it makes learning French seem easy ;-) ■ Arthur Smith Harlequin Developments www.harlequindevelopments.com Tel: 05.55.68.67.56 Mob: 06.06.60.46.97

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!

editor@thebugle.eu

Pork loin chops with capers and a cider butter sauce

Carré de porc aux câpres, sauce au cidre et beurre This dish can also be served with the vegetables of your choice, or watercress.

Ingredients (Serves 4): 4 Large loin chops 250g each 1 Large garlic clove 2 tbsp Olive oil Salt and pepper to season 4 tbsp Cider vinegar 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce 50g Cold butter cut into small cubes 200g Watercress 2 tsp Capers 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4. Make a few deep incisions into one side of the pork but take care not to go all the way through. Slice the garlic into thin slivers and push into the incisions. Season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan until it is very hot. Add the chops garlic side up, turn the heat down slightly and cook for a few minutes until they are coloured on both sides. Then transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 10 minutes. They should be cooked through and if you press them feel slightly springy. 3. Put the chops onto a plate and cover loosely with foil. Turn off the oven and put the chops into the oven to keep warm. If there is excess fat in the pan it can be skimmed off using a slice of bread like a sponge. Place the pan back on a high heat and add the vinegar and soy. Rub the bottom of the pan to deglaze it with a wooden spoon, slowly add the butter whisking all the time, taste and add seasoning if needed. 4. Serve the chops on a bed of watercress or vegetables, pour on the sauce and finally sprinkle with capers. Recipes provided by Chef George. Written and compiled by Frances of La Grande Maison (Table et Chambres d'Hôte), Chénérailles www.grandemaison-chenerailles.com

The Bugle November 2012

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

Accommodation

Plasterers >> B4 Plumbers >> B4 Sandblasting >> B5 Chimney Sweeps >> B5 Computers & Satellites >> B5 Food & Drink >> B5-6 >> B2 Garden Services >> B6 >> B2 >> B6 >> B2 Gifts & Crafts >> B2-B4 Handholding Services >> B6 Health & Beauty >> B6-B7 >> B4 >> B1 >> B1 >> B1-B2 >> B2 >> B2

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

La Courede Bed and Breakfast

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

06.04.17.80.93

www.thelindenhouse.eu info@thelindenhouse.eu

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 SIRET: 511 679 011 00011

Activities & Leisure

La Petite Maison

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

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Enjoy a day's fishing at Lake Brillac, situated in Brillac, 16500. Carp, Roach, Zander and Perch. Sport fishing only - no kill policy.

Reclaim your natural state of balance! Release stress and anxiety from your life. I work at the soul level, integrating with the emotional and physical.

www.balanceonpurpose.com

Cattery Animals & Pets The Caring 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:

Full day ticket €10 pp

Open daily 8am til late Night fishing available on request. Equipment hire/bait available at extra cost.

lakebrillac@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 05 45 30 69 85

bdowning77@wanadoo.fr

www.etangbrillac.weebly.com Siret No. 511 322 554 00011

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Beautiful 2-person gîte in the heart of Creuse. Perfect for house-hunters & holidaymakers alike.

05.55.80.04.31

DAY TICKET FISHING

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

Cosmo Flight School

www.cosmoflightschool.com See page 4

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

sales@thebugle.eu

SIRET: 494 125 016 00019

Need help with your Puppy or Dog?

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

Good Citizens Dog Training Call Elaine Smith:

05 55 68 67 56

www.limousindogtraining.fr

Weekly classes & 1 to 1 siret: 753.130.855.00012

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

Holiday livery/pension for horses & ponies Stabling, grazing, excellent facilities. Parking for trailers or lorries, safe & secure with 24-hour supervision.

€20 per day

Call for more info:

05 45 85 92 34 (evenings)

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

05.55.41.17.76

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B2 ♦ DIRECTORY Animals & Pets

Auto Services

Building Services

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

Carpenters/Joiners

Dog Holidays at Valhalla Farm

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@hotmail.co.uk www.valhallafarm.org SIRET: 511 629 610 00011

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Champlong Chatterie

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

Le Mécanique Anglais 30 years’ experience

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

Email: lemeca24@gmail.com

www.lecharmedechene.com

The English Mechanic

02 54 25 65 08 06 16 91 64 67

SIREN: 514 423 532

Car Breakers - C.R.A.L.

Buy/Sell/Scrap Spare Parts for Sale 05.55.48.21.33 - see pg 4

RING BILL!

Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad - pg B4

Building Services

Antiques/ Brocantes

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

Email: philip.evans@live.fr Siret: 533 235 016 00011

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

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

contactus@lecharmedechene.com SIRET: 510 156 763 00011

No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

SHUTTERS / VOLETS Made to Measure Woodwork

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

www.scrollart.co.uk

Robert Johnson

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

ELECTRICIAN

05 55 14 12 43

Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150)

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

Siren 527 854 749

Your advert here

Architectural Services

05 55 41 17 76

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

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

Building Services

Renovating your French property? New build?

LA GRANGE ANTIQUE

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

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.

TEL: 05 53 62 50 46

SIRET: 520 896 671 00010

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Le Charme De Chêne Handmade solid oak joinery and furniture

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Mobile No: 06 50 63 65 29

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

Builder

40yrs Experience in quality work, available for all your House Maintenance/Projects including Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, Structural Work, Decorating. Plus Key Holding service. Good References. Dept. 23/36

05.55.80.72.60

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

T J Renovations 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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 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

RSW Entreprises

Electricians

General

Lumiere Service et Energie

Entreprise Hines Building & Renovation

Steven Rofe - 20 Years experience

• 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

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

28 years qualified experience

05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71 email: lsetenergie@yahoo.co.uk www.lumiereserviceetenergie.eu Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

sales@thebugle.eu

Fosse Septique Specialist

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 8

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!! Why not check out our website at:

05.55.89.69.46

www.rb-first-construction.com Tel: Dave - 05 55 37 74 06 Tel: Steve - 05 55 69 75 67

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

siret: 501 792 386 00010

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

(Depts 23, 87 & 19)

05.55.41.17.76

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

DIRECTORY ♦ B3 ADVERTORIAL

Ivan Petley - 3D Puzzle Maker

reuse resident Ivan Petley is a traditional puzzle maker, but one with a difference. All his puzzles are handcrafted and one of a kind - nothing too unusual there - but Ivan’s puzzles are also threedimensional, multi-layered and fully interlocking. That stands him apart from the crowd; in fact, it stands him alone - to the best of his knowledge, he is the only person in the world currently handmaking puzzles in this way. In essence, Ivan’s puzzles are incredible. Each one is hand-cut from a single piece of hardwood, typically beech, maple, yew or sycamore (frustratingly, with so much of it around, oak is not a great

wood for the intricate cutting required). The individual pieces are then hand-finished by Ivan’s wife, Alison. No chemicals, varnishes or treatments are used on the wood at any time, just natural oils and beeswax, a process that maintains the natural colour and feel of the wood. These are puzzles that will last a lifetime… and far beyond! So, the puzzles are ‘simple’ to make and naturally treated… are they simple to solve? Absolutely not!! Part of the challenge of assembling a three-dimensional puzzle is that not only do you have to fit the right piece in the correct place, but it must also be assembled in the correct order! Solving a simple one may take

less than an hour, but for larger puzzles be prepared to set aside a good chunk of your day! Don’t be put off, however, if you are not a seasoned puzzle enthusiast. Although Ivan does make puzzles for connoisseurs around the world that he estimates could take months to solve, the vast majority are relatively simple. For example, a 2-layer, 12-piece pear (pictured top right) was solved in The Bugle’s offices in around 15 minutes. And for such unique, complex and beautiful creations, Ivan’s puzzles are very reasonably priced. The previously mentioned pear costs just €10 and a small 12-piece yew log sells for a mere €9. Ivan also

produces handmade key rings for just €2 so you are sure to find a gift to suit every budget. Ivan can turn absolutely anything into a puzzle - just tell him what you want and he can make it! A favourite car and the name of a loved one are just two of Ivan’s recent custom-made creations. The puzzles can also be pyrographed with a name or a date to mark any occasion. With Christmas just around the corner these handmade masterpieces make the perfect gift! You can visit Ivan’s workshop and watch the puzzles being made, or browse round his custom-built showroom, at his house in Les Bregères, just outside Lavaveix-les-Mines

(23). Please be sure to phone ahead, however, if you intend to visit. You can also find Ivan and Alison with their puzzles at events around the region (see below). ■

Ivan & Alison Petley 05 55 80 29 98 Les Bregères, 23150 St-Martial-le-Mont alison.petley@wanadoo.fr

Find Ivan's puzzles in the following locations: La Vitrine des Artisans, 23 Grande Rue, 23000 Guéret Office de Tourisme, 12 Pl. Defumade 23150 Ahun

Or find Ivan at the following markets: 17-18th Nov 87430 Verneuil-sur-Vienne 2nd December 87370 Saint-Sulpice-Laurière 8-9th December 19250 Meymac 9th December 23200 Néoux 14-15th December 23500 Felletin 14-16th December 63804 Cournon-d'Auvergne 23rd December 23200 Aubusson

** We are adding new dates all the time - please phone and check

ADVERTORIAL

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

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

06.43.40.58.85 diggerhire@mail.com

Dave Cardwell - Builder

06.06.44.35.28

See our Display Ad - pg 9

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting Including Tiling and Plasterboarding Room construction to finishing touches

T: Ian 05 55 53 37 10 E: ian@zanado.co.uk www.zanado.co.uk Siret. 484 206 624 00014

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

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Celotex

Insulation Specialists 05.55.78.57.60 - see pg 6

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.pilgrim23.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

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

05 55 37 45 35 06 74 21 47 71 siret 532 981 198 00015

REPOINTING PLASTERING RENDERING

will beat any genuine written quote by 10%

REDICAN RENOVATIONS

tel: 05 49 83 01 33

email: leeredican@orange.fr siret: 519 475 164 00017

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Double D

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

Tony Hall

General Builders Renovations, Brickwork, Masonry We only undertake one job at a time! Décennale Insurance

All areas covered

Tél: 02.54.06.91.54

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

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B4 ♦ DIRECTORY Septic tanks

Electrics

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

Building Services General

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

Michael Courtin

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

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

Call:Siret: 0952278 23 38 59 076 546 00012

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

Scaffold and Plant Hire Please ring Robert

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

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

Building Services

05 55 89 69 46

& 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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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

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

Lovejoy’s LIMOUSIN PLASTERING LIMOUSIN STUKADOORS Scaffolding Hire MARK COLYER

Tel: 05 55 68 22 04 www.limousin-builders.com Siret 509 933 784 00027

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

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

05 55 54 95 63

BURTON’s BUILDERS Renovation New Build High Finish Quality Work Reliable 8 years Limousin - Photos Refs available Blockwork Brickwork Stonework Repointing Rendering Plastering Tiling Walls Floors etc Now available in Bonnat area 23 also 03,18,36 Please call/ email:

05 55 62 48 15 / 06 33 17 17 54 stooze@wanadoo.fr siret: 489 041 830 00030

La Coterie Entreprise

Approved septic tank installer

05.55.80.83.30 www.lce23.com

Plasterers Le Plâtrier du Limousin The friendly and reliable plasterer Registered in France. Fully insured offering 10 year guarantee. Call Stuart on:

05 55 80 92 91 06 87 92 83 63

See our main ad - pg 11

info@platrierlimousin.fr

Building Services

GLEN VINEY

Siret: 534 396 908 00012

PLASTERER Quality Plasterwork, Internal & External

Mini-Digger with driver

« LE PLATRIER »

05.55.78.62.29

john.bonella@gmail.com

See Main Ad - Pull-out pg B3

Pro-Point Facades

Martin Walters

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

Multiskilled Artisan

Graham Carter Plastering

• Plastering • Rendering • Stud Walling • Tiling and associated works • Bespoke polished concrete surfaces for Window Sills, Shelves, Fire Surrounds etc. • General Renovation interior and exterior of buildings to customer's specification.

Tel: 05 55 76 69 32 Mob: 06 43 11 95 87 Siret No. 513 415 091 00018

Your advert here

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

christopher.willis@orange.fr Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

Tel 02 54 24 84 62 Siret 522 804 723 00016

Rick Fife

Plumbing & Heating Engineer

All aspects of Plumbing and Heating work undertaken.

23 Years Qualified (Previously UK CORGI registered – Oil / Natural Gas / LPG) Established and registered in France for 7 years. Areas Covered: North Creuse (23) & South Indre (36)

Tel: 05 55 62 34 66

Email: amanda.rick@tiscali.co.uk

Chris the Plasterer

FOR A QUOTATION CALL

05 55 41 17 76

Building Services

Plumber

All types of plumbing and general maintenance work undertaken Friendly, reliable, professional service Fully registered and insured

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Siret: 527 736 326 00010

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

(22 years qualified)

• bathrooms • kitchens • tiling• painting and decorating • emergency repairs • central heating Fully registered and insured Free quotes - Based Dept 23 Siret no: 533 893 327 00015

Re-pointing - Rendering - Plastering

Tel: 06 45 18 86 10

(18 Years Experience) Email: glenviney1@btinternet.com

CN Plumbing & Building Services

Tel: 05 55 81 39 74

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

Groundworks

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

mcolyerplasteringandtiling@orange.fr siret: 539 941 450 00014

La Noneix

Construction

Renovation

Plumbers FRENCH REGISTERED CERTIFIED PLUMBER

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

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

SIRET 538 689 530 00011

SkyTVI

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

H20 CREUSE

Heating & Plumbing engineer

05 55 63 89 23 - see pg 6

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

Sky TV Installations Satellite Engineer

INSTALLATION, DISH, CABLE AND QUAD LNB - just €180

Sky Subscriptions Available - no UK address necessary All needs, advice, help catered for. All depts covered

06 60 85 93 41 admin@sky-tv-installations.com 05.55.67.01.04

www.sky-tv-installations.com

SIRET: 534 352 802 00019

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

DIRECTORY ♦ B5

Harlequin Easylifts

Suppliers of quality motorcycle lifts

e currently have a small lift for bikes up to 360kg, a large lift for bikes up to 450kg, and a minilift, with further products being added regularly. All our products have a 12 month parts warranty and are backed by our comprehensive stock of parts. The workbenches are delivered via our own transport, giving you more precise delivery information and the ability to pay the driver upon delivery. For more information and prices on our products please visit our website www.harlequineasylifts.fr or telephone 06 06 60 46 97

Building Services

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

simple solar energy system that runs on its own, even when you are not there and provides a free heat supplement in winter. The SolarVenti air panel was invented more than 20 years ago 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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Chimney Sweeping

Sandblasting Sand and Blast 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

Chimney Sweeps

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

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72 Siren: 502 409 949

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

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

barry@toutesweep.com

REMEMBER - BLOCKED FLUES AND CHIMNEY FIRES CAN BE FATAL... DON'T TAKE THAT RISK! SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

ADVERTORIAL Connect-Français

Computer Problems? Limousin & Charente PC & Mac Internet Assistance WiFi, ADSL, Dial-up Helpdesk, Data retrieval Call Dave

www.lecreusoisbistro.com

Creusetec

IT Support for Creuse, HauteVienne, Indre and Vienne

Satellite Systems

02.54.25.65.08 06.16.91.64.67

"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.

05 55 66 60 21

05.55.63.90.79 SIREN: 483 988 853

Your advert here

martin@creusetec.com http://www.creusetec.com SIRET: 510 117 328 00011

05 55 41 17 76

Food & Drink

Petticoat Lane 5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Visit: www.petticoatlaneshop.com E-mail: sales@petticoatlaneshop.com

Big Dish Satellite www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98

Sky TV Installations Sky TV/Tous travaux satellite 05.55.67.01.04

05 55 68 47 33 / 06 82 26 31 54 see pg 9

Based Séreilhac (87)

NO FIX... NO FEE !!

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.

Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

06.79.07.91.56 siret: 353 613 227 00035

www.indre-it.com

Le Creusois High quality British & French food at reasonable prices. Menu du Jour €12, Traditional Pub Food, Vegetarian dishes, Childrens & Snack menus also available

SIRET: 479 095 705 00014

Computers & Satellites

computer services - pc • mac • network

For all your TV and satellite installations and repairs (Sky TV, Internet etc.) libre.antenne87@gmail.com Fast dependable service

05.55.53.37.06

see main ad - pg 13

Mayday

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

Call Patrice:

david.paver@wanadoo.fr

siren 535 199 483

Contact Barry Manning

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

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!

JJ’s Cafe Bar Some customer quotes:

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

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. Christmas Stock now available - You can pick up a Christmas price list / Order form from the shop Note: We will be at Panazol Sunday Market 4th & 18th November

Opening hours: Mon - Thur 10am – 6pm Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 9am – 6pm

See Main Ad - Pull-out pg B4

Come and see for yourself - Open all week.

Visit us and compare our prices

GOODWIN SATELLITE

39 Place du Champ de Foire 36140, Aigurande

Le Snack Shack

SALES & INSTALLATION OF ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS & AERIALS. FAULT FINDING. Dept 23 & surrounding areas

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 06 47 89 66 Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr siret: 453 067 910 00019

sales@thebugle.eu

See our Notice Board events listings

02 54 06 30 77

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

www.lesnackshack.com

05.55.68.24.19

SIRET: 508 754 314 00013

see main ad - pg 7

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

05.55.41.17.76

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B6 ♦ DIRECTORY

Food & Drink

Fish et Frites

Mobile Fish & Chips 05.55.68.78.23 -see pg 10

RESTAURANT DES23100 SOURCES FENIERS Weekday lunchtimes

Le Relais de l'Abloux Bar - Restaurant Pizzeria Pizzas to eat in or take away 36170 SACIERGES-ST-MARTIN

02 54 47 56 74 Daniel welcomes you at

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 Opening hours:

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

L'Escale

Restaurant & Bar

05.55.12.99.45 - see pg 10

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

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

Tel: 05.55.67.15.27

www.restaurant-des-sources.fr

La Petite Fontaine 15 Grande Rue, Le Dorat

Café, Bar and Events Venue Lunch Menu Free WiFi

05.55.60.29.74

info@lapetitefontaine.com www.lapetitefontaine.com SIRET: 489 218 636 00012

RIVE DROITE 8 rue Ledru-Rollin 36200 Argenton-sur-Creuse

02 54 24 01 06

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

Le Moulin du Breuil BAR, RESTAURANT, TERRASSE 23140 PIONNAT

05 55 80 37 70 - see pg 5

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

Garden Services Handholding Services AUX CEPES Restaurant LA veytiZoU

FISH & CHIPS €10 4 Course Sunday Lunch €15 For Further Information

Tel: 05 55 69 33 38

BAILEYS

Grimpereau Elagage

Qualified Tree Surgeon Climber

02.54.25.66.58

See ad pg B7 (opposite)

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05.55.89.15.74 - pg 14

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

5 Rue de L’Abreuvoir Aubusson

for all your tree requirements beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk 05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44 see main ad below

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

05.55.66.37.10

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Health & Beauty

Bar & Restaurant

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 Book club open when bar is open

Your advert here

Gifts & Crafts UTOPIA

coiffure à domicile mixte

05 55 41 17 76 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

Mobile Hairdresser for all the family, in the comfort of your home or mine.

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker Handmade, fully interlocking, multi-layered 3D puzzles from just €9. Keyrings €2 plus other unique gift ideas. Customisation and personalisation possible. Come and visit the workshop by appointment.

Tel: 05.55.80.29.88

SIREN: 409 679 578

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

La ferme du Duc noir

The Exchange

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

Le Pub

Argenton-sur-Creuse 02.54.60.02.14 -see pg 8

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

Call UTOPIA today:

05 55 89 31 79 06 62 32 41 76

Location, 23800 Maison-Feyne Siret: 750 721 581 00015

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

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

DIRECTORY ♦ B7 ADVERTORIAL

Spotlight your business to an estimated 30,000 readers

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

La Petite Place

• 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 ■

HiFX

ADVERTORIAL

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

rance is known for its colourful blend of shutters and doors, but like many external products they do deteriorate over time. Sometimes the cost of replacement is prohibitive, so we have developed a range of low-cost shutters (starting from only €35 each) to complement our standard range of Douglas Fir and Oak shutters. Our shutters are made to measure, so little or NO trimming is required. This makes fitting much easier than standard ‘brico’ kits that often require severe alteration and customisation. Although we use electrical machinery, we try our utmost to

Online Shopping

work within sustainable boundaries and our workshop is still powered using wind and solar as a result our carbon footprint is minimal. Much of the Oak we use is sourced from retired French joiners and other old hardwood stocks - this makes it more sustainable than felling additional mature Oak trees and also has the benefit of being nicely seasoned, so the quality and figure is unmatched compared to some saw mills. If you have a dry stock of timber we are happy to purchase or use it for your commission. We love to build crafted items and we are keen to be asked to create bespoke pieces such

as staircases, shutters, windows and doors for new or old properties. If you would like to know more about our services, please visit our website:

ADVERTORIAL

Property Maintenance

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

See our Display Ad - pg 5

www.hifx.co.uk

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Blevins Franks

Your advert here

05 53 63 49 19 - see pg 5

05 55 41 17 76

Hair salon, Le Dorat

05.55.60.87.37

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)

International money transfer

Integrated Tax Planning & Wealth Management

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

See our Display Ad - pg 14

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

05.55.68.78.23 - see pg 6

Email: dovehomecare@hotmail.com

Property Sales

FRENCH CLASS

Your advert here

Chénérailles Native qualified teacher

05.56.34.75.51

05 55 41 46 88 - pg 9

Care and maintenance for your home

www.mouse2housedeliveries.com

Insurance & Finance

Siddalls

UK shopping delivered to your door

Language Services

siret: 502 867 211 00018

Financial Solutions & Expert Advice

La Maison Shopping DOVE HOME CARE

- Small groups - 1 to 1 Elisabeth Sicard

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

Mouse 2 House

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

Stove Sellers

www.stovesellers.com

05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 10

Eco Entrepot Get down The Shed

05 55 41 17 76 Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

Retail & Commerce

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 11

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

05.55.65.12.19

See our Display Ad - pg 3

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B8 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

TTS is coming to France

ong established in the UK, the French sister company of TTS will be known as Electro-Sat. We have purchased a large commercial property (600 m²) at 5, rue de la République in the village of Sauviat-sur-Vige, between Limoges and Bourganeuf, with plenty of parking and plan to be there from the end of November. We have been in the TV and Satellite installation business for 25 years within the Domestic and Commercial markets. As members of the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI), all our staff are fully qualified installers, able to plan and install systems from a single TV/Satellite point through

to a complete re-wire throughout the home. Within the commercial market, our work has involved installing communal systems providing TV/FM and Satellite feeds for blocks of flats, hotels, caravan parks, and conference centres. Our client list includes UK broadcasters, film and TV stars, as well as housing associations, major builders and cable companies. Along with the upgrades to TV and Satellite, broadband has also become an integral part of household life; unfortunately not all households receive fast broadband speeds. With Tooway Satellite Broadband there is no need for a telephone line. All you need to receive Satellite Broadband

is supplied, with a choice of various packages and a monthly subscription starting at £17.99. There is a choice of 2MB, 8MB, 12MB and 18MB speeds. From simply checking your emails, downloading movies or making calls using software such as Skype, Tooway Broadband is the ideal solution for areas with poor broadband speeds. Our local manager, Mr Mike Genge, has a wealth of Satellite knowledge, both for BSKYB and Freesat, as well as other language programmes. He has the backup of the UK staff, with experience of large dish installations and multipoint distribution systems, both cable and fibre optic. In the future we will also be bringing our electrical and

Solar PV expertise to ElectroSat. In the UK we are registered electricians for both domestic and commercial work, as well as being Solar PV installers. In France we are a company managed by French and English Engineers “We provide service with Knowledge” ■ To contact us at present call 0044 1308 888 020 or via our office in Roubaix 03.66.88.06.29 or email us at mike@tts-media.co.uk Our web site in the UK is www.ttselectrical.co.uk We will be providing full installation or DIY sales both for Satellite and TV as well as CCTV.

ADVERTORIAL

Retail & Commerce

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

Transport, Removals & Storage Moulin de Tintin www.moulin-de-tintin.com 05.55.79.57.60 - see pg 3

05 55 41 17 76

Soie et Bois Depot Vente des Vêtements 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

France/UK UK/France

We move, collect and deliver anything. Vehicles and plant to a maximum of 2 tons. We operate 3 vehicles with a load space of 16m² and tail lift. We will match or beat any genuine printed quote. Our rates are the best.

0033 (0)2 54 37 76 24 0033 (0)6 87 66 31 41

Furniture, interiors & gifts

Your advert here

A2B (Sussex) Removals Ltd

a2b.removals@hotmail.com

Parking For Limoges Airport

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

05 55 03 37 96

The Man With A Van Who Can

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

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

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

General

Ebénisterie Hemming

Quality handmade wood furniture

02 48 63 15 09

See our main ad - pg 24

Buyer collects from 36160 Lignerolles

05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 9

siret 508 166 642 00019

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

MAN + VAN Fiat Ducato with 11m² load capacity

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

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

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

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

Carrefour du bois Limousin

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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

FIRE LOGS FOR SALE

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

High chair, buggy, play pen, travel cot, fire guard, stair gate etc. Each item will incur a hire charge of 7 euros, plus a refundable 8 euros deposit.

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

02 54 30 51 95 (evenings best)

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

In the garden - jobs for November

he Indian summer came to a wet and blustery close in mid October, reminding us yet again that the year is on the turn: the swallows have headed off for warmer climes; the wellies have come out of the cupboard; and the garden furniture has been put away. Yet there is a kind of pleasure in all of that. A timely reminder to appreciate the glorious, sunny moments and the end of season flowers. The asters were simply glorious, boosted by the rain. I really don't think I'd like to live in a place where there was year-round good weather, moan though I might in the depths of winter... So, the grass could probably do with a final cut, but be sure to set the mower on high, and avoid excessively humid days or you may end up pulling clumps out. Then leave it alone until the spring (unless the weather is unusually

mild). Remember to clean and oil the machine before storing it! Check gutters are free of leaves and draining into water butts, but keep an eye out for really cold weather. You may want to empty them if severe freezing is forecast, to avoid cracking the walls. Rake up leaves. Never take them to the dump. Either put them on the compost heap, use them as a protective mulch on borders, or bag up for leaf mould. Remember that the wildlife needs a place to hibernate, so don't get manic about cleaning and tidying away debris. Piles of logs, twigs and leaves in hidden corners make nice nests for the hedgehogs that will eat so many of next years' slugs. Ditto for lizards, grass snakes, toads, etc. Ensure vigorous climbing plants, especially rambling roses, kiwis and vines are securely tied to supports so that branches are not broken in storms.

If you are going to use your greenhouse or tunnel for winter cultivation, think about how you will get water to it when the pipes freeze. It may be useful to move an empty butt inside and fill it before this happens. Sow or plant directly into the soil, mulch with protection and keep some fleece to hand, as unheated structures will freeze. I'm going to experiment this year by stacking a pile of fresh manure in my tunnel, to give off heat in the same way as it was used in Victorian times. Outside, be sure that you can access winter crops without stepping on the beds too much, so as not to compact the ground. Temporary paths of boards can be useful, so long as they don't become too slippery. Move the plant pots under cover, or protect if they are too heavy to move. Take the saucers out from under them. Mulch anything that suffered last year. Finally, enjoy this season.

You get to think, remember and plan ahead, to dream of the untold beauties that you will grow next year. Out come the catalogues and wish lists, the bulb manuals and the plant finders - you have time for them now that the frenetic activity of the summer and autumn have passed. Store your seeds and tubers correctly in a dry frost-free place, and you will be good to go when the days get longer and warmer! ■ Michelle Pierce Un Jardin en France plant nursery unjardinenfrance@gmail.com 05 45 89 36 54

Appeal I'm more and more concerned by the disappearance of old varieties of fruit trees. In the area where I live there seem to be no initiatives to preserve species for posterity. We can not all personally help save the polar bear, but we can do something that may stop a local variety of fruit tree disappearing for good. If you are interested, know of anything that is specific to your area, or has a particular history, or is just plain interesting, please contact me. Apples, pears and other types may need grafting, but plums can be grown perfectly well from suckers.

La Châtaigne: the humble chestnut

The clédier is a stone building around 10m² in size used for drying chestnuts. It can take various forms: round, square or rectangular and can be individual (used by one family) or collective (used by village). Many clédiers have been destroyed over the last 2 centuries. This beautiful example can be found in the village of Cussac.

eautiful Thorn, Fat Red, Lyon Golden, Big Hermitage, Wind Turn... beautiful names for some of the many varieties of chestnut that were once a staple food in the Limousin. All round the south of Europe, from France, Italy and- Spain to Iran and Turkey or North Africa, rural peasant populations have lived off the chestnut since Roman times. The Limousin is one of the most northerly areas for this, but the crop was nevertheless strongly anchored into all aspects of local culture, industry and cuisine, right up until the late 1960s. When you come across old chestnut trees, or vestiges of chestnut coppice, you are looking at the last remains of an age-old tradition. Fresh chestnuts keep for a relatively short time, so were consumed locally as a delicacy. Most were dried in special drying sheds called a clédier or clède. They could be then consumed all through the next year, sold or transformed into flour. There was another significant advantage dried, the chestnut loses most of its water as its caloric value increases. According to the usual conversion table, 100g of fresh chestnuts provide 199 calories; dried, they provide almost twice that amount - 371

calories (for comparative purposes, 100g of potatoes = 86 calories; 100g of wholegrain wheat bread = 240 calories; 100g of walnuts = 660 calories). The British agronomist Arthur Young, who travelled through the Limousin during the years 178789, calculated that an acre with 70 chestnut trees would feed one man for 420 days or 14 months. He may have overestimated the number of trees per acre, however; if one assumes that a family living on a hilly and not particularly productive hectare of land could harvest about 2,800kg of chestnuts, then certainly the chestnuts alone could feed a whole family for more than half a year. With an average daily consumption of 2kg per person or 10kg for a family of five, the 2,800kg of chestnuts would have fed the family for close to 7 months and a pig or two (350kg are required to fatten a pig from 100 to 200kg). The pigs, in turn, might then be sold or slaughtered. A regular tree crop also frees up time for peasants to tend other crops or livestock, whilst they know that they can expect a harvest at a later date. So this tree gives you things to eat, ingredients to make flour, food for

your livestock, something that you can trade or sell, wood for the fire, material for construction and leaves for animal bedding. How very sad it is, then, that the magnificent vestiges of this age-old tradition are rarely well looked after and are now being attacked by something called ink disease - which is to chestnuts what Dutch elm disease was to elms. ■ siret: 510 357 155 00017

Double D

Renovations & Home Improvements

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

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

Email:-

05 55 65 00 29 06 33 19 99 64

double-d-23@live.fr

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

2013 Budget Targets Wealthiest Households

resident Hollande’s government has just unveiled its first full annual Budget with proposed measures designed to reduce the public deficit and reshape the French economy over the next five years. Following on from this summer’s Finance Amendment Law, the Finance Bill for 2013 proposes further tax reforms aimed at lightening the tax burden for low income households while requiring the top 10% of earners and households in France to make a greater contribution

at marginal household ‘band rates’, with effect from the 2012 tax year. However to encourage investors to hold shares and collective investments over the longer term a system of ‘taper relief’ will be introduced to reduce gains arising, according to the length of ownership.

gained through the ‘household parts’ system aimed at reducing tax breaks for the wealthiest families. At the other end of the scale the lowest income households will see a modest increase in the standard deduction figure applied to annual tax bills.

from their income and assets towards the public purse. A summary of the key provisions are detailed below. Income Tax A new tax band of 45% will be introduced for annual income in excess of €150,000 per ‘household part’. Additionally, a muchheralded 75% income tax rate is proposed on individual annual earned income in excess of €1 million. There are proposed changes to the tax benefits

Withholding Tax on Interest and Dividend Income

Taxation of Capital Gains on Investment Properties The Bill will introduce a 20% reduction, for 2013 only, on the capital gain on the sale of investment properties. This is to encourage second-home owners to sell properties for re-purchasing by owner-occupiers as a main residence.

The current withholding tax rates of 21% for dividend income and 24% for interest income will be abolished. From the 2012 tax year, all such income will simply be added to other household income to be taxed at the applicable ‘band rates’. These optional withholding rates currently only benefit households in the 30% tax bracket or higher. As a result, most households will actually benefit from the mandatory taxation using the ‘band rates’.

Wealth Tax Progressive tax bands are to be retained, following last summer’s legislation, but with adjustments to the bands and rates. The new bands and rates will apply from 2013 where total assessable assets exceed a threshold of €1,310,000. With the government holding overall majorities in both chambers of the French parliament, there are unlikely to be significant

Taxation of Capital Gains on Sale of Shares / Collective Investments Capital gains on the sale of shares and collective investments, currently at a fixed rate of 19%, will be added to income and taxed

amendments before the Bill passes into law. For an assessment of the potential impact of the French Budget measures on your own personal circumstances it is best to take advice from a French financial planning expert, who will be able to check all relevant tax breaks are being maximised and recommend any further beneficial

actions that can be taken. ■ David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Limousin since 1996. Telephone 05 56 34 71 77, email bordeaux.office@ siddalls.net

egardless of the computer user’s vigilance, computer scams can catch you out - and cost you money! If you have ever tried to call Microsoft and speak to a human then I take my hat off to your patience! It’s like searching for, and then finding, the Holy Grail. And so why would they call you, and moreover why would they know your phone number? Answer a phone call from someone purporting to be from Microsoft and it might as well be from Great Uncle Archibald who died in the Crimean War. Microsoft doesn’t make calls. Period!! The caller is probably of African or Indian origin and will inform you that they have your system online - it’s

probably switched off - and that they can see that you have several serious security issues that they can resolve for you. Isn’t that wonderful, someone looking out for you? The caller cannot see your system anymore than your Great Uncle Archibald can from his grave! Under no circumstances agree to pay to have these issues resolved. The caller can’t do this, but in the process they get your credit card details which will allow them to do their Christmas shopping! Another method used to extract your hard earned cash manifests itself by way of a “pop-up” looking like a “Windows Security Alert”. This one means that your system security, AntiVirus, has let through what is commonly called a Trojan.

Now you will see a tab that suggests that by simply clicking, the problem that has been identified can be removed. Guess what, when you do this, you will be invited to part with money! Believe me, there is no threat or virus on your system apart from the Trojan itself. Switch the system off and seek help from a computer expert - unless you are sufficiently adept at dealing with this type of problem and know how to remove it yourself. So remember, to maximize your spending power this festive season, be aware! ■ Mayday is here to help. Call for advice if you have a concern. Phil Monaghan 05 55 68 47 33 06 82 26 31 54

Trojans, pop-ups and Windows 'security alerts'

Trust me - you do not want one of these inside your computer!!

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

FEATURE ♦ 15

Le Cimetière du Père-Lachaise P By Alysa Salzberg

eople are often surprised when I suggest a cemetery as one of the things they should see in Paris. Paris has plenty of unique cemeteries that feature some famous final resting places, like the Cimetière de Montmartre, in the eponymous

village-like neighbourhood in the city's north, or the Cimetière de Montparnasse, in the southwest. But the size of Père Lachaise cemetery, as well as its setting on a high hill in the northeast of the city, overlooking some of Paris’ most famous sites, make for some breathtaking views - within and without its

Théodore Géricault’s bronze figure lounges on top of his tomb, looking relaxed and ready to paint more masterpieces like Le radeau de la Méduse, which is represented just below him.

walls. Its location is far from being the only impressive thing about it, though: Père Lachaise is crossed by long, winding, tree- and sepulchrelined avenues that invite you to take a peaceful stroll. There are seemingly endless rows and divisions of graves and monuments, and yet, so many of them are unusual, and all are intriguing. Père Lachaise has many secrets, from those carried in the hearts of its official inhabitants, to hidden communities of people and animals that hide among the sepulchres and stones. It’s a place full of mystery and beauty. From the minute you set foot here, you’ll understand why Père Lachaise is thought to be the world’s most visited cemetery. Named for a Jesuit priest and confessor of Louis XIV who once owned the land, Père Lachaise opened in 1804 as a municipal burial ground

for all Parisians, regardless of religion or profession. In order to popularize the cemetery, which was located in a remote, poor area, the remains of several famous former Parisians, including Molière and tragic medieval lovers Abelard and Heloise, were transferred here. From the start, Père Lachaise was destined to be a beautiful place. Over the years, famous architects, landscapers, artists, and sculptors designed its layout, and continue to design the monuments, tombstones, and sepulchres that cover most of its 110 acres (44 hectares). While many people come here to visit a lost loved one, or pay homage to an admired bygone historical figure (there’s quite a lot of them interred here), others visit Père Lachaise for a pleasant walk along its cobbled, tree-lined pathways. Benches can be found among

Lovely maidens add bronze flowers to this pretty tomb. the gravestones, or high on its hillside. In winter, when the trees are bare, you can look out over Paris and see the top of the distant Panthéon, a crypt for famous departed Frenchmen (and one woman), as well as the Eiffel Tower and the Tour Montparnasse, signs of a more modern time. Père Lachaise itself feels

timeless, and yet, time’s effects can be easily seen here. Inside its walls, stone monuments and sepulchres stand with a certain pride. But many are crumbling or being overtaken by moss. Tombs and sepulchres are left to shift with the movements of tree roots and erosion, stained glass windows are

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

16 ♦ FEATURE broken by overgrown tree branches. Sepulchres’ metal doors slowly rust and fall from their hinges, sometimes revealing a decaying prie-Dieu inside. It’s easy to contemplate how everything returns to the earth - and then you turn around and see two giggling teenagers gossiping and sending text messages on their

security guards, but the density of the tombs, and the size of the cemetery make it impossible to keep an eye on everything. Once, I was walking here with some friends, when we heard the bells that the guards ring to announce the cemetery is closing. We hurried to one of the gates, but were too late - it had already been

A bronze pair of clasped hands emerging from the stone “Sépulcre des deux époux” (Sepulchre of the spouses) makes a strong statement about the endurance of love. smartphones on a bench nearby, and you return to the realm of the living. Some of this decay isn’t merely the work of time; Père Lachaise has its own criminal population, presently ranging from squatters, to vandals, to thieves. There are

locked shut. Luckily, we found a guard, and he let us out. But if it’s difficult to see a small group, the guards aren’t likely to spot someone hiding in a sepulchre, waiting for night to fall. Many people blame Doors singer Jim Morrison for all of

With many of the cemetery’s stone sepulchres in a bad state of repair, it’s strange to see this one made of glass, entirely intact.

this - since his burial here in 1971, his gravesite has brought unforeseen problems such as fans getting drunk and high by his tombstone, empty beer cans and other garbage-like homages left behind, and even graffiti on some of the nearby stones. But I imagine that there would probably be at least some problems in Père Lachaise, anyway. As long as people are looking for unusual antique religious art and sculptures, there will be thieves. And there is a small part of me that understands not wanting to leave the allure of this place, the appeal of folding oneself into a corner of a sepulchre to stay and see what happens in the moonlight. There is a strange mixture of life and death here. Cemetery tour groups wend their way through cobbled avenues and tiny paths barely traced in the soil between tombs, laughing and chattering, while nearby, someone puts fresh flowers on the grave of a recently departed loved one. New mothers push prams past the crematorium, with its multi-storey wings of columbaria, whose walls are spotted with plaque-covered niches for urns. Père Lachaise is otherworldly and also, very cosmopolitan. All this stone amid the trees gives the place the appearance of a small city. Sepulchres look like narrow houses, enormous monuments look like municipal buildings and churches or

A group of tourists gathers around Jim Morrison’s tombstone. temples. Like any city, the population is diverse: Centuries-old tombstones inscribed with French names stand beside a recent stone carved with Chinese characters. Pebbles are left lovingly on the top of a Jewish tomb, in the shadow of the stone cross of its neighbour. If only more people could coexist this peacefully in life. Still, there are also reminders of dissension - monuments to those who died in wars, or those who were deported to concentration camps during World War II. Père Lachaise was itself the site of a violent human conflict. In 1871, France experienced its own Civil War,

with Communards, Parisian protoCommunist revolutionaries, clashing with the Versaillais, the conservative government. The fighting came to a head on May 22-29, a week that came to be called la Semaine Sanglante (“Bloody Week”), when the Versaillais managed to invade Paris, which was under the Communards’ control. The last great battle was fought among the headstones of Père Lachaise. When it was over, the 147 Communards who had survived, were lined up against one of the cemetery walls, and executed. This wall, known today as the Mur des Fédérés, became a pilgrimage

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

FEATURE ♦ 17

The shrouded bronze figures of aeronauts Théodore Sivel and Joseph Crocé-Spinelli. site for those who are still inspired by the Commune and what it stood for. Every year in May, a memorial is held here. The original stones of the wall have been replaced, and while the stones’ current location is disputed, many agree they’ve been

The tomb of journalist, politician, and Franco-Prussian War hero Anatole de la Forge, is topped by a dramatic life-sized statue of the man leading troops into battle.

incorporated into the sculpture Le Monument aux Fédérés, located in the Square Samuel Champlain, a park just outside the cemetery’s western wall. It’s hard to imagine such a place as a battleground now. Today, Père Lachaise is suffused with a feeling of peace. The graves seem to be quietly waiting to tell you the stories of those buried here, even though many of them met loud, violent deaths. One tomb that captures this contrast perfectly is the rather extraordinary grave of Théodore Sivel and Joseph Crocé-Spinelli, aeronauts who died after succumbing to altitude sickness and crashing their balloon, Le Zénith, while successfully attempting to break an ascension record. The

departed aviation pioneers lie captured in bronze, naked beneath their shrouds, their expressions and postures suggesting at once the result of a brutal fall, and the repose of death. Like any city, there are celebrities in this necropolis, but you don’t always end up running into them. If there’s a grave you’d like to visit here, a map is probably necessary. You’ll be able to find one at just about any shop or news-stand near the cemetery. But you don’t need a map to enjoy Père Lachaise. It’s marvellous to come here and just get lost. You’re bound to see some curious and beautiful things. One of my favourite discoveries is an overgrown tomb, whose bronze sculpture of clasped hands says so much. With Halloween approaching, a visit to Père Lachaise may seem appropriate. Not only are its tombs picturesque; members of a resident murder of crows will often perch dramatically on top of them. But in spite of this, I doubt anyone could find Père Lachaise particularly spooky. The dead do seem to call out and speak to you, but not forebodingly or aggressively. “Here’s my name”, they say through stone, “here’s my story”. La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) is the day after Halloween. It seems like a much more fitting holiday for Père Lachaise. Families will visit their loved ones’ graves. Remembrance will be in the air more than ever. As always, here the living will mingle with the dead. ■

Alysa lives in Paris with an eccentric Frenchman and a crosseyed cat. She blogs regularly on Open Salon and is founder and Editor-in-Chief of Beguile, a literary and arts e-zine: http://open.salon.com/blog/alysa_salzberg http://www.beguilezine.blogspot.com

This sepulchre, slowly being uprooted by tree roots, with a vanished lower door and eroding roof, resembles many others in the cemetery.

One of Père Lachaise’s resident crows alights on a tomb.

Père Lachaise is so large that it’s organized into streets, avenues, and divisions.

There are many different sculpted animals in the cemetery. This turtle, one of four bearing a small pyramid, is one of my favourites.

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

Classified Adverts

Classified adverts are currently free for all small items (less than €500). For other types of classified adverts a small fee does apply:

● Items more than €500 are charged at €5 per month ● Accompanying photos are charged at €2.50 per month To place a classified advert, please 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 Urgent Home Wanted, Spaniel/Beagle X Forever home

wanted for Ebony, please see the linkhttp://hopeassoc.org/dogsfor-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 FOR SALE: 6 KITTENS need new homes a.s.a.p. Very friendly, about 7 weeks old. Tel: 05 55 62 18 95 (between Bonnat & Aigurande)

BUILDING MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT 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 FOR SALE: Chainsaw

Husqvarna Professional 45cc 18" + 3 spare chains, elec chain sharpener, safety trousers, helmet with ear muffs and face guard. €395.00 Tel: 05 55 51 91 79 FOR SALE: WACKER upright plate fitted with upgraded foot Latest model, very little use, can be seen working. €395.00 Tel: 0254 377624 Email: a2b.removals@ hotmail.com FOR SALE: STIHL disc cutter 410 Excellent condition, can be seen working, collection only from 36220. €325.00 Tel: 0254 377624 Email: a2b.removals@ hotmail.com FOR SALE: New RSJ girder Heavy section, 12.5 metres long x 25.5 x 27 cm. €1,000.00 Tel. 05 45 85 92 34 evenings FOR SALE: Dulux white gloss paint & white undercoat paint In 5 litre tins. 20 euro per tin. Tel. 05 45 85 92 34 evenings

make. €40.00 Tel 055 69 79 71 FOR SALE: 2 Seater Settee & Armchair Detachable Covers

FURNITURE

Comfortable traditional style with additional scatter cushions. All in pink damask material. Superb condition.Rochechouart area. Please e.mail or telephone for photos and sizes. €150.00 Tel: 05 55 03 04 49 Email: billandmaro@orange.fr FOR SALE: Three piece settee 1 three piece settee, 3 seater, 2 seater and arm chair, bought originally from DFS. They are very large but very comfortable, very good quality cloth, no rips or tears, but have been stored in barn for 6 years so may be dusty. There are 10 large duck feather cushions that go with it.Price €300 complete. Based near Bonnat 23220. €300.00 Contact Nigel Bridger on 05 55 81 69 61 between hours 1000-1800 only

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 "

SUDOKU - EASY

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@lapetite-maison.eu

GARDEN + 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: 3 seater sofa and 2 matching armchairs

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-surGartempe). €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

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

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: Mirror 82 x 63 cm incl. Wrought iron surround. €10.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: Raclette New, boxed. €5.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: Ceiling light fitting As new. Gold/wood. 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: Industrial Meat Slicer Good condition.

€150.00ono Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 Email: grandemaisonchenerailles@orange.fr FOR SALE: Licence 4 €4,000.00ono Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 FOR SALE: Various 3 tier computer/printer stand 20 Euro. Mans bicycle black, perfect condition 50 Euro. Girls Bicycle mauve, perfect condition 50 Euro. Exercise 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: 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. €499.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 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: TELESCOPE. HAMA F700/76 Astronomical Reflector Telescope. Complete with tripod, lenses, many accessories, plus instruction book and 'Astronomy Made

SUDOKU - HARD

The solution to this month’s puzzles can be found on page 20

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

CLASSIFIEDS ♦ 19 The Bugle CLASSIFIEDS are brought to you in association with WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM Simple'. As new, used twice to look at the moon! Ideal Christmas gift. €70.00 Tel: 0555 787902 (near Rochechouart) 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: 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: 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: 'Rosières' CORNER CHIMNEY COOKER HOOD Stainless

Steel.4 Spot Lights. 4 Fan settings.Near Chabanais. €75.00ono Tel 0545 30 69 72 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. Brandnew, 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: Hewlett Packard printer cartridge Still in packet. Black. Number 15. For use with HP deskjet printers and copiers. €10.00 Phone: 06 19 91 83 70 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: SMALL BALES OF HAY Average 12 kilos, 2.20 euros per bale. Near Chenerailles. Deliveries possible up to 70 bales. Tel: 05 55 41 59 42 Email: stephen. towse@wanadoo.fr 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) FOR SALE: Hay Bales 1.3 metre (4 foot) bales, 110 in total, 10 € a bale, or 850€ the lot (less than 8€ a bale) approx 4 to the Tonne, Le Dorat area. Tel Greg: 05 55 47 39 98 FOR SALE: VAN VAULT 2 Size: 920 x 560 x 490mm (LxWxH), Weight: 46kg. High tensile steel storage box. 2mm sheet steel body & lid. Tamper proof single pin hinge. Antidrill 70mm disc lock. Gas strut for soft open/close lid action. Siren holes for optional antitheft alarm. Excellent condition. Email for further details and photos. €190.00 Email: haynes. peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: 6 rolls Laura Ashley Toile de Jouy wallpaper Pale lavender on white background. 6 metres matching curtain material - pale lavender. €70.00ono Tel: 05 55 60 46 33 FOR SALE: WULF, portable coal fired forge In very good condition. Email for further details and photos. €230.00 Email: haynes.peter@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Sky boxes 1. Grundig Freeview or Sky subscription Digibox in perfect working condition, can be collected or I can deliver at cost. 60€.2. Thompson/Sky Freeview/ subscription latest box in perfect working condition, can be collected or I can deliver at cost. 70€. Tel: 0254 377624 Email:

a2b.removals@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Printers 1. HP PSC 1510 All-in-one printer, 12 months old, complete with power supply and cables, can be seen working. 65€.2. HP Photosmart C4580 All-in-one wireless printer, less than 1 year old, complete with all cables and manual, 80€.3. HP Photosmart C4480 All-in-one printer, less than 1 year old, complete with all cables and manual, 75€.4. HP Scanjet 4400c business colour scanner, still boxed with software CD and all cables, very little use. 35€. Tel: 0254 377624 Email: a2b.removals@ hotmail.com FOR SALE: Beacons in Orange for tractors, garage vehicles and general purpose use 12V or 24V, 4 available. 12€ each. Tel: 0254 377624 Email: a2b.removals@hotmail.com FOR SALE: A Stove log effect convector electric fire Black, on legs with 2 front doors. €100.00 Tel. 05 45 85 92 34 evenings

PROPERTY FOR SALE: Grange Grange for sale in the heart of the beautiful, tranquil and friendly village of Verlhiac, 4km from Cognacla-Foret, 12km St-Junien and 20 minutes from Bellegarde airport, Limoges.12m x 8m with electric and water - it is a giveaway at 5,000 euros. €5,000.00 Please contact Sarah-Louise on 0555 14 02 96 / 06 29 99 52 80 for more details.

VEHICLES / PARTS

CARS WANTED

SE (AHU) 90 bhp Saloon 1997. French registered, with French MOT, RHD, Full Grey leather & Walnut interior, 210K France to UK motorway miles, ABS, Oil & Filter changed religiously every 5K miles, Heated mirrors, Heated seats, heated screen washers, Remote control start & Cat 1 imm, 2 keys, Automatic gearbox (DFH) (Not Multicronic), Mechanic owner so everything has been renewed, even if not needed: Cam & V Belts, Tensioner, water pump, (1K ago), Front & rear suspension bushes & arms, Starter motor & Alternator, Disks & Pads & callipers, Turbo (5K ago), Steering rack, Newish Tyres, Intercooler, MAF, Wheel bearings, Drive shafts (inc CV joints). Alloy wheels, No error codes in ECU. Body work OK ‘ish, scratches on bumpers, no rust . Mechanically 150%, Body work 80%. CT til Jan 2013. €1,100.00ono Tel: +44 7710 414 581 or +33 555 640093 Email: jim_kime@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: H & K Bradley Trailer (Bingley, Yorks) 2 metres long, 2 metres high. Roller shutter door.Type No. HU4 & 5 MK Year DZA. Very good condition. €850.00ono Steve 05.55.6975.67/06.89.47.69.71 Email: lsetenergie@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Mobile Home English made 9 metres long x 3 metres wide. 2 Bedrooms, 1 shower room, dining room/ lounge, kitchen, fridge & oven. Gas fire, gas boiler. Good condition. €3,500.00ono Steve 05.55.6975.67/06.89.47.69.71 Email: lsetenergie@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Mahindra Tractor 2008 25 h.p. 140 hours

French LHD and UK RHD cars wanted Good cash prices paid. Also cars available to sell or part-exchange. e.mail:

sunnyskycars@hotmail.com

or tel: 06 48 50 55 99 FOR SALE: Peugeot 307 SW. SE. 2006 - 70,000 miles.

2.0 litre petrol. Right hand drive, manual. MOT to 2014. French registered. Tow bar fitted. Serviced regularly. €5,500.00ono Tel. 05 49 84 32 26 Email: s.j.wrigley@ hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: Audi A4 1.9 tdi

only. Front end loader, back hoe. Suitable for grass cutting attachments. Brakes need some attention. Buyer collects. €8,950.00 Tel: 05 55 60 06 19 (evenings only) / 05 55 60 10 56 (evenings only) FOR SALE: Peugeot 307 Rapier 2.0 Hdi 2003. Right hand drive, French registered, 3 Door. Metallic blue. 48000 miles (very low for the year). Excellent condition. Power steering, air con, electric windows, CD/ radio, alloy wheels, two brand new front tyres, regularly serviced, very economical, reliable car. €2,700.00 Tel 06 76 15 85 59 or 05 55 03 70 95 FOR SALE: Jeep Cherokee 4x4 87,000 miles, French reg, RHD, new CT 06-2014. 1,250 euros or exchange/ part x for van. French reg. Tel: 05 55 51 91 79

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 learn 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 FOR SALE: Hyundai coupe TSIII Limited Edition Crystal

White, RHD, French Registered, Sunroof, 17" anthracite alloys, quad exhausts, sport suspension from the Eibach springs, quilted style leather seats with matching door-trims, high boot spoiler, 2.0 liter Beta engine badged chrome door sills, metal foot rest and pedals, iPod connectivity and heated seats, 30K. Contact for info or pictures. €11,000.00ono tel: 05 55 47 34 82 Email: jseretny@hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: Peugeot 206

silver French registered RHD - 1.4 petrol - manual - 76 500m - 123 000km - 2005 - 5 doors - recent cambelt & water pump changed - FSH - Control technique ok. Slight damage front R/H bumper. €3,000.00

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

Call Tim 06 80 33 35 11 FOR SALE: Roof Rack To fit Peugeot Partner around year 2003 models, also Citreon Berlingo. Used three times. €65.00 Tel: 05 55 69 49 28 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: 05 87 88 40 21 Email: chez.copley@cegetel. net

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 055564-48-35 Email: bigbob.bb@ wanadoo.fr

WANTED WANTED: House/Garden/ Garage Clearance Single items or entire contents. Tel: 05 55 65 84 95

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

Caption Competition - sorry folks, no competition this month. It'll be back in December's edition!

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

20 ♦ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to

Winter fuel payments

The Editor I

Anonymous By Email

Dear Editor,

Andrew Wignall is back!! Christine Moshy By Email Dear Editor,

y heart missed a beat when I read the above words! (The Bugle, October 2012) “Ah ha!”, I thought, here we go again - an elegy about the joys of life in rural France versus life in the grotty old UK, but wait! (be still my beating heart), what’s this? Mr Wignall has found something in France to criticise at last! Is it the high taxes? Is it people who tailgate at 130 kph on the autoroute? Is it the mountains of papers to fill in that get put into dossiers by armies of civil servants, only to get lost by them and then have to be filled in again? No, it was the boring discussion taking place in the local boulangerie around a stale baguette. Let us dissect this complaint from Mr Wignall bit by bit (or should I say crumb by crumb?) The baguette, firstly, is immensely important to many people; it is not just a loaf of bread, it is a symbol. Its price, to many French people, is an indicator of the cost of living, rather like the price of a Big Mac has become a way economists use of measuring relative costs of living around the world. Then this particular baguette was stale; this, too, is hugely controversial! Many French people see a decline in the quality of a baguette as a harbinger of the decline in the quality of “the French way of life”. France has held out so long against the mass production of bread; it was for many years unthinkable that there should not be a boulangerie in even smallish villages, or at least a delivery of baguettes from a man with a van on a daily basis. Then came the supermarkets, the lack of artisan

EASY

bakers prepared to work half the night to produce one’s baguette for breakfast, ready-made dough made in industrial bakeries, and even sliced loaves, symbolic of “invading Anglo Saxon culture”. I once wrote a fascinating document for a German bakery chain on the French market for bread with a long shelf or refrigerator life. France, at that time, was a minute market compared to the UK and Germany. But the market for sliced bread that could be kept for many days was growing, thanks to Jacquet and Harrys who were selling the shopper convenience, some taste and quite a few additives. That was long ago and, especially in Germany, fresh bread is important again. It never lost its importance here, although the artisan boulanger is still on the wane (except perhaps in some posh Paris arrondissements). You can even buy your pain Poilâne online in some areas. Every Frenchman, though, dreams of a return to the fresh baguette, crisp and delicious at breakfast and lunch and dinner, not the stale variety which was hotly disputed in Mr Wignall’s rural retreat. A stale baguette is an insult, an

aberration, fit only for goats, carp, pigs, horses and people like me who are food philistines… and who toast it. But Mr Wignall has missed something else. His neighbours were discussing a baguette!!! See the film Le Corbeau, Mr Wignall, an incredibly black film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot in 1943, about a village in rural Vichy France where gossip about the local doctor, concerning adultery and abortion, lead to anonymous letters, lives destroyed, death. Read Zola’s La Terre or the more modern Pays Perdu by Pierre Jourde, about the murky side of rural life in the Auvergne and, if ever I get it published, read my own collection of stories, Stones, about the dark side of life in La Creuse (Psst! any literary agents out there?) Mr Wignall, you were lucky! Your neighbours were discussing a baguette - be thankful! You are indeed preaching from a pedestal built from a pack of stacked cards, as you so rightly say. They could have been discussing you! Christine Moshy

A la bonne Franquette! Graham Hay By Email The bar/ restaurant in StYrieix-les-Bois (dept 23) is under new ownership and is now called A la bonne Franquette ! (which translates broadly speaking as 'without formality'). The owners certainly make you feel comfortable and nothing seems too much trouble, even use of their children's toys for your children.

MEDIUM

The food is very good, and very reasonably priced at 12€ for a 4-course menu du jour with 1/4 wine & coffee, 15€ on Sunday, closed Saturdays. It is a fixed menu so you might need to ring and check what is on offer. Having said that, we were told that one of our party could have something different. Well worth a visit! The number to ring is 09 53 62 90 88. Bon appétit! Graham Hay

HARD

must first say that I am no tax expert and can only comment on our experiences, but they may help your correspondent from last month. He was celebrating the change in the winter fuel allowance rules but is still being taxed on his UK government pension. After we had completed our French revenue registration we discovered hidden away on the H.M.R.C. website that you keep entitlement to your UK personal allowance under the Dual Taxation Treaty. You can request the tax office to set the full allowance against your government pension and thereby reduce your tax payment to the

UK government. It also allows you to take better advantage of the dual taxation system here in France. I hope this helps those who perhaps haven't discovered this rule. I must say, though, that I disagree with the basic premise of the letter that the winter fuel allowance rules were unfair before the recent European ruling. The rules were well known and if you wanted to receive the allowance then you had to stay in the UK until such time as you had received your first payment. I think this falls into the same area as the index-linking of state pensions for people who moved to New Zealand or Australia. If you want to keep your entitlement to an index-linked pension don't move there! Last year we were exempt from taxe d'habitation, this year we are not because they have changed the rules. 'C'est la vie' as

they say. Europe is building debt faster than ever before and governments cannot keep paying benefits to people who do not really, really need them. I would rather see the winter fuel allowance stopped for those with an income above £10,000 a year (that includes us) than find we have to take even a 10% or 20% cut in the basic state pension in a couple of years' time. Moving the pension age to 62 or 68 is just bad luck if you happen to be caught by it (I won’t get mine until I'm 66). I think there is every chance that people who are currently in their 40's won’t get one at all. Europe as a whole could just as easily end up with another great depression as work its way out of the current mess, so enjoy the sunshine while you can. Anon

Not the best intro!! Sarah Rainworth By Post Dear Mr Martindale

his summer my partner Taylor and I fulfilled a long-held desire to purchase a second home (which will soon be our first home) in a rural French town. Our initiation into Le Dorat social life, however, couldn't have been worse. Being a balmy evening we chose to celebrate our first meal dining outside at a café in the square. An adjacent table was occupied by four Brits, one of

whom was of hirsute appearance with more than a passing resemblance to 'Colonel Sanders' (thought we'd escaped KFC!) They were loud, he in particular was overtly sexist in his choice of language and clearly well sloshed (were we back in down-town Reading on a Saturday night?) It was a huge relief when they made to leave, though we still had to suffer the final indignity of 'Colonel Sanders' letting forth the most protracted buttock-rippling guff it's ever been my misfortune to hear. As they drove off in their RHD 'Chelsea tractor' we couldn't resist waving them on their way, presumably en route to Benidorm

or the like. We laugh about it now with friends but we did question then if we'd made the right move coming here! Thankfully, we've since met some lovely French and British people, who've been kindness itself in helping us settle in (though we are still waiting on our internet system to be installed) and this is my kind of public thank you to them. May I close by complimenting you on your excellent publication. Best wishes, Sarah Louise Rainworth

An Appeal for Volunteers over the Christmas Period Jean-Pierre Déchoz By Email Le Puy Batard, a non-profit organisation which welcomes the disabled for their holidays at their house in Sainte-Feyre, Creuse, is looking for helpers over the Christmas period

(December 23rd to January 5th). Accommodation can be provided if necessary and it is possible to help out for just a part of this period. To find out more about Le Puy Batard visit www.puy-batard. org and if you think you can help please contact Jean-

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: 13,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited.

Pierre Dechoz on 05 55 81 12 05 or at accueil@puy-batard. org There are no special skills required and it is a great way to meet French people and speak French. Don't worry if your language skills are not perfect, Jean-Pierre speaks excellent English!

Directeur: Rédacteur-en-chef: Siège SIRET: Imprimé par:

Steve Martindale Steve Martindale Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France 514 989 748 00017 Rotocentre 348, rue Marcel Paul 45770 Saran France

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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

COMMUNITY ♦ 21 Pro-Point Façades At Pro-Point Façades we do exactly what it says on the tin - we specialise in Façades. Traditional repointing using sand and lime, and repointing with high pressure injection systems using pre-bagged coloured mortars that are available in 100% lime and sand. We specialise in coloured rendering of new and old builds applied by our high pressure rendering system. We can render any structure - blocks, stone or even wood, so if you are building a new house or renovating an old cottage or château... Pro-Point Façades can do it. Online portfolio available, site visits to see our finished works, references from past clients.

Tel: 05 55 78 80 31

L'Escale

Restaurant & Bar

5 Rue Andre Jouhannaud, Compreignac Special Offer for November Children under 6 years old eat FREE when accompanied by 2 paying adults Daily Plat du Jour 2-course Sunday Lunch with home-made Yorkshire puddings Now Taking Bookings for Xmas & New Year's Eve Jack Law will be singing on New Year's Eve Every Saturday Night is Curry Night 2 Curries of your choice & Carafe of Wine 19,50€ Fish & Chip Night every Friday With home-made mushy peas. To Eat In or Take-away 8,50€ See Business Directory 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.

Pianist/ vocalist available for events/ gigs/ private parties etc... New Orleans old time jazz n blues n boogie... Call: 07.61.21.85.15

Creusetec

AUTUMN OFFER - "tooway" satellite internet. 18 Mb DL speed, 26 Gb monthly data allowance, FREE equipment. Only €49.95 / month!!

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

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

Limousin Dog Training

The current puppy training class is now full, but please contact Elaine for details of the next class starting at the end of October. For more details call Elaine on:

05 55 68 67 56 or 06 04 47 35 19 www.limousindogtraining.fr

Bugle Notice Board JJ’s Café Bar BAILEYS Bar Restaurant Aigurande

The Book Club is open whenever the bar/restaurant is open (see our Directory advert for opening times)

Saturday 25th August

International Soirée Chilli n BluesApero withReseau 'Taurus Blues'

RESTAURANT

AUX CEPES La Veytizou

On the main road (D979) Between Limoges & Eymoutiers

Open Mic Night - Sat 10th November Come and join in, or just enjoy the music *******************

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH Champagne cocktail, 4-course meal including turkey with all the trimmings, coffee and 1/4 bottle of wine per person - €29 For more information, please ring Sue:

05 55 69 33 38

meetAssociation each Saturday from 11.30am - 1pm. (In aidWe of the Sapeurs-Pompiers, Aigurande)

These meetings opportunity This is going to beoffer a fabthe evening and willto: beexchange supporting a views - make - share - have very good cause.new €1 friends from each mealexperiences will be donated to the fun togetherWe - help one another discussions Association. will and alsoadvise be passing round a-collection box in Englishto(all nationalities welcome) help intergrate relieve you of your small-change!!!! newcomers. Concert (free entry) 9pm more please contact Meal StartsFor 7.30 - 9 information pm (Chilli Con Carne + Tiramisu) €12 pp Catherine 06 86 17 80 88 or Liz 55 66 22 92 Reservations optional but05 advisable

5 Rue de L'Abreuvoir 23200 Aubusson Music Club 55 66 37 10 2nd Tel: Sat of05every month. 8.30 pm. or 05event: 55 66 22August 92 Next 11th

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

JJ’s Café Bar Aigurande

JJ's Cafe Bar, 39 Place du Champ de Foire, 36140 Aigurande Music Club 54 month. 06 308.30 77 pm. 2ndTel: Sat of02 every www.frenchweb.eu/jjscafebar/ Next event: 10th November JJ's Music club is forcafebarjj@yahoo.co.uk musicians of all levels and genres entry is Email: free, there is no membership and is open to everyone who loves music. You can also buy fish and chips from the van in the market square (from 6.30 - 8.30) and eat them in the comfort of JJ's. The club starts from 8:30, but we are open for all those who want to come earlier to eat. In fact we hardly ever shut !!!!

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

Tel: 02 54 06 30 77

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

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 Gueret.

We are in need of more shelving, if anyone has unused bookcases they could donate, it would be very appreciated. Books available during opening hours, please check Baileys Restaurant Ad for details.

Le Moulin du Breuil 23140 PIONNAT

** Please note that we are closed from Wed 21st - Wed 28th November **

Daniel welcomes you at

Le Pub

58, rue d'Orjon, Argenton-sur-Creuse Sunday 4 November - Roti de dimanche followed by FREE visit to the Musée de la chemiserie guided by Daniel in English and French. Friday 16 November - KARAOKE Christmas bookings being taken now Other events on our Facebook page - "le pub 36"

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

Le Bellerive

Hotel - Restaurant - Café-Bar 31st Oct - Halloween party 11th Nov - Armistice lunch 1st Dec - Christmas decorating party with carols sung by Tom Harker Happy hours, quiz nights and more!! See www.facebook.com/hotellebellerive for details of all events! Email: bonjour@lebellerive.net

Phone: 05 55 36 20 63 29 Avenue de la Tour 87470 Peyrat-le-Château

The Exchange Rochechouart

The Exchange now have an even wider range of books and DVD's in stock - perfect for those Autumnal nights. New stock of gorgeous gift ideas, cards etc direct from the latest international Trade Shows. Christmas stock - cards, candles, decorations, gift wrap and tags all available from the beginning of November. Jane & Phil Nicholson

05 55 78 19 24

www.theexchangerochechouart.com

Ivan Petley - 3D Puzzles

Fri 9th November - Quiz Night Entry to quiz and food - €9.50 Food 19h - 19h30, quiz to follow

Find Ivan's puzzles in the following locations: La Vitrine des Artisans, 23 Grande Rue, Guéret Office de Tourisme, 12 Pl. Defumade, Ahun

Sat 17th November - Soirée Beaujolais - €19.50

Saturday 1st December 08h45-11h00 English Breakfast Club Come and enjoy a superb value 'Full English Breakfast' with tea, coffee and fruit juices Tel: 05 55 80 37 70 Mail: lemoulindubreuil@gmail.com Web: www.lemoulindubreuil.com

Tel: 05 55 80 29 98

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

22 ♦ 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 5pm 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 or email: scott.james@neuf.fr 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 midweek 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 now-competetive 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, light-hearted group? Each week we exercise a different group of muscles, do a little country dancing & some floor exercise and laugh a lot. The aim of the activities is to increase suppleness and mental agility. We meet every Tuesday afternoon upstairs at the Capitole in Ro echouart between 2pm and 3.30pm. It isn’t necessary to speak French because you can copy but you will learn some. Come for 2 weeks’ free trial. For details contact: pauline.maskell@sfr.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www.dechencholing.org 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 StAmand-le-Petit, between Peyrat-le-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 Agenda for 2012: 15th November Gardeners Question Time; 13th December Natural Christmas Decorations & party 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

Motorcycle Club

When I moved to France over six years ago I just couldn’t wait to get out on my bike and enjoy these fantastic roads. Riding alone can be good, but there are times when I miss the camaraderie of being part of a club, which is the reason for this appeal for like-minded individuals. When I first arrived here, I was disappointed by the lack of motorcycle events to attend, but I’ve found that there are actually lots of events to suit every biker’s taste, you just have to find them. As an example, this year I’ve attended: Superbikes, drag racing, trials championship, massive custom show at Montlivet, bike show at Limoges, auto jumbles, and numerous smaller events for custom and classic bike enthusiasts. That’s where being a club member can be useful, as there is usually someone who knows what’s going on. I’m looking for bikers from the Haute Vienne area, or Charente borders, who would like to meet up and discuss the possibility of forming a club, take part in ride outs, share information and skills, and attend events. I would envisage most members riding Harleys, other makes of custom bikes, or classic bikes. That bike mix worked well in the UK due to these owners often having common interests and the bikes having similar riding characteristics. I have already had some interest from other Harley owners, so if you think this would be of interest to you, contact me at:

graham.shepherd@orange.fr

Aux Plantes etc We are an association of independent, ethically-minded and passionate plant producers. Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It's not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you! Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants. For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or vitist www. auxplantesetc.jimdo.com

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.

Integration 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. For more details visit www.learningtogether.me or contact Mike or Christine ELLINGHAM 05 55 03 27 67 For your calendar: Telethon Race Night - Sat 3rd November; National Telethon - 7th & 8th December; Xmas Dinner & Dance - 8th December at Le Beouf Rouge, St.Junien *Numbers limited – Members only* The Melting Pot Members of the Ambassador's Club of the Welcome en Limousin Association. We are a group of around 70 members, both French and British, who meet with the aim of sharing things and trying to integrate with the French community. We meet every week at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac, on a Wednesday morning from 10am - 12noon, except for the first Wednesday, when we meet in the evening at 8pm. We hold information meetings, plant swaps, BBQ's, games nights, visits and have guest speakers about topics relevant to living in France. Contact: info@meltingpot-limousin.com Charente Limousine Exchange The Charente-Limousine-Exchange (CLE), founded in 2003, aims to improve the provision of French language courses and to share experiences and skills among members who live in Charente, Vienne and Haute-Vienne. CLE provides information to members living and/or working in France and works with local communities and organisations to tackle practical issues through forums and workshops, as well as organising a wide range of cultural and social events throughout the year. The recent launch of English lessons has been well attended by Confolentais. If you would like to know more about this group of volunteers, please look on our new website www.charente-limousine-exchange. com or contact the Chairman, Barry Leech, on 06 35 96 77 46.

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

Libraries & Books Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-surBriance (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 Anglo-French 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

Rosemarie and Joy would like to thank everyone who supported this event by donating clothes and money and also buying clothes. Thank you also to Allan Flint of L'Escapade for letting us hold this event in their restaurant.

An Interview with Jackie & Andy Axford, Phoenix Association Foster Carers Phoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France. Phoenix does not have a 'rescue centre' as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate. We find out more from two of Phoenix's Foster Carers, Jackie & Andy Axford:

Support Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there is now an Englishspeaking 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.aafrancesud-ouest.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

Newly New Dress Sale for CSF Charente Plus Saturday 29th September 2012

Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne’s Awareness Week event – Good Clothes Sale and Cornish Cream Tea held on Saturday 29 September I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who helped and came along. It was a great success and as always we have been very touched by the support we have received. The event took place at Jane and Tina’s barn, just outside Lussac-les-Eglises and I would like to thank them for the use of their wonderful space. Also many thanks to all the people who kindly donated clothes and cakes. CSF Haute-Vienne is now ten months old and is currently supporting its fifteenth client. We offer a confidential, listening ear service with a trained volunteer. We know there is a need for help for English speakers affected by cancer and if you feel you would like to get involved we should be pleased to hear from you – please call Sue 05 55 00 31 15 or Karen 05 55 68 64 43. If you would like our help our Helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. We look forward to hearing from you. Sue Ware, President - CSF Haute-Vienne

PHOENIX ASSOCIATION - Adoption

What are the challenges? The emotional side - the tears when you have to say goodbye to a dog who goes to their new home, the upset when dogs come to you who are not in a good state, and possibly the worst, a dog who came to us who was old and ill, and sadly his time came while he was with us. We have made a special place in the garden for him and planted it with flowers to remember him by.

Hannah is a 9-yearold, small Belgian Shepherd. Poor Hannah was found rake thin and chained up. You would think that after this mistreatment she wouldn’t like humans, but the opposite is true. Hannah is not only beautiful, she is submissive, loving and friendly, active, waiting and willing to do whatever you want. Hannah possibly hasn’t been socialised much in the past, and is very insecure when meeting other dogs. In foster care with other dogs, she has improved tremendously but would be much better off in a home where she is the only dog. If you are interested in adopting Hannah, please contact Patricia on 05 53 50 40 76 or at baerloo@orange.fr

Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fundraising and donations to cover the very high re-homing and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com

Check out our ADOPTION PAGE at www. phoenixasso.com or FACEBOOK www.facebook. com/PhoenixAssociationFrance for other Phoenix animals available for adoption.

What is your role within Phoenix? We are Foster Carers for dogs. This means that we take the dog or dogs into our home and care for them until they are found a new home. We also deal with enquiries from people interested in adopting them, and oversee the adoption itself. How did you become involved with Phoenix? Initially, we became friendly with Twilight, the old doggies' retirement home, and we knew of Phoenix through them. We saw one of Phoenix's adverts when they were appealing for more Foster Carers. Andy picked up on it and said he really would like to do it, so we went through the application process, and here we are! What are the high points? The pleasure that the dogs give you - they always make us smile with their antics and characters; it's lovely having animals around. It's also the fact that they need you, and the love that they give you back.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2012

WHAT’S ON ♦ 23

WEEKLY MARKETS MONDAY

Evaux-les-Bains

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

Boussac Coussac-Bonneval Dun-le-Palestel Guéret Limoges Bastide et

Corgnac Magnac-Laval Oradour-sur-Vayres (except 3rd Thu) Peyrat-le-Château Saint-Sulpice-lesChamps Saint-Victurnien La Souterraine

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

Aixe-sur-Vienne

Aubusson Bellac Bonnat Bussière-Poitevine Châteauponsac Condat-sur-Vienne Eymoutiers Feytiat Flavignac Guéret La Jonchère-SaintMaurice La Souterraine Limoges (place des Bancs et place Marceau) Le Palais-sur-Vienne Mainsat (4th Sat only) Nantiat Peyrat-le-Château Rochechouart Saint-Junien St-Léonard-de-Noblat Saint-Mathieu Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

accompanied by the musicians of the Eicola dau Barbichet; 10h15 traditional photo; 10h30 blessing of the Quintaine during Mass; 15h Procession (departs place Champ de Mars); 15h30 Quintaine tournament (place de la Libération); 18h torchlit procession, bonfire & mulled wine on the place de la République. Contact tel: 05 55 56 25 06

Sat 24th to Sun 25th Nov LIMOGES Salon du Chocolat

Chocolate Fair at the Parc des expositions, boulevard Robert-Schuman, 87000 Limoges. It can't be denied that high quality chocolate has become ever more popular these past few years. Numerous exhibitions and fairs dedicated to it take place all over the world. At the stands you’ll be able to discover (and taste) the creations made by the artistan chocolatiers, and there will certainly be some special offers to be had. 10h - 20h. Entry €3. Contact: Tel 05 55 37 20 20

Sun 25th Nov LESTERPS Christmas Fayre

Charente Limousine Exchange Christmas Fayre in aid of the Centre-West Guide Dogs for the Blind. 10h30-15h. Salle des Fêtes, 16420 Lesterps. Follow the signage for CLE. Admission 2 euros - includes one drink. Wide variety of hot food & drinks available. Christmas cards, masseuse, clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery, bric-a-brac & tombola. Come along, enjoy the occasion and raise money for a very worthwhile cause! For more info contact: Frances Wilkinson Tel: 05 45 31 53 67 e-mail: david.wilkinson@neuf.fr

Sun 25th Nov LUSSAT Nature workshop

SUNDAY

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)

Nature workshop as part of the Quinzaine de la biodiversité en Limousin at the Etang des Landes from 9h30 - 16h30 (RDV at the dyke). Come and help us maintain the hedges around the nature reserve while at the same time learning the traditional technique of hedgelaying ('plessage' in French). The day will finish with the projection of the film

MONTHLY FOIRES BY DATE

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 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 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

'La Haie', shot in Creuse in 2010/11 by Alain DHOUAILLY. 16h30 - salle polyvalente Lussat (lasts 1 1/2 hours). Don't forget to bring a picnic and suitable clothing. Gloves and tools will be provided (although feel free to bring your own). For full details tel 05 55 32 95 58

Sat 1st to Sun 2nd Dec LA CELLEDUNOISE Christmas Market

L’association "Et au milieu coule la Creuse" organises a Christmas Market on 1 and 2 December (both days from 10.00 to 18.00) in the Salle des loisirs in La Celle-Dunoise. More than 20 French, English, Swiss and Dutch artists and crafts(wo)men will offer ideas for original Christmas gifts and decorations: personalised embroidery, oil paintings, watercolours, books, Christmas cards and decorations, decorated wooden and leather articles, dream catchers, costume jewellery, sculptures and many other surprises. Several exhibitors will give demonstrations of their know-how during the two days. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fri 7th to Sat 8th Dec CHABANAIS Christmas Panto

Theatre Chabanois presents a traditional British Panto "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs" on Friday 7th December at 20.00 & Saturday 8th December at 15.00 at the Salle des Fêtes Chabanais. Adults 6€, Children 4€ (under 4yrs free). Reserve your seats in advance and grab a chance to win 2 free tickets - call 05 45 94 10 71 or email pgorridge@orange.fr Theatre Chabanois is a bilingual community theatre group formed in 2009 with about 30 members so far and a cast and crew of all ages (10yrs to over 80), abilities and talents. We are always looking for new members, not only those with thespian tendencies but those that are willing to help back stage and front of house. Everyone is welcome to join us. Whatever you bring to the group you will be sure of a warm welcome and much fun on a Monday evening at the Salle des Fêtes in Chabanais at 7pm.

BY DAY

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

All Markets & Foires are in the morning unless stated otherwise. If your local market is not listed, please let us know - editor@thebugle.eu

notices@thebugle.eu

05.55.41.17.76

NOVEMBER 2012 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

24 ♦ WHAT’S ON

UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION Fri 2nd to Sat 3rd Nov CIVRAY Civray Footlights presents ‘BUNKERED’

A comedy by Lynn Brittney at La Margelle (Salle de Spectacles) Civray on Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd November at 8.00pm (doors and bar open at 7pm). Tickets - 8€ - are available from Pam on 05 49 87 19 10 and Lin on 0549 97 10 93.

Sat 3rd Nov AIXE-SUR-VIENNE Concert: Marina voit rouge

Sat 3rd Nov SAINT-YRIEIX-LAPERCHE Fête de la Pomme et de la Châtaigne

Concert by Limousin-based acoustic group (pop/ folk/ blues) "Marina voit rouge". Centre J. Prévert. 20h30. Contact: Tel 05 55 70 77 00 www.mairieaixesurvienne.fr

Sat 3rd Nov BOUSSAC AIPB Battle of the Bands

actual contest between the bands will start at 8pm. Entry is only €4, free for AIPB members, plus there will be a bar, refreshments and a tombola. The AIPB will be making a donation to charity out of the proceeds. This year we are supporting Centre d'Action Médico-Social Précoce in Guéret, to buy special toys for severely handicapped children, so that’s another good reason to support this enjoyable and exciting event. See you there! For more info visit www.aipbboussac.fr

This year's Battle of the Bands features five bands - Mercury Blues, Supersleep, The Racoons, Feelarsen and Belle Allure - and is a night not to miss! Come along to support your favourite group. The evening begins in the salle polyvalente in Boussac at 7pm when the warm-up band Prism Break from Bessines takes to the stage and the

Sat 10th Nov LUSSAC-LES-EGLISES GOOD CLOTHES SALE

NEAR LUSSAC LES EGLISES, The Barn 5 La Trigalle, 87360. 2 p.m. Blouses, skirts, trousers, dresses, coats, jackets, shirts, belts, scarves, shoes. Size 6 upwards. EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Refreshments available. All proceeds to La Ligne Contre Le Cancer. Contact Karen 05 55 68 64 43 for further info.

Sat 10th to Sun 11th Nov SARDENT 32ème Foire aux huitres

Apple & chestnut fair. From 9h.

Sale of oysters and gourmet products. Terrain de l'Ouche (old football ground). 8h-19h. Free entry. Contact: Tel 06 81 83 39 77

Sun 4th Nov GUÉRET Concert - Jazz: 'Tribute to Glen Miller'

Mon 12th to Sat 17th BOURGANEUF Semaine franco-britannique

The Glenn Ambassadors Big Band present the closing concert of the 15th Jazz à la Sout' Festival in partnership with Musique en Marche. Come on and enjoy the swing... 16h. Espace André Lejeune. Adults €19.50; Students €6.70. Contact: La Souterraine tourist office tel 05 55 63 10 06

Sun 4th Nov SAINTE-FEYRE Fête de la pomme et du boudin

Annual Apple Fair & brocante. 8h-19h. The apple producers of the region invite you to come and taste local varieties of apple, discover how cider is made and nibble on such delights as boudins and apple crepes. Contact: Tel 05 44 00 05 16

Handmade joinery and woodwork at prices you can afford

Doors, Stairs, Shutters, Gates & Furniture...

Beaujolais Nouveau with a meal of Salade de choux et lardons, Boeuf bourgignon et pommes de terre, Fromage, Clafoutis, café and a glass of Beaujolais - all for 11 Euros. A vegetarian option is available, please let us know in advance. Please reserve by contacting Annie on 05 55 63 08 48 or Clare on 05 55 63 05 36 or by email at communestsebastien@wanadoo.fr

Sun 18th Nov SAINT-LÉONARD-DENOBLAT Fête de la Quintaine

Nov

Franco-British week. Discover British activities through different activities (cooking workshop, exhibition, tastings). Mon 12th - 18h beer tasting at the tourist office; Tue 13th - 14h30 cooking workshop & 21h English film shown at the Régent cinema; Wed 14th British breakfast at the Auberge de l'Atre & 16h30 jam tasting at the tourist office; Thu 15th - 15h30 salon de thé at the tourist office; Sat 17th - 19h musical evening at the maison du stade. For more information contact the Bourganeuf tourist office tel 05 55 64 12 20 or the association franco-britannique tel 05 55 64 22 25.

Fri 16th Nov SAINT-SÉBASTIEN Soirée Beaujolais Nouveau

The Fête de la Quintaine is an old tradition which honours Saint Leonard, founder of the city and the patron saint of prisoners. La Quintaine is a threefoot-high box painted to resemble a prison. After being blessed, it is carried in procession and then mounted on a pole on the place de la Libération. It is then struck and destroyed with mallets by riders on horseback. Spectators clamour for fragments of the smashed Quintaine as they are said to bring good luck and to make hens lay eggs. In the evening the crowd, armed with torches, run through the city crying "Vivo la sen Lionar ! En dau po ! En dau lar !" 10h the Quintaine is carried through the old town

Relax in the Salle des Fêtes and try this year's

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 >>

Christmas Day at Le Moulin Du Breuil 23140 PIONNAT Tel: 05 55 80 37 70 Email: info@lemoulindubreuil.com Web: www.lemoulindubreuil.com

We can beat any like-for-like quote

Come and enjoy Christmas lunch on 25th December @ Le Moulin du Breuil. Relax with a class of Bubbly or Mulled wine next to the wood burning stove, whilst we prepare a Christmas Feast to remember.

Qualified furniture restorer

Christmas Menu - €39.50pp

Trade enquiries welcome No job too small - Call us today for a FREE QUOTE Français parlé - English spoken

Champagne and Canapés

Entrées

Smoked ham hock and parsley pressing terrine with home made piccalilli Spinach and prosciutto wrapped scallops, tomato fondue and tomato crisps Cauliflower velouté and parsnip chips with truﬄe oil

Main

Roast breast of turkey, apricot, sage and pancetta stuﬃng with cranberry sauce Filet of beef wellington, truﬄe and porcini mushroom sauce Butternut squash, red onion, apple and blue cheese pitivia, roast pepper essence All served with fondant potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots and peas

Cheese Dessert

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

Christmas Pudding and brandy cream Chocolate fondant and caramel ice cream Reservations now being taken - Please call for any further details

www.facebook.com/Lemoulindubreuil

@lmdb_pionnat