The Bugle Dordogne - Dec 2014 by The Bugle

Napoleon's iconic hat sells for €1.9 million The hat, worn by the famous French leader, was one of 1,000 Napoleonic items owned by the royal family of Monaco to go under the hammer. >> Page 6

Dordogne December 2014 - Issue #18

France to investigate "pink tax" on women The government has said it will investigate claims by a women's rights group that companies routinely charge more for products and services aimed at women, with the most glaring example being razors at one supermarket which cost twice as much in pink. €1.80 (see photo on page 9). Campaigners called on Monoprix - whose name translates as “one price” and other shops to stop sexist pricing policies, accusing it of imposing a “woman tax”. “At Monoprix there’s no single price! In fact, for similar products, women are paying more than men,” the campaigners wrote. “The company takes advantage of the fact that women’s and men’s hygiene products are in different sections in order to apply different prices on products that are mostly similar, if not identical.” The campaign has the support of Pascale Boistard, the secretary of state for women’s rights, who tweeted: “Is pink a luxury colour?” The Georgette Sand group said that price inequalities

>> continued on page 8

NEWS - Boy’s life saved by defibrillator A public automatic defibrillator in Périgueux has saved the life of a 14-year-old boy who collapsed in the street in cardiac arrest >> Page 3

NEWS - 10 reasons to be proud of France

In response to growing international criticism, the government has released a list of ten reasons to be proud of France. >> Page 10

FRENCH LIFE Chimney Sweeping

he French government has agreed to investigate claims that retailers are charging female shoppers more than male consumers for apparently identical products - a so-called “pink tax”. After a petition launched by a women's rights group gathered 30,000 signatures, the finance ministry has ordered an inquiry. The Georgette Sand feminist group - whose name is an ironic take on the famous French female author who wrote under the name George Sand - is citing the example of razors being sold at Monoprix: a pack of 10 blue disposable razors, aimed at men, was being retailed for €1.72, whereas just 5 apparently identical razors in pink were being sold for

INSIDE > > >

UEFA unveils the mascot for Euro 2016 Championships being held in France >> Page 10

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

When should you get your chimney swept, can you do it yourself and what are the legalities? We answer these questions and more >> Page 12

The Bugle Business Directory

4 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 15-17

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle W

ell, like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching. This will be a very special Christmas at Bugle Towers as by the time you are reading this, there is a very good chance that my family will have grown by one. It has been a frantic few weeks as B-Day approached, but the littl'un has very kindly stayed put while I put this paper together and you can almost certainly look forward to me complaining about a lack of sleep in next month's paper! I don't have an advent calendar yet this year; in fact, now I think about it, I haven't been given one for several years now... maybe I should take the hint and buy one for myself. I remember when I was a kid that calendars were the most exciting things ever, promising as they did untold riches once the 24 windows had been opened. Then, just when you thought that excitement levels couldn't get any higher in December, some bright spark thought of putting a chocolate behind each window!! The 10-year-old me

could hardly believe his luck. But looking through the shops this year, it is almost impossible to find a calendar with “just” a picture behind each cardboard flap. Chocolate is now the minimum requirement, and many calendars now seem to have a toy for each of the 24 days. I even saw a feature on a daytime TV show (my wife had it on and I was just passing through the room, honest!) in which they were reviewing popular calendars. One example, presumably aimed at men, featured a bottle of real ale for each day leading up to Christmas and cost well over 100 pounds! I may be coming across as slightly indignant at this break from “tradition”, but please feel free to buy me one of these!! With my email address well and truly in the public domain, all sorts of random things turn up in my inbox. This month was no exception and included one email from a sender who is going to create an elephant retirement home locally! I've heard some crazy business ideas - mostly my own, now

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014 I think about it - but this one particularly caught my eye. My two current ideas, guaranteed to make me my first million, are scented fire logs and investing in a metal detector. I was stood by my back door recently, enjoying the smell of my first log fire of the year, when it occurred to me that you could “add” some scent to the logs (apple, or a hint of vanilla maybe?) to give a little treat to your neighbours. Hmmm, maybe not, but a metal detector must be a winner. I've not heard too much about this particular pastime in France, and given that France is 5 times as big as the UK where valuable items are found relatively frequently, there must be loads of buried Roman treasure here in France just waiting to be discovered!! I digress, back to elephants. It turns out that his project is deadly serious and being very professionally undertaken by a couple of former zoo workers with a wealth of experience and plenty of other experts already on board (see page 9). Can you imagine a herd of elephants grazing on the rolling hills to the north of the Dordogne! I very much hope that they secure the backing to get this project off the ground - it can only be a good thing for the region. While writing that I have had another idea to make a million - borrow money from a millionaire! I am convinced that most people could turn one million into two fairly easily. High-end property, artwork, gems and antiques have only

been increasing in value, even in a recession. People may laugh at someone paying €1.9m for one of Napoleon's hats (see page 6), but you can bet your bottom dollar that it will only go up in value as the years go by. So if there is anyone out there with lots of millions, perhaps you could lend me one - I will give it back in 5 years' time, I promise! Hmm, I may have seen the flaw in this scheme. I don't think there will be many multi-millionaires out there and if there are any, I doubt they got that rich by lending out money to deranged expats! Still, if all goes well, I will soon have another pair of hands to help me scour the countryside with the metal detector that is definitely going on my Christmas list now that logs and lending are off the table! Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas!! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

INSIDE this edition 3-5 Local News 8-10 National News 11 French Life 12-13 Practical 14 Bilingual 15-18 Directory 18 Community 19-20 What's On

CONTACT us Tel: 05.55.41.17.76 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales24@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions24@thebugle.eu Editor: Steve Martindale Write to: The Bugle Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Boy’s life saved by public Public encouraged to accept flu jabs automatic defibrillator

14-year-old Dordogne boy was this month the latest person to benefit from the government’s decision to place automatic defibrillators in public places across the country. The adolescent had just finished a discovery day at the police school in Périgueux when he suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, due to the quick thinking of those around him, he was successfully revived with an automatic defibrillator located close by. The device was able to stabilise him until emergency services arrived and transferred him to a local hospital. Following a decree in 2007, any person is authorised to use an automatic defibrillator, even if they have no formal medical training. The devices, usually marked either DEA (défibrillateur entièrement automatique) or DSA (défibrillateur semi-automatique), use audio and visual commands and are designed to

be simple to operate for the general public. Their use is often taught in first aid courses. The devices can stabilise people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, where there is electrical activity in the heart, but blood is not being pumped effectively around the body. They are able to detect the electrical activity and stabilise

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the heart using a series of shocks. Without fibrillation, these conditions lead to irreversible brain damage and ultimately death. The devices can not help to treat asystolic “flat line” patients, however, who require more advanced life-saving techniques. To find a list of the location of defibrillators in each department visit: www.defibrillateurs-en-france.com ■

campaign is under way in the Dordogne to convince the public of the need to get vaccinated against flu this winter. Despite the fact that a significant number of people die each year from influenza, only 48.8% of those invited to have a jab in the Dordogne take up the offer. This percentage is almost exactly the same as the national figure, but lower than the 50.4% across the whole of the Aquitaine region. Vaccination is recommended for the over-65s and for sections of the public considered “at risk”: pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and the morbidly obese - a total of 70,000 people across the department. While more than half of the Dordogne’s over-65s get themselves vaccinated (50.8%), this figure drops to just 33.1% in those suffering from chronic illnesses. If you have French social cover and are eligible for the vaccination, which is covered 100% by the State, then you should have received a letter some time

before mid-October, but it is not too late to take up the offer of a jab; the invitation is valid until 31st January. According to the CPAM, the flu jab is adapted each year to take into account the prevalent strains of the virus and is “the most effective way to prevent the illness”. While the vaccine will not necessarily prevent you from catching the flu, it greatly reduces the chances of serious complications or death. Each year, between 2 and 8 million people in France will fall ill with flu and there are an estimated 2,000 deaths on average. The CPAM is also stressing as part of its campaign that homeopathic remedies are no substitute for vaccination and that antibiotics have no effects on flu, which is a viral infection. ■

CSF Shiatsu

massage technique developed in 8th century Japan now has a base in a local Dordogne market town. On the 4th market day in Ribérac each month (Friday), the CSF hosts a drop-in centre for people affected by cancer issues. Cancer Support France is a free service to support not only cancer sufferers but anyone affected, such as a partner, sibling or friend. An affected person will find a source of useful advice and information. Additionally, in complete confidence there will be a sympathetic ear or even a shoulder to cry on. When Cancer Support France opened their drop-in sessions, Paula Barker, CSF secretary, aimed to offer moral and practical support and advice. So when Shiatsu practitioner Steve Ellis offered his services free of charge, the CSF team were intrigued, then delighted. Speaking to The Bugle, Steve explained that Shiatsu is an ancient oriental massage technique, often called “acupuncture without needles”. He came across the technique in the Far East, recognized its value, and then studied for 3 years to become a practitioner. Steve is at pains to dispel any claims that he can offer a cure for cancer. “This is not meant to cure cancer. It is not aimed at tumours or growths. My aim is to make sufferers simply feel better and more able to deal with the illness and its treatment.” He explained that ancient Chinese medicine is based on the notion of Yin and Yang: opposite forces that, when out of balance, cause negative physical effects. Developed further by Japanese doctors, the study of the body’s “meridians” became a massage system hundreds of years old that is still widely used in the East today. Steve has many clients, mainly French, in the Dordogne and Charente. The oldest is over 100 years old. “Massage is the principal treatment I supply, either in a chair or on a bed. I aim to link the brain with the organs and establish a harmony and inner balance. Well over 75% of clients report a significant sense of well-being.” Paula Barker also emphasised that the Shiatsu is in no way claimed to be a cure, but can help individuals to better manage the stresses and anxieties that can come with cancer, which is exactly in line with what CSF aims to achieve. Steve Ellis himself has been in treatment for cancer since 2005 and uses some of his skills and knowledge to help deal with the disease. At the CSF drop-in sessions, on the 4th Friday of each month at the Palais de Justice in Ribérac, Steve offers a head and shoulders Yin-Yang massage free of charge. Full treatment is available at a modest fee and Steve offers CSF members an attractive discount. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe For more information visit: www.charenteshiatsu.com www.cancersupportfrance.org

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

Expats boost African hospital

dedicated group of British Dordogne residents is working hard to support a children’s hospital. Based in St Estèphe, famous for its lake and beach, Linda Nicholson heads an indefatigable team of fund-raisers, part of a UK initiative raising funds for Bansang Hospital in The Gambia. Linda learned about the hospital from Anita Smith, an English lady from Northampton, who had visited The Gambia way back in 1992. Anita was horrified at the conditions in the hospital and set about raising money to improve things. After moving to France in 1992, Linda was inspired to get involved and joined Anita’s select band. Since then she has worked closely with Anita to support these children in need. Bansang Hospital is deep in the forest, 200 miles from the coast, where tropical illnesses are frequent. Patients are brought needing treatment for serious illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, anaemia, snakebites, dysentery and pneumonia. The hospital also deals with accidents such as burns, lacerations and broken bones. In total, the hospital looks after more than half a million people, some of the poorest on the entire continent. In 1992 the hospital was severely overcrowded, with 3-4 children per bed. The beds were ancient, rusty, stained by blood and bodily fluids. There were broken windows, missing doors and a completely insanitary and ill-equipped operating theatre. Medical supplies were pitiful. Operations were done by the light of a torch or hurricane lamp. Treatment was carried out in quasi-Victorian conditions. Because of the dreadful accommodation staff turnover was extremely high while morale remained very low. Thanks to Linda’s group and the other British fund-raisers, the hospital has

The brand new dispensary at Bansang Children’s hospital (credit: Anita Smith) been turned around. Anita Smith’s charismatic approach has persuaded a large number of organizations and companies to get involved. There has been a complete refurbishment including a new 80bed unit, a proper power supply, a new women’s ward and updated equipment such as incubators and a new dispensary. Upgrading the staff accommodation has vastly improved recruitment and re-

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

Linda (centre) with two helpers at a brocante

tention of medical staff. Positions at the hospital are now attractive and prestigious to highly qualified personnel. Anita Smith, who started off the whole initiative, was awarded an MBE in 2008. Back in the Dordogne Linda told The Bugle: “It is wonderful to know that our fund-raising is helping to make such a huge difference. Fewer children die in infancy, fewer mothers die in childbirth.

We have measurably reduced suffering for so many people. It’s a humbling thought.” Speaking about the current ebola epidemic devastating the region Linda explained how the hospital has been able to prepare isolation units and train staff with funds raised in south-west France. As well as refurbishing old farm buildings to create a home, Linda runs an online antiques business and is a keen gardener in a household that also keeps bees and sheep, but she admits that Bansang Hospital has taken over her life. “It’s hectic for the whole team here in the Dordogne. We do brocantes all over the place all year, coffee mornings, a Christmas market, sponsored events, appeals, race nights, anything that will raise cash to help the people at Bansang.” ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe To find out more about the appeal go to: http://bansanghospitalappeal.org/ or you can email Linda direct at: lindanicholson52@yahoo.co.uk This year’s Christmas Market is being held on Sunday 14th December at the Capitolet, Abjat-sur-Bandiat from 10h-18h.

Lucky dogs in the Dordogne!

British couple have created an extra special canine refuge in the Dordogne, giving a new life to old dogs. Leeanne and Mike Whitley provide a loving home to older dogs whose fate would otherwise be a one-way trip to the vet. At their house in St-Paul-la-Roche, near Thiviers, the couple currently shelter a staggering 32 dogs in their organization, which they named Twilight. Leeanne explains: “We take dogs in for a whole host of reasons. Older dogs are sometimes abandoned by their owners, or the owner dies or becomes too infirm to look after them. From time to time we rescue an older dog that the SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux) cannot re-home and the next stop is euthanasia. We have dogs which have been run over and are disabled. As a result of this experience we have developed an expertise with wheels and prosthetics.” The Whitleys originate from the south of England. Before coming to the Dordogne they lived in Wales and then Greece, arriving here, in south-west France in 2002. Their professional backgrounds give no hint of the canine-centred career that lay ahead: Mike was a teacher of English, Leeanne was involved in sports development and Lottery funding. At home in St-Paul-la-Roche, their trio of pet dogs had been whittled by old age down to just one. The Whitleys decided to look for a companion for it in its twilight years. Leanne told The Bugle how it was this search that revealed a desperate need for homes for ageing dogs. “That’s how it all started,” says Leeanne. “We saw so many sad cases we couldn’t turn away. Now we take in dogs from all over, mainly France but also Spain, Bulgaria, Romania. We all live together in our house.” Sharing their home with elderly dogs, some with problems, is not easy. The Whitleys spend up to €12,000 a year on food, medical supplies and vet’s bills. As the dogs are sometimes incontinent there is a huge bill each month for cleaning, disinfecting and bedding materials. Leanne and Mike’s current project is “Maddie’s House”, an isolation wing in case of infectious disease or a dog in need of a spell of peace and quiet. This special place is named “Maddie’s House” in memory of a young helper, aged 10, who gave care and support to the old dogs. Maddie died in January 2014 and the cabin is to be a fitting memorial to her, continuing the

work she loved. The project has received support and funding in Maddie’s name from her friends and family. On a day-to-day basis the Whitley’s expenditure is supplemented by funds from a range of sources. Leeanne cites the support given by the Hope Association, a dedicated group of people who raise money for animals in need. Twilight attracts support from across the region and regularly receives donations of food and supplies, as well as cash, from well-wishers. Fund-raising efforts throughout the year include the annual Old Dog Show, vide-greniers, book sales, cake stalls, dog walks and a Spring Fair. There has even been a sponsored wing-walk in Cheltenham by fearless “Nana” Ridgeway, 88 years old and registered blind! The next big event for Twilight is the annual Christmas Fair on 5th December from 3pm to 8pm at La Charrue, Vieux Mareuil. Twilight have organized a visit from Santa Claus, live music, fish and chips and festive fare, artisan craft stalls, classy jewellery, tarot readings, lucky dip, tombola, raffle and plenty more fun things. Well-wishers can make donations to the “brown stuff” coins collection, to the detergent and cleaning products pile and to the old blanket mountain. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe To find out more about Twilight, contact Leeanne: Tel: 05 53 52 62 37 Facebook: twilightdogshome www.twilightchiens.com

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ampaign groups are once again applying pressure on authorities to proceed with a €2.4 billion project to widen the RN21 to a dual carriageway. The single carriage road, which crosses the entire Dordogne department, stretches from Limoges in the Limousin to Tarbes in the Hautes-Pyrénées - a distance of 385 kilometres. The route, which passes via Thiviers, Périgueux and Bergerac, today takes a staggering 6 hours 15 minutes at an average speed of just 60 kph, with countless towns on the route having to endure the seemingly endless stream of HGVs swarming through each day. Were the road to be widened, it is estimated that the journey time would be reduced to just 3 hours 45 minutes, and Périgueux would be only 1 hour from Limoges by road. Partnerships with private firms - and therefore the creation of a toll road - is currently the preferred option for Jean-Claude Pouxviel, president of “Euro 21”, the lobby group created with the sole objective of bringing about the widening of the RN21: “Tendering the project is the simplest solution, because it is the fastest to implement. If the State gets involved we will be here for 50 years. If it is in the hands of the banks and private firms, things will move much faster.” As if by way of proof, the group points to letters signed by the bosses of Colas and Eiffage, two of France’s largest infrastructure construction firms, who have both indicated their willingness to take part in the project. “Administrators can sometimes be a bit precious with their projects, but road users do not understand why we are quibbling about how this project comes about,” said Mr Pouxviel. The lack of road infrastructure is also hitting the local economies along the length of the route, according to supporters of the project. “I can cite dozens of examples of businesses that have either left the region or not established themselves here,” explained François Gaumet, head of economic development for the CCI of the Dordogne, and part of the Euro 21 lobbying group.

The RN21 between Thiviers and La Coquille There does appear to also be considerable political support for the project, despite a 2013 report by MP Philippe Duron dampening any immediate prospects; the new mayors of Limoges and Périgueux have said they are behind it. Public support appears to be mixed, with a recent Sud Ouest survey of 1,200 readers showing that almost exactly half (49.2%) replied yes to the question “Are you in favour of transforming the RN21 into a 2x2 toll road?” Those against cited environmental concerns, worries that the current RN21 would not be kept, or preferred a state-funded project that would not result in a toll road. The Route Nationale 21 runs from Limoges to Périgueux via Châlus and Thiviers, before passing through Bergerac, Villeneuve-sur-Lot (Lot-et-Garonne), Agen (Gers) and Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées). Any eventual route could then easily be extended along existing roads into northern Spain. ■

Driver’s new car speeding A motorist was stopped recently by gendarmes after being clocked driving at more than 200 kph in a 90 km zone just outside Bergerac. Nothing too unusual so far, as the papers regularly feature drivers doing idiotic things on the department’s roads. What made this particular man stand out, however, was that he was on his way home from picking up his brand new car! The speed enthusiast, from the Charente-Maritime department, had just collected his 457 horsepower Mercedes C63 AMG from a Bergerac dealership when he decided to test his new toy’s limits on the D709 running from Bergerac to Mussidan. Having travelled a mere 12 kilometres in his new car, the man was flashed at 203 kph by a mobile unit from the Bergerac Gendarmerie. He was immediately relieved of his driving licence and must now appear before a court in Bergerac at a later date where he faces a 6-point penalty, a €1,500 fine and the suspension of his driving licence. Presumably, his new car will be waiting in storage for a while yet! ■

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

Tiger sighting causes terror near Paris

here was shock and mild panic in November when sightings began to emerge of a “large cat” prowling around a built-up area not far from Paris. The alarm was first raised when a local resident in the small town of Montévrain, around 40 kilometres east of the capital, spotted the animal in a supermarket car park. Photos were soon circulating of the “orange and black striped cat” and local residents were warned to stay indoors. Experts from a nearby wildlife park were sent to the scene and identified the animal on the loose as an “adolescent” tiger from paw prints although no one seemed to be missing one of the deadly predators. More than 200 firefighters and police officers were deployed in the search, as well as a thermal imaging camera and a dog trained in tracking bears and large game. Local schoolchildren even got a police escort home as the hunt for the tiger continued. As more and more sightings emerged, panic levels amongst local residents rose. “It's becoming hysteria. That was to be expected,” said a police source. Speaking to Le Parisien, Frédéric Edelstein, an animal tamer from the Pinder Circus, said that the best thing to do if coming face to face with the animal would be to shout at it! At one point, security staff at Disneyland Paris, which is lo-

cated just 2km from the initial sighting, were on the lookout in case the mysterious animal got into the park. A Disneyland Paris spokeswoman said at the time: “There is no reason to worry; we’re aware of it and we’ve done all that’s necessary for the safety of our customers - we’ve already got security staff, who are watching out, and the prefecture is doing all

that’s needed too. I really don’t think it will come as far as us.” Addressing concerns that visitors to France's most popular tourist attraction may have confused the escaped tiger for one of their own costumed characters, Tigger, the spokeswoman added: “Tigger is bright orange; his colour is completely different, I don’t think they can confuse the

two”. After a frantic 24 hours and almost constant speculation on rolling news channels, the threat level was eventually downgraded, as what was initially thought to have been a 70kg animal was subsequently believed to be “between a domestic cat and a bigger feline,” according to Eric Hansen from the national hunting office.

The local director of public safety, Chantal Baccanini, said there was “no danger for the general population” and the Seine-et-Marne administration concluded that the “presence of an animal of the tiger species is now excluded”, although at the time of going to print, the animal was yet to been found or positively identified. ■

Napoleon's hat sells for €1.9 million

hat worn by Napoleon Bonaparte has sold for €1.9 million at a recent auction in Fontainebleau on the outskirts of Paris - nearly 5 times the guide price for the item. The iconic, two-pointed, bicorne hat was one of 120 estimated to have been worn by the French leader throughout his life, although only 19 are known to still exist today and most of those are in museums around the world. Other items that were sold at the two-day auction at Fontainebleau included a pair of Napoleon's stockings, a scarf, a shirt, a lock of his hair and even a leather razor strop. The 1,000 items that made up the sale were originally collected by Prince Louis II of Mo-

naco (1870-1949) and they had remained in the royal family's possession, housed in the principality's Napoleon Museum in Monte Carlo. The family said that they were selling the items to make room for a new museum dedicated to Princess Grace of Monaco, the former Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. The hat, the star of the auction, was initially acquired by Joseph Giraud, a vet in Napoleon's household, and remained in his family until 1926 when it was sold to Prince Louis' collection. “It's a very well-known collection, the provenance of the pieces is incontestable,” Thierry Lentz, director of the Napoleon Foundation, told AFP news agency. Interest was high and many of the items

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that went under the hammer sold for up to ten times their guide price. The South Korean chicken magnate that eventually won the bidding war for the iconic hat said he would have gone higher to secure this “priceless” piece of history. “I can understand and relate to many passages of his life,” Kim HongKuk, the 57-year-old founder and chairman of the poultry giant Harim Group, told AFP. “I've always thought there were certain similarities between him and me in terms of thinking and decision-making, though I'm nowhere near being as great as Napoleon. Napoleon struggled a lot when he was young and trying to be successful but never gave up. For years I've admired his challenging

spirit that nothing is impossible. Napoleon had this sense of optimism even in the most trying circumstances and was also a very meticulous leader, something all entrepreneurs including myself should learn from.” Napoleon was something of a sartorial pioneer, wearing the bicorne hat parallel to his shoulders and contrary to the fashions of the day. This was apparently so that he could be easily identified on the battlefield. The “little emperor's” red leather wallet, estimated at €3,500, fetched €22,000, a gilt metal watch key estimated at €600 fetched €6,500 and even the leather razor strop from his toilet bag fetched an impressive €9,500. ■

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

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Investigation over "pink tax" on women

Artificial heart op success

>> continued from pg 1 aren’t limited to supermarket products, citing a French hairdressing salon where a cut and blow-dry was found to cost men €8 while for women it costs €13. Backpacks, pens and even food have also been highlighted as having discriminatory pricing policies. “We know that there have been investigations in the United States and we knew that we would find differences, but not as many as we did and not as easily,” said Géraldine Franck from the campaign group, speaking to Le Parisien

Presidential interviewer offered job A 60-year-old French woman has been offered a job after questioning President François Hollande live on television about the lack of employment opportunities for older people. Joëlle Mediavilla, who has been out of work and on benefits for 2 years, has now secured a 6-month contract as an office administrator following her prime-time appearance. She has her local employment agency to thank in part, who sent her CV along with a tape of the interview with the president to a local business in Drancy, just outside Paris. “This con-

newspaper. “After a three-hour walk in my area I had already taken about fifteen photos that speak for themselves.” “And let’s not forget that women earn around 27% less than men and have pensions that are 42% lower than men’s,” the group added. Responding to the group's claims, Monoprix denied any policy of price discrimination, saying the cost differences were linked to elements “intrinsic” to the items and production costs. It argued that because more men’s razors were bought than those for women they could be sold at a lower price. ■

tract is great news for me,” said Mme Mediavilla. “It will allow me to pay off some debts and to once again be in active employment, which is important to me.” “She came across very well on the television,” said Jérôme Laverny from the local Mission Emploi agency, who has long campaigned against unemployment among older workers. “But there are plenty more Mr and Mrs Mediavilla's out there.” ■

Man fined for police driving A French man is involved in a bitter legal dispute after receiving ten fines, five

of which were for speeding... despite the fact that the police confiscated his car more than 3 years ago. The man, named as Laurent T by Le Parisien newspaper, had his Mercedes Sprinter van taken away by police in 2011 following an investigation into handling stolen goods. He told the newspaper that he had already spent €1,500 in legal fees fighting the fines and was now close to losing his licence due to the number of penalties accrued. However, the police in question have allegedly accepted that they did not inform the relevant authorities of a change in ownership and said that the details had now been changed. They say that any future fines will be addressed to the police, although these

will presumably be ignored as the police are allowed to break motoring laws in the course of their duties. ■

Ryanair loses fine appeal Low-cost airline Ryanair has lost a high-profile appeal against an €8.3 million fine for avoiding French social security payments. The appeal court in Aixen-Provence upheld a verdict that the Irish giant flouted French employment regulations and avoided social charges by employing 127 staff at its Marseille hub on Irish contracts between 2007 and 2010. Ryanair said in a statement that the staff were “employed on Irish contracts, operating on Irish reg-

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he second recipient of a revolutionary, artificial heart is apparently in relatively good health nearly 100 days after receiving the transplant, according to the French team which performed the pioneering surgery. The heart, powered by watch-style batteries that can be worn externally, was first put into a patient at Paris’ Georges Pompidou Hospital in December 2013. The 76-year-old man, who was suffering from severe heart disease and had only days to live, died from complications 75 days after receiving the transplant. The artificial heart, which is designed to operate for as long as 5 years, uses a range of “biomaterials”, including bovine tissue, to reduce the likelihood of the body rejecting it. Unlike previous artificial hearts, created mainly for temporary use before live transplant, the design by the French biomedical firm Carmat is intended to be a permanent replacement for a real heart. The latest recipient of

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the 900g prosthetic at the University Hospital Nantes has not been named, but the operation is known to have taken place on the 5th August. Speaking to Les Echos in early November, Professor Alain Carpentier, cardiac surgeon and scientific director of Carmat, said the patient was doing well: “He is able to take care of himself and move around unaided in his room where he regularly uses an exercise bike,” said the professor. “Accompanied by doctors and physiotherapists, he makes regular trips around the hospital, where he is undergoing a rehabilitation programme to restore lost muscle mass.” He went on to say that the patient, whose morale he considered exemplary, had made a very important contribution to medical science and highlighted his “courtesy and patience in allowing the team to proceed with postoperative assessments”. The team behind the artificial heart is hoping to perform a further 20 transplants in the near future into patients with less severe heart failure, as clinical trials continue. ■

istered aircraft (defined as Irish territory) and have already paid their taxes, social taxes and state pension contributions in Ireland, in full compliance with Irish and EU regulations”. The company will now take their case to the French Supreme Court on the basis that they believe European employment law clearly allows mobile workers on Irish registered aircraft to pay their taxes and social taxes in Ireland. French pilots’ union SNPL welcomed the ruling saying it showed that low-cost companies were not above the law. Lawyers operating for Urssaf told journalists that the court’s message was clear: “European law is not a means of defrauding the social welfare system.” In Ireland, social charges amount to just over 10% of wages, whereas in France they are a rather more hefty 40-45%. ■

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Frenchman wins prestigious French Route du Rhum yacht race worst at Cléach’h. Upon his arrival, Peyron commented: “It is a very nice victory, a team victory. I was not supposed to be on this boat two months ago. I was supposed to do the Rhum race on a very small yellow trimaran, which will be the case in four years time, when I come back. But it is not a surprise because I knew that the boat was able to do it. I knew that the team was able to help me a lot.” “I never imagined that I would win a Route du Rhum on a boat like this,” the veteran skipper added. “A race like this is never simple and that is what is so exciting and incredible about it. It is also very stressful for the boat to withstand such high speeds in bad seas. I was able to sail the boat well but was scared. This is what the multihull game is all about. You have to constantly manage the boat. One night I fell asleep at the helm and nearly capsized the boat. This is a great victory, possibly

English

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or French sailing great, Loïck Peyron, it was a case of seventh time lucky as the 54-year-old finally won the prestigious Route du Rhum transatlantic yacht race, in a record time. The Frenchman crossed the finishing line near Guadeloupe in the Caribbean in 7 days, 15 hours and 8 minutes, shaving more than two hours off the previous best for the 6,560 km race, which is held every four years. The Frenchman took the lead just 6 hours outside of St-Malo following a fierce storm which claimed several other contenders, including his compatriot Thomas Coville who had been among the favourites for the race. It was a lead he would not relinquish. Peyron, who described the early conditions as “Dante-esque”, had only signed to skipper the boat two months prior to the event following a hand injury to Armel Le

one of the nicest and breaking the record is the cherry on top of the cake.” ■

alking around the countryside of central France, there is always plenty of wildlife to see: cows, sheep, buzzards, deer and even wild boar are never too far away. If you live in the south of the Haute-Vienne, however, you will soon be able to add another animal to the list of local wildlife... elephants!!

Although this may sound rather far-fetched, a project is under way to build Europe's first sanctuary for old and retired elephants on the rolling countryside outside Oradour-sur-Vayres in the south-west of HauteVienne. Under the name “Elephant Haven”, the sanctuary is the brainchild of Flemish couple Tony Verhulst and Sofie Goetghebeur, who each have 20 years' experience working with animals at Antwerp Zoo - before embarking on this adventure, Tony had

been a full-time carer for the zoo's elephants since 2001. The Bugle got in touch with Tony to find out more about the unusual and ambitious project. Firstly, why an elephant sanctuary and why choose the Limousin? “A big factor in deciding to launch this project is the gradual phasing out of live animals from circuses across Europe. Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Croatia

and Bulgaria are already in the process of banning animals from the circus and many other European countries are looking to follow suit,” Tony told The Bugle. “Animals which have been part of a circus, such as elephants and lions, cannot usually be returned to the wild and we want to provide somewhere they can live out their days in peace as the alternative is often euthanasia.” Having decided to establish a sanctuary for these ageing pachyderms,

the couple began searching for locations, but their native Belgium did not provide a suitable environment. “Land is more scarce in Belgium, and elephants need a lot of land,” explained Tony. “We soon began searching further afield and the Limousin had everything we needed: rolling hills in a national park, with plenty of water and readily available supplies of hay.” There is already a good deal of interest and support on a local level. “In smaller communes such as ours, we should certainly be encouraging this type of project,” said the mayor of Oradour-sur-Vayres, Guy Ratinaud. “If this project takes off, we will see real returns for the local economy. Elephants have a very positive image and tourists being able to come here and see these animals will be a boost for us, the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, the department and the region.” Whilst the Elephant Haven will be open to the public, its founders are keen to stress that they are not creating a zoo. There will be not be any other animals at the sanctuary, there will not be any

Europe's first elephant sanctuary to open in central France

breeding programmes and the public will remain separated from the elephants at all times. According to Tony, they will be looking to provide educational opportunities, encouraging school trips and running workshops. The land for the project has already been found and the couple have moved permanently to the region, but their project is still in its early stages. The plan is that the 25 hectares found for the Elephant Haven will allow a maximum capacity of around 10 elephants, with the first arriving as early as 2016, although there is a lot of work to be done. Thanks to their decades of experience, the team know what

the elephants need and how to build it, but finding the money to do so is now crucial. It can cost as much as €100,000 per year to house each elephant and the estimated total investment required in the long term will be around €5 million. Exactly how this money will be raised and how much will be invested by regional authorities is not yet known, but public donations will play a crucial role. ■ To find out more about Tony and Sofie, their project and how to get involved or to make a donation, please visit their website: www.elephanthaven.org

ccording to a recent report, France has the lowest level of English proficiency among EU member states and only Russia, Turkey and Ukraine speak less English in the whole of Europe. The report, produced by international language training company Education First and covering 63 countries, gave France a score of just 52.68, ranking it just below Indonesia and its close neighbour, Italy. Denmark took the top spot with an English language proficiency of 69.3, followed by Holland with 68.98 and Sweden with 67.80. Unlike other European countries, the level of English in France has not improved over recent years. “While the rest of Europe is already proficient in English, or steadily working towards that goal, France is on an entirely different trajectory,” the report stated. “There are a few reasons we struggle to learn English, and I think one of the main ones is that we lack exposure to English here in France; for example, we don't get many films in VO [original version - undubbed],” explained Adeline Prevost, from the Paris office of Education First. “Because French is a widely spoken language, we get translations without a problem. In other countries, for example Sweden, where the language is not spoken around the world, translations from English are not available so easily so people have more exposure to English.” Speaking to The Local, Mme Prevost accepted, however, that Spain does not follow this same rule. “Spain is in the same position, with Spanish being spoken around the world and translations easily available, but Spain has made huge improvements in their levels of speaking English, where France has not. This is because their government has invested properly in the learning of English. The Spanish government has made English one of the main areas of study in Spanish schools, whereas in France it is not prioritized as much - French school pupils are not required to have such a high level of English by the time they leave school.” “We need to be a bit less protective of our language,” she added. “If you look at Sweden, they have the best of both worlds: they keep their own language and culture but they have a high level of English. The French have to understand that just because they are talking, reading or listening in English it doesn’t mean that we will kill our own language. Of course that won’t happen. This is the wrong mentality.” ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

Euro 2016 mascot unveiled 10 reasons to be proud!

t would be fair to say that France - and more specifically the French government - has come in for a bit of criticism recently, be it from international markets, EU bureaucrats or John Lewis executives. In response, under the headline “Stop au French bashing”, the government has released a list of 10 reasons why we should all be proud to live in France.

1. Tourism: France is the top tourist destination in the world. 2. Economy: It's the 5th economic power in the world. 3. Youth: France is 3rd in the world for providing places for foreign students. 4. Wine: The country is the world's top wine producer. 5. Environment: Wind power grew 70% in first 6 months of 2014. 6. Talent: France has 58 Nobel prize winners (15 for literature, topping this category). 7. Culture: Its 1,200 museums receive 62 million visitors a year. 8. Attractiveness: France is 3rd in Europe for receiving foreign business investment. 9. Entrepreneurship: The world's biggest start-up incubator will open in Paris in 2016. 10. Innovation: In the past two years, half of the business employing 10 people or more, and one in six firms, have launched a new product that was not previously available on the market.

rganisers of the Euro 2016 Championship, which will be held in France, have unveiled the tournament's mascot. At the last two major football tournaments held in France, the 1984 European Championship and the 1998 World Cup, the mascot has been a cockerel, but this time the gallic rooster has been replaced by a cartoon boy. The mascot does not yet have an official title and a competition is ongoing to find him a name: the current choices available are Driblou, Goalix or Super Victor. The UEFA website provides some back story and describes the mascot as follows: “Half child, half superhero, the mascot is a curious, witty character who will encourage fans from all over the world to celebrate the art of football. He was brought up in France, and one day acquired special powers when playing football with his friends. Having kicked the ball behind a fence, he went to explore and discovered a mysterious chest with a cape, a ball and football boots, which enabled him to fly as well as play superb football. His outfit is inspired by the French flag and the colours of the host country.” The mascot will now travel around Europe before returning to France for the start of the tournament on June 10th 2016. ■

Bog standard

ave you ever had to turn off the hob to pop upstairs and spend a penny? Well, your problems could now be solved thanks to recent legislation passed in France that finally allows you to put a toilet in your kitchen! Described in the bill as “a process of simplification of regulations”, the change to the building code removes “the prohibition of direct communication between the closets and kitchens and living rooms”. This will now allow contractors for the first time to build new toilets in kitchens and living rooms, Metronews reported. Previously, toilets could not be directly accessible from these rooms under

building regulations. The move will likely be welcomed by Parisian landlords, who have become famous in recent years for charging exorbitant rents for tiny apartments - one tenant was recently found to have been living in a 'flat' with just 1.56m² of living space for the last 15 years, paying €330 per month for the privilege. One man who is unlikely to be frying an egg from the pan, however, is Thierry Lepaon, secretary general of the powerful CGT union. The union was recently revealed by satirical weekly Le Canard Enchainé to have spent €130,000 renovating a 120m² apartment for its boss in a leafy Parisian suburb, including €1,397 for a new lavatory

seat (before plumbing), and €689 for a toilet paper holder and towel rack. Although the owner of the flat said it had been completely renovated before being rented to the CGT - including a new carpet, Ikea kitchen and freshly painted walls - the union decided it wasn’t in an appropriate state for Lepaon, although initial plans for a home cinema and wine cellar were eventually abandoned. “Everything needed to be redone,” said treasurer Eric Lafont, who agreed to hand over €130,000 of union funds. The union had claimed they had negotiated a rent reduction in exchange for shelling out on the renovations, but both the owner and the estate agent denied any deal had been done. ■

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FRENCH LIFE ♦ 11

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In the garden - jobs for December year...? Once you've finished mowing the grass, when it's too wet, often, put your mower away dry and clean, and think about changing the oil, filters, and having the blades sharpened ready for the spring. If you want to plant bare rooted trees, now's the time - as long as the weather is not too frosty and the holes can be dug. If your ground is heavy, or the soil is soaked, make sure you incorporate some good drainage material into the bottom of the hole and plant on a little mound. Things like the dogwoods are often lovely now, their coloured stems bare of the leaves. This gives you an opportunity to see if they are suckering, and if there are young plants that need to be removed to avoid crowding. Pot them up and give to friends. The same can be said for raspberries, other soft fruit and young specimens of self sown hedging varieties. Spend an afternoon going round the garden if you can, with a trowel at hand ready to dig up all those self sown individuals that are too nice to get rid of, but will be in completely the wrong place next year. Pay particular attention to gravel paths and patios. Take out a certain quantity of nettles, if you have too many, and put them on the compost, or make nettle tea, but remember not to put the roots on the heap. Tie in climbers to trellises and posts to avoid breakages during the winter winds, and take care that pots which stay outside all winter can't or won't get waterlogged - raise them off the

here are signs that the weather is on the turn snow on the higher ground across France and much cooler weather than recently - though all is relative and the autumn has been unseasonally warm. So there's still a lot of growth happening in the garden, albeit slightly slowing down. Rather strange at a time of year when we're used to frosty seed heads and stalks picked out in ice crystals. But hey, don't knock it! Some of this extra growth can be cut down and just loosely heaped over the top of clumps - say for instance, asters, heleniums, chrysanthemums to act as protection against the cold. It also gives places for insects and beasties to overwinter. If you really can't stand the idea of such untidiness, remember that the more you prune back, the more your plant will be exposed to the cold. A compromise would be to leave roughly a foot of stalk. Leaves are also very useful gathered up and piled onto beds and borders, or put onto the compost heap. Now is a good season to do 'organising' work in the garden - tidying out of sheds, cleaning up of tunnels and greenhouses, redoing edges of borders or paths, building a new compost heap, etc. Don't forget to give your tools a good clean, and oil them once fully dry. Every year I mean to put up more shelves, hooks and brackets in the shed to keep them off the ground. Who knows, maybe this

by Michelle Pierce

ground a little on blocks, and mulch well. If you need to wrap the plant in fleece because it's not hardy, make sure this doesn't touch the leaves. You might make a cage in chicken wire, or use a latticework of twigs or bamboo. If the weather allows, keep an eye on the weed situation. Harmless types like chickweed or bittercress are easily taken out but you don't want the toughies like docks or thistles to be putting down their roots. With the majority of leaves off the trees, now is an excellent time to go round and see what will need pruning, what's getting too big, what might

Driving safely in France In our last issue, Prune Calonne, English-speaking lawyer in Toulouse and The Bugle’s resident expert, told us what to do in case of a road accident and explained how driving licences work in France. This month we look at how to register a car in France and terminating insurance contracts. 1. INSURANCE AND CAR REGISTRATION When travelling in France, the green card (“attestation d’assurance”) must be kept by the driver at all times, when in the car. The green detachable part of the green card should be displayed on the windscreen. If you do not display it because, for example, the insurance company has failed to send it before the old one expires (it happens), you could have to pay a €35 fine. When you receive the green card from the insurer, please remember to SIGN this document! In France, once the owner is insured, anybody can drive the car with the owner’s consent provided it is not on a regular basis. Otherwise, this person will need to be added to the car insurance policy. British or foreign driving history provided by a foreign car insurance company should be enough for you to be insured by its French counterpart. If you are thinking of relocating, most insurance companies at home would cover you under your initial car insurance contract for three months at the most (check the terms and conditions of your policy). If you stay for a longer period of time and wish to relocate, you need to insure your foreign car. No precise definition of what is a permanent resident is available. However, once you reside more than six months a year in France, you become a permanent resident and need to have your car re-registered and also have your number plates changed for French ones. For this, you need to go to the nearest prefecture. You will need to get a new “certificat d’immatriculation” also called a “carte grise”. Basically, it is proof of ownership of the car. To do this, you will need to take the following documents to the “prefecture” (originals and copies):

- “Certificat de conformité européen” - a document from your car manufacturer to prove your vehicle is fit for French roads. - Completed document “Cerfa” 13750*03, also called a “demande de certificat d’immatriculation”. - Original registration document and copies of it. - “Quitus fiscal” - a document from your local tax office proving that VAT was paid on the vehicle. - Proof of ID and residence (e.g. electricity, gas bills, etc., but less than 3 months old). - MOT (“contrôle technique”) certificate of less than 6 months, if your vehicle is 4 years old or more. (The MOT could be done anywhere in Europe. However to avoid any delay I would advise that it is done in France) - Blank, stamped envelope. I would recommend that you stamp the letter as for an LRAR, around €5, and that you give the ‘prefecture’ the paper of the recorded delivery filled in with your home address as the “destinataire”, just to make sure you actually receive the ‘carte grise’ at home. - You will also need your chequebook. (Credit cards might be accepted but pretend it will not.) You do not HAVE to go to the ‘prefecture”. You could give a power of attorney to a trustworthy person who speaks French). You could also send your request for a new ‘carte grise’ by post. (If you do so, send it by ‘LRAR’ or recorded delivery letter with a receipt slip, to be on the safe side). A word of advice: When dealing with the prefecture, you need to know that if you are an employee, and if you decide to go there, that it is best if you take the day off (‘RTT’). Do not expect to find an English speaker at hand so plan to ask a friend to be the interpreter if you do not speak the language. Do not expect to pay by credit card and bring cash with you. Do not lose your cool as they have security staff. To

need moving, and it's time to get out your garden notes of the past year to refer to long forgotten impressions. It's in December that the polytunnels really come into their own, giving a 'warm', light place out of the wind to work, or potter, grow some veg or dream of next year's flowers. Even in an unheated one the difference between what is growing inside and outside is flagrant, and things are still germinating reasonably so that a rolling production of baby salad leaves is possible, temperatures permitting. So, all the best for a very good gardening year! ■

avoid turning up for nothing because you do not have all the documents that your prefecture requests, try to call or ask for the precise list of documents they need in that particular prefecture. Once you have given the ‘prefecture’ all the documents and they have confirmed that they will process your request, you will be given a temporary ‘carte grise’ (proof of ownership of the car). The ‘prefecture’ will then post the definitive one in the envelope you have provided to them. Once you are in possession of the ‘carte grise’, go to your local garage and have the French plates made and fitted. 2. INSURANCE CONTRACT TERMINATION Since January 2014, you can terminate your car insurance contract whenever you wish after the first year without having to give reasons. This type of contract has a tacit renewal clause to ensure there is no lapse of service. If you relocated and wish to terminate your French car insurance contract in favour of another, be careful to have found another company willing to insure you first. In any terms and conditions, you will see that to terminate this type of contract you need to send an LRAR, a recorded delivery letter with receipt slip. A phone call or an ordinary email will not suffice, unlike the UK! LRAR is the best way to prove that you have sent the request for termination, that they have received it (as the company will be asked by the postman to sign the letter before the latter is delivered to the company). It also allows you to know the precise date the letter was received and most importantly to have evidence to prove your will to terminate the contract. ■ For more information, please do not hesitate to contact: Prune CALONNE, Avocat au Barreau de Toulouse, 117 route d’Albi, 31200 Toulouse Phone: 05 34 30 51 33 Mobile: 06 74 16 11 12 Email: scpcalonneadouedugast@hotmail.fr Web: www.cad-avocats.com My firm can arrange appointments in CAHORS at our correspondent’s offices. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.

12 ♦ PRACTICAL

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

The joys of a wood burning stove

ing. The regulations on this are clear. Chimney logs cannot replace a mechanical sweep using rods and brushes. They can be used prior to and in preparation for a proper mechanical sweep as they can help loosen certain types of soot deposits from the inside of flue walls before the intervention of the sweep’s brush, but they do not remove all forms of build up from all types of chimney flue. Neither will they remove blockages caused by birds nesting or obstructions caused by fallen masonry. The Regulations

The art of the chimney sweep

At The Bugle, we are regularly asked for the rules and regulations surrounding having your chimney swept and this year was no exception. How often do you need to sweep your chimney, can you do it yourself and what are the rules with regards to home insurance? Barry Creighton from Stovesellers answers these questions and more.

t’s that time of year again with the new heating season well and truly under way when we are all firing up our heating systems and lighting up those wood burners in preparation for this season’s inevitable cold snap. It’s a busy time too for the trade as many people are having wood burners fitted or requesting chimney sweeps and this has prompted many queries about what the chimney sweeping regulations actually are in France and whether our chimneys need be swept at all. So in this month’s edition we are going to discuss the black art of the chimney sweeps and chimney sweeping also known as... Ramoneurs and Ramonage Always employ the services of a sweep that is professionally qualified, registered and insured to conduct a full and thorough chimney sweep whilst being able to give you advice where necessary about your stove or fire and the fuels to burn in them. The sweep should also be able to issue you with a valid chimney sweeping certificate known as a ‘certificat de ramonage’. Chimney sweeping is a real and regulated profession in France just as it is in many other countries, so do not be led into thinking that just because you can buy a cheap set of flimsy flue brushes from the local DIY shop that you can legally sweep your own chimney for yourself. These brushes are for the most part unsuitable for cleaning the majority of flues that they sweep. We were called out a while back to retrieve a set of these bendy brushes from a client living in the Corrèze when his set of rods fell apart mid sweep and the brush head (known as the ‘herrison’ or ‘hedgehog’ due to its appearance) as well as half a dozen rods became trapped in the customer’s flue, paradoxically increasing the likely risk of a chimney fire rather than reducing it! Specialist equipment is sometimes

required in order to clean many flues as well as an experienced eye being cast in order to tell whether your chimney, fire or stove is still up to scratch. Most people who choose to sweep their own chimneys for themselves simply neither have the necessary equipment nor the experience to know what is required when sweeping and inspecting a chimney. The chimney sweeping scam (L’arnaque du ramoneur) Be wary of the army of casual chimney sweeps that turn up on your doorstep unannounced every year offering to sweep your chimney. Some of these characters have neither the kit, nor the qualifications or the insurance required and their certificates would not be worth the paper they are printed on. Be on your guard also of the seasonal sweep-cum-gardener/builder who has added chimney sweeping to his list of artisanal activities in order to make a few quid during the heating season. It’s likely the credentials of this chimney sweeping chancer may not stand up to legal scrutiny in the event of a claim arising from a chimney fire in a flue which he swept - even if he has managed to blag some form of insurance cover in the meantime. Chimney sweeping logs (Les bûches de ramonage) So what about these chimney logs or so called ‘bûches de ramonage’? How do these work and surely they can be used instead of a sweep’s brush to clean my chimney? No. According to the manufacturers, chimney sweeping logs work by emitting smoke with additives which attach themselves to creosote deposits and reduce the likely chance of a chimney fire. Some of the creosotes may fall back into your fireplace or stove. These deposits will need remov-

So what exactly are the regulations? Let's clear up this FAQ once and for all whilst forgetting everything else that you have read elsewhere before now which conflicts with the following. Having a chimney sweep is not a lifestyle choice but an obligation and a legal requirement in France in accordance with French regulations (DTU 24.1 Travaux de Fumisterie). For solid fuel and oil appliances this should be a minimum of TWICE a year according to the regulations (and more if necessary). Chimneys should be swept once at the start of the season and again during the period of use. For gas burners this should be at least once a year. This requirement is in fact fixed by your commune's Departmental Sanitary Regulations (RSDT) and not your insurance company. The regulations apply to ALL departments in France. Failure to comply with this regulation could lead to a fine of similar gravity to what you would receive from the police arising from speeding or other road traffic infraction. This is a fixed fine (known as an ‘amende forfaitaire de la troisième classe’) in France which can run into the hundreds. Additionally you may not be covered by your insurance and even if your insurer tells you that you are (as most household multi-risk policies will provide some cover in the event of a chimney fire) the amount of your claim could be significantly reduced (by over 50%) if you cannot prove that your chimney had been swept by a qualified sweep. You could also receive a bill from the pompiers for their intervention, which is sharply on the increase in many departments in France, for extinguishing the blaze. Remember that if you do have a fire in your chimney you must have it inspected and tested by a sweep before it is put back into service. Over 80% of chimney fires are caused by not having the chimney swept and with over 1200 chimney fires every year recorded in the Limousin region alone there is a good chance statistically that you will become a victim yourself if you do not have your regular sweep. Indeed there are many minor chimney fires which go undetected in many flues and most of us will have heard of someone who has already had a chimney fire. It’s an event that occurs much more often that you’d imagine, increasing in likeliness when moving into a new house or holiday home this essential service can be easily overlooked but it is not the sort of housewarming most people would wish for. There is of course nothing to stop you sweeping you own chimney and at this time of year you will see sets of chimney sweeping rods and brushes avail-

able most DIY shops. They can even be purchased in some supermarkets nowadays but you will not be covered by your insurance if you do not have a valid chimney sweeping certificate issued by a company which is registered, qualified and insured to issue them. We have also heard that some insurance brokers will tell you that you do not need to have to have your chimney swept at all! Whilst this may well be true from your insurer’s standpoint if you do not have a fire in your chimney, as we have already pointed out, it is the RSDT who obliges you to have your chimney swept rather than the insurance companies – even though it may be the insurer who is responsible for settling your claim. Official confirmation of this can be found via the French federation of insurers website, known as the FFSA (Fédération Française des Sociétés d’Assurance - www. ffsa.fr). Always read the small print of any policy regarding fire cover here as quite often you’ll find that insurance brokers in France, just like their counterparts in the UK, only give you part of the full picture unless you are specific. The devil really is in the detail and the detail in this case is the fine print of your French policy document. The old French proverb “les paroles s’envolent, les écrits restent” springs to mind in such cases reminding us that, compared to spoken words, the written word cannot vanish into thin air, leaving instead compromising traces which could turn out to be (legally) incriminating. ■ So what about us? What qualifies Stovesellers to make any of the above stated claims? To the best of our knowledge, we are currently the only company to hold simultaneously both the UK HETAS and French QUALIBOIS qualifications relating to the proper & legal installation of solid fuel appliances. With nearly ten years of trading experience in France we have knowledge of and access to all of the building regulations relating to our profession and we have been called on by local maires, architects and legal

PRACTICAL ♦ 13

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Don't let the bed bugs bite

advocates in the past who have required our assistance as acknowledged specialists in our field. In addition Stovesellers are registered as wood heating installers and qualified chimney sweeps and are affiliated with the French confederation of small business building professionals (CAPEB). If you’d like to know more about the topics raised here, take a look at Stovesellers' website for more information on wood burning stoves and cookers, central heating systems, chimney installations and chimney sweeps at www.stovesellers.com or call 05.55.63.78.72

ou may think an article about bed bugs in the December edition of The Bugle is in bad taste. The festive period is a time when neighbours and families get together and hotels are full, a time for giving and sharing presents… not bed bugs! Unfortunately, there is a worldwide resurgence in bed bug infestations, especially when people get together in large numbers. After the 2000 Olympics, for example, there was a 2,500% increase in bed bug infestations in Sydney. There is also a peak every holiday, especially at Christmas time. A ten minute check before you leave and when you arrive could save you the stigma, stress and cost of bed bugs. Bed bugs do not jump or fly, but they are very accustomed to hitchhiking their way into people’s lives, attaching themselves to luggage by the claws on their feet. An adult is clearly visible and resembles a brown apple pip. The eggs are opaque (around 1mm long). Before adulthood, a bed bug will shed its skin 5 times (instars). Before each instar, the bed bug needs a blood

meal. The speed of change from egg to adult depends on temperature and the availability of a food source (your blood). First rule: never put your suitcase on the bed... or any bed, ever! The best place for packing and unpacking your case is in the bathroom. You often see spiders in the bath and that is because the surface is too smooth for them to get out; the same is so for bed bugs. Before you pack, shake your case over the bath, check the bath for signs of bed bugs, vacuum the zips and seams. Place clothes in plastic bags, then pack.

Upon arrival, (don’t forget, bag in bath!) check your surroundings for live bed bugs, faecal stains, cast skins, blood smears. Check the bed, sheets, seams and buttons of the mattress, the headboard, bed legs, bedside cabinet, in and under drawers, screw holes and handles, and behind any paintings above the bed. They can hide in tiny cracks, peeling wallpaper or paint and behind light fittings. When you get home, wash everything, not just the clothes you have worn. People react differently to bites, from an almost immediately vis-

ible red welt, to no reaction after several weeks, so you shouldn’t assume that the last bed you slept in was the source of the problem. Bed bugs need to have direct contact with the host’s skin in order to feed, so if in doubt... wear pyjamas! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For more information on bed bugs, or how to deal with them, please contact Robert Moon from Applicateur 3D: 02 48 60 83 72 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com

How to Avoid Double Taxation

any people who moved to France last year, and completed their first French tax return this year, will have noticed that on their tax assessment “Avis d’Imposition” they have actually paid tax twice, since HMRC is still taking tax at source on their UK income. So, what can be done to avoid double taxation? Well, the UK and France have a Double Tax Treaty which ensures that you cannot be taxed twice, but how double taxation is eliminated depends on the type of income you are declaring. For UK government pensions (civil or military service, police, teachers, etc.) the UK will always have the right to tax and it is the French who give you a tax credit to ensure that your pension is not retaxed in France. For share dividends, you should have received a tax credit in France, equal to the amount of UK tax paid at source. For all other income (UK state pen-

sion, private pensions and bank interest), it is up to you to request from HMRC the repayment of the tax paid in the UK, since you left the country, and the right for your pension providers and banks to pay income gross for the future. This problem is resolved by completion of the ‘France/Individual’ form, available from the HMRC website. The form is in English with a copy in French; both copies should be completed and submitted to your local French tax office at the same time as filing your French tax return. The French tax office will stamp the form to confirm you have appropriately declared the various sources of income to the French tax authorities and then send it, via their head office in Paris, to the HMRC non-residents centre. Thereafter, HMRC will change your tax code and contact the providers of your various sources of income, arranging for them to be paid on a gross basis, and calculate a refund of tax paid since you became liable to French

tax. Unfortunately, this process can take several months to resolve as you will have to wait until the submission and assessment of your French tax declaration. As a consequence, in the short term, you will have been taxed twice on the same sources of income, until the refund is calculated and paid. One ongoing problem with this form is that UK banks normally refuse to pay interest gross, even after receiving the instruction from HMRC, so, if you wish to avoid being taxed twice on UK bank interest, you may have to repeat the request for reimbursement every year, via the R43 tax repayment form. ■

Peter Wakelin is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Advisers, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in France since 1996. Telephone 05 56 34 75 51 Email: bordeaux.office@siddalls.net Web: www.siddalls.fr

14 ♦ BILINGUAL

LEARNING FRENCH VIA INTERNET

Perhaps you would like to learn French in comfort at home or from your ofﬁce? You are not in France and you wish to communicate with a native French person for one hour per week? LONG-DISTANCE LEARNING is the answer. You only need internet access and a free Skype account. It can be a one-to-one lesson or you can share the lesson with a person of the same level.

TRANSLATION SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE

Please contact Sophie Arsac for further information – 05 55 89 15 74 - scarolinea@yahoo.fr

Santons - Little Saints

antons (or “little saints” from the Provençal word “santoun”) are small (2.5-15 cm) hand-painted, clay nativity scene figurines produced in the Provence region of southeastern France. A traditional Provençal crèche includes biblical figures such as the three wise kings who join the shepherds to visit Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus, as well as individual figures representing various characters from Provençal village life such as the washerwoman, the blind man and his son, and the chestnut seller. The first santons were created by Marseillais artisan Jean-Louis

es santons (ou “petits saints” selon le mot provençal “santoun”) sont de petites figurines en argile qui représentent la scène de la nativité. D’une taille variant de 2.5 à 15 cm et peintes à la main, elles sont fabriquées en Provence, région du sud-est de la France. Une crèche provençale traditionnelle présente des personnages bibliques tels que les Rois Mages qui accompagnent les bergers pour rendre visite à Joseph, Marie et l’enfant Jésus mais également des figurines symbolisant les habitants d’un village provençal tels que la lavandière, l’aveugle et son fils et le vendeur de châtaignes. Les premiers santons ont été

Lagnel (1764-1822) during the French Revolution when churches were forcibly closed and their large nativity scenes prohibited. Private cribs took their place and were displayed inside homes instead. Lagnel, who made moulded figurines for the church crèches, decided to make the santons for the general population, at a price they could afford. A maker of santons is a santonnier and the creation of santons today is essentially a family craft, handed down through generations. Santons are fashioned in two halves, pressed together and fused. Hats, baskets and other accessories are applied

créés par un artisan marseillais nommé Jean-Louis Lagnel (1764-1822) durant la Révolution Française quand les églises furent fermées sous la contrainte et que les grandes mises en scène publiques de la nativité furent prohibées. Elles furent remplacées par des crèches disposées dans l’intimité du foyer de chaque famille. Lagnel, qui avait moulé des figurines pour les crèches des églises, décida de façonner des santons pour la population, à un prix abordable. Un fabricant de santons est “un santonnier”, un métier artisanal qui, en principe, se transmet désormais de génération en génération. Les santons sont fabriqués grâce à deux moitiés de

with an adhesive. Until the end of the 19th century, santons were air-dried rather than fired in a kiln. As a consequence, such figures were fragile and easily broken. Modern santons are generally fired in a kiln and are therefore much stronger. There are two types of santons: santons d’argile (clay figures), and santons habillés (doll-like clothed figures). Since 1803, santonniers have gathered in Marseille each December to display and sell their wares at the Foire aux Santons. Today santon fairs and exhibitions are a common regional event during November and December. ■

moule, rassemblées et pressées. Les chapeaux, paniers et autres accessoires sont appliqués avec un adhésif. Jusqu’à la fin du 19ème siècle, les santons étaient séchés à l’air, donc fragiles et aisément cassables. Les santons modernes sont généralement cuits dans un four et de ce fait beaucoup plus solides. Il existe deux variétés de santons : les santons d’argile et les santons habillés. Depuis 1803, les santonniers se regroupent à Marseille chaque décembre pour exposer et vendre leur production à la Foire aux Santons. Ces expositions ventes sont courantes dans la région durant les mois de novembre et décembre. ■

SIRET 502 409 212 00011 – APE 8559B

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

The Bugle thanks French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for the translation of this month's bilingual article on a topical aspect of FrancoBritish culture.

Bilingual Crossword Clues in English - answers in French

Across:

Down:

5. Donkey (3)

1. Uncle (5)

6. Insect (7) 8. Feather (5) 9. April (5) 11. Minutes (7) 14. Wharfs (5) 15. Useful (5) 17. Shoulders (7) 18. Friend (3)

2. Years (3) 3. Napkin (9) 4. Tin (5) 7. Ambitious (9) 10. Wall (3) 12. Wasp (5) 13. Lead (5) 16. Sea (3)

Bilingual crossword solution can be found on page 18

Advertise your business here

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DIRECTORY ♦ 15

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Animals & Pets DOG GROOMING FOR ALL TYPES OF DOGS

Clipping, cutting, hand stripping, bathing, ear care & nail trimming. INGRID GELAUDIE ** New address ** La Baronnie, 24260 Audrix

06 31 98 92 07 Dog Grooming Parlour All breeds catered for Clipping, hand stripping and bathing 30 years’ experience 24500 Eymet

(Architecture/ Design/ Decoration)

Need interior design advice? Planning a project? Giving a space a makeover? Need to submit a building permit or a declaration? I can support you in all your makeover, renovation or construction projects. Sarlat and surrounding areas (up to 100km)

Tel: 06.87.09.38.94

Web: http://www.elsaconception.com

05 53 58 55 38 and home of CANOUAN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS Puppies sometimes available

MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

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

Siret: 499 234 615 00015

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Architectural Services

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

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

05 53 56 72 59 / 06 05 56 42 81 +44 (0)7448 466 662 Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com

www.motorpartscharente.com Delivery via Parcelforce Worldwide to your door in France

JOHN SOWERSBY +44 (0)1377 255470 / +44 (0)7830 170761

motorptscharente@aol.com

Plans, Permissions & Photo-Realisations Comprehensive CAD drafting & design service for your planning application. Dossiers compiled and submitted, including all local & departmental liaison.

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

web: www.masterplans.eu email: info@masterplans.eu siret: 790 016 984 00011

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Building Services

Siret: 498 843 051 00018

ElsaConception Architectural

Auto Services

SHAMPOOCHIENS

Building Services

DRAWING SERVICE

Renovating your French property? New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05 lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr www.latuspeter-architecturaldrawings-24.com SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Electricians Leigh Dodd

Electrical Services Full house rewiring, renovations EDF/Consuel arrangements Fully qualified & Decennale insured Established in France since 2007 Based near St-Yrieix-la-Perche

O5.55.48.95.86 www.saraleigh.com contact@saraleigh.com Siret: 507 643 336 00013

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

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

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

ed all expectations. 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. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution? The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is. There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when

the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance - if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■ Units start from €630 TTC

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

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

ADVERTORIAL

Ivan Petley - 3D Puzzle Maker

xpat 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 three-dimensional, 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… but 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

Building Services General David’s Services

What can I offer you?

22 Years’ experience working in France A complete service of Repairs and Maintenance (interior and exterior) A house opening and closing service Good solid technical advice on future projects Trustworthy, reliable and conscientious Based in the North of Dordogne

Contact David: 05 53 09 42 18 No Siret: 402 444 871 00022

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

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 puzzle 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. 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. These handmade masterpieces make the perfect gift! ■

Ivan & Alison Petley 05 55 80 29 98 alison.petley@wanadoo.fr

Building Services Painters/ Decorators Simon Carter

Montluc Painting & Decorating

Your advert here

siret: 792.130.932.00017

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

UK & French Satellite TV

Dishes & Freesat boxes always in stock Terrestrial digital aerial installations From a single outlet to multi-point systems Approved Supplier

Computers & Satellites

We only use our own qualified staff No call out charge Free quotations All areas covered Quality work from qualified Staff 5 Place de la Republique Sauviat-sur-Vige 87400

05 55 09 15 73

siret no 798 364 600 00014

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 WiFi Anglais

Solve your Internet, wireless and computer problems Extended wired and wireless networks for homes, gîtes and small businesses. VPN solutions. Windows and Mac OSX.

Email: Stephen@Wisedale.com

Tel: 05 53 30 23 96 Mob: 07 78 52 20 46 Siret: 800 525 040 00013

Food & Drink

TOOWAY BROADBAND

05 55 41 17 76

FREE QUOTES

Web: www.sjcmontluc.fr Email: sjcmontluc@yahoo.fr

Formerly Electrosat

Wi-Fi, Data Networks, CCTV For sales, service or advice call Mike G on:

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK experience, now based 24/87 border Specialist services: Interior & exterior painting, wallpapering, plastering & boarding, floor restoration, tiling.

Tel: 05 87 19 91 50 Mob: 07 81 26 88 65

Sat-Elec

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

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

La Poutre

Bar & Restaurant

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

French/International cuisine. Themed nights each Friday: 1st Friday - Curry night 2nd Friday - Quiz night 3rd Friday - Fish n Chips night “best around”!! 4th Friday - Live Music night Open Tue - Fri: 11am - 9pm (except Wed eve) Saturday 6pm - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 3pm, traditional English roasts served For further details call Steve:

05 53 80 29 54

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

The Dordogne Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm Monday: Le Champsac (every other week) Tuesday: Tremolat Wednesday: Star Inn, Périgueux Thursday: Eymet Friday: Lauzun

(except the last Friday of the month when it is Daglan)

See our website for full details:

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

Karen’s Kitchen Catering for you in the Dordogne

Specialising in home-made pastries: Sausage rolls, Pasties - Cornish, Cheese & Onion, Steak & Stilton, Vegetarian & Chicken. Eccles cakes. Scones made to order. All prepared and baked daily on the premises you cannot get fresher! Bacon, cheese, bread, tea bags & tinned produce all in stock. Find me at your local market: • Tue - Le Bugue • Thu - Eymet • Fri - Le Buisson • Sat - Villereal • Sun - Issigeac

www.karenskitchen24.com email: karenskitchen24@gmail.com

05 53 74 01 91 or 06 01 31 07 47

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

Pest Control

Gifts & Crafts

Parking For Limoges Airport

Property Sales

Efficient parking for all types of vehicles Book now!!

www.parkinglimoges.com

06 13 38 59 68 05 55 14 49 45

Ivan Petley

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

Tel: 05.55.80.29.88

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

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

Email: info@applicateur3d.com

WWW.CARDBUBBLE.COM

rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets

General

Beautiful fishing lake for sale 1 hectare 05 53 62 93 27

Curative and preventative

BUY YOUR BRITISH GREETINGS CARDS ONLINE!

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

QUALITY CARDS AT UK PRICES! E: ANGI@CARDBUBBLE.COM FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER €10 WORLDWIDE

Property Maintenance

siret: 751 978 917 00019

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Transport, Removals & Storage

PROCHEM trained and Qualified

06 32 32 64 54 / 05 53 58 00 98 email lucidservices24@gmail.com siret: 512 614 306 00011

Eco Entrepot aka The Shed

Dyal Consulting

Your partners for peace of mind

● HAIRSTYLIST ● COSMETICIAN ● MAKE-UP ● MASTER ARTISAN

ENGLISH SPOKEN • Air-conditioned • Shiatsu massage chair

05 55 41 17 76

Tel: 05 24 13 65 58

Specialists in all carpet and upholstery cleaning

10 years UK experience - Covering depts 24/47/33

Health & Beauty

sales24@thebugle.eu

CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Tue - Fri: 9h - 19h, Sat 9h - 17h

sarldesouchevicente@sfr.fr 47, rue du Gén. de Gaulle, 24660 Coulounieix Chamiers

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

Man & Van Transport

05 55 68 74 73

While you’re away, we can look after your house, check for weather damage, perform small maintenance jobs, take care of the garden, get your home ready for winter. On your return, we can prepare your house, stock up on groceries, etc... everything to make your arrival stress free.

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

We are here to keep your house alive throughout your absence and to make your life easier! Call your concierge today:

05 55 33 21 59

07 77 95 31 36

French Spoken 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

Open every day except Monday

SOS Help

anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up!

01 46 21 46 46 3 - 11pm daily Confidential & Non-profit

www.soshelpline.org

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €13.50/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 20,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

For more information on any of our advertising options, please feel free to give us a call on 05 55 41 17 76 or send an email to sales24@thebugle.eu

6-Month Contract €108

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€18/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€24/month)

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€27/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€36/month)

€144 €162 €216

12-Month Contract €162

(€13.50/month)

€216

(€18/month)

€243

(€20.25/month)

€324

(€27/month)

Directory Advertising is available either in black and white or colour, and in either small (30 words max) or large (45 words max) format. Directory adverts may only contain text - no logos, images or artwork are allowed. The minimum contract length is 6 months. Advertising is payable on publication. All prices are HT.

Large Directory Ad 46mm x 71mm (Actual Size) 45 words max Small Directory Ad 46mm x 46mm (Actual Size)

30 words max

18 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

CHAPLAINCY OF AQUITAINE CAROL SERVICES

Sunday 07 December 11:00 Christmas Service with Carols – Nérac, Lot et Garonne 17:00 Carol Service – Limeuil, Dordogne 18:00 Advent Carols – Bertric Burée, Dordogne Wednesday 10 December 18:30 Carol Service – Dondas, Lot et Garonne Thursday 11 December 18:00 Carol Service – Montcaret, Dordogne Friday 12 December 18:00 Carol Service – Ribérac, Dordogne 18:30 Carol Service – St Médard, Lot et Garonne Sunday 14 December 16:00 Carol Service – Chancelade, Dordogne 18:00 Carol Service – Bordeaux, Gironde 18:00 Carol Service – Monteton, Lot et Garonne Tuesday 16 December 18:30 Carol Service – Allez, Lot et Garonne Wednesday 17 December 18:00 Carol Service – Eymet, Dordogne Thursday 18 December 18:30 Carol Service – Doudrac, Lot et Garonne Friday 19 December 18:00 Carol Service – Négrondes, Dordogne 17:00 Carol Service – Sainte Nathalène, Dordogne

CHRISTMAS EVE/ CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES Wednesday 24 December 18:30 Christmas Eve Holy Communion – Doudrac 22:30 Christmas Eve Holy Communion – Limeuil Thursday 25 December 10:30 Christmas Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Christmas Prayer & Praise – Bordeaux 10:30 Christmas Day Service – Eymet 10:30 Christmas Celebration – Limeuil 10:30 Christmas Holy Communion - Monteton The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine covers the Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Condom (Gers). All services are held in English, in the local parish church except in Bordeaux, where services are held in the Chapelle de l’Assomption, 370 bvd Président Wilson. For further details, please see our website: www.churchinaquitaine.org or contact the Chaplain Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk: tel 05 53 23 40 73 - paul.vrolijk@gmail.com

Are you involved with a local charity or association? editor@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Rebeyrat English Library Welcome to the Rebeyrat English Library, ‘the friendly library’, in Rebeyrat, 24360 SaintBarthélemy-de-Bussière. All our books are in English, but the Library is open to all nationalities. With over 5,000 books to choose from, there is also a good selection of children’s books. Price to join the library for one year’s membership is as follows: €25 for a family, €15 per adult and €10 for Under 18s. This is to cover the costs of administration and new books. To register you will require the following: 1) A passport 2) A current bill with proof of address 3) A passport size photo For more information, please email library24360@gmail.com or phone 05 53 56 49 28 Opening times: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10h - 15h30

WHAT’S ON ♦ 19

DECEMBER 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Christmas Markets

Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December – Château des Izards, Coulounieix-Chamiers. From 16h on the 6th; 10h-17h on the 7th.

Saturday 6th - Wednesday 31st December Village de Noël, Sarlat

This year’s Christmas Village, set amongst 40 chalets on places 14 Juillet and de la Grande Rigaudie, with open-air ice rink, takes on an Austrian theme and welcomes craftsmen from all over France, with a variety of goods and gourmet treats.

Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December – Château, Saussignac Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December – Salle Culturelle, Villamblard. Sat 14h-21h; Sun 10h-18h. Sunday 7th December – Salle des Fêtes, Alles-sur-Dordogne Sunday 7th December – Château, La Chapelle-Faucher Sunday 7th December – Salle Polyvalente, Siorac-en-Périgord Sunday 7th December – St-Aquilin Sunday 7th December – Salle des Fêtes, St-Félix-de-Villadeix Sunday 7th December – In & outside the Salle des Fêtes, St-Jory-de-Chalais Sunday 7th December – Verteillac Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th December – Salle des Fêtes, Coux-et-Bigaroque Saturday 13th December – In the streets and under la halle, Lalinde Sunday 14th December – Place de l’eglise, La Coquille Sunday 14th December - Salle Gerbeau, Mussidan Sunday 14th December – Salle des Fêtes, St-Antoine-de-Breuilh, from 19h

Saturday 6th Dec – Saturday 3rd January Village de Noël, Périgueux Discover the Christmas Village of Périgueux at Place Bugeaud. Open every day of the week, this year’s village takes on an Alsation flavour. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and sweet & savoury treats and shop for Christmas gifts amongst the chalets set around the ice rink.

Sunday 14th December, Place de la Mairie, Vergt Sunday 14th December, Christmas Market, Salle des Fêtes, Villars Sunday 14th December – Foyer Rural, Villefranche du Périgord Saturday 20th December – Place du Marché, Mareuil Sunday 21st December – Place de la Bastide, Eymet Sunday 21st December – Jumilhac-le-Grand Sunday 21st December – Montpazier Sunday 21st December – St-Geniès Sunday 21st December – Le Château, la Cour et la Halle, Varaignes Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac France Monthly circulation: 11,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

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

Tirage mensuel:

11,000 copies

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.

Wednesday 17th – Wednesday 24th December Village Artisanal de Noël, Bergerac

Every day from 10h-19h, 35 artisans & artists will offer visitors original gift ideas such as pottery, blown glass, wood, saffron and beauty products. There will also be mulled wine, chestnuts, crêpes, patisseries and organic foods available. Place Cayla, Place de la Myrpe, Maison des syndicats.

20 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2014

This year’s Bio Fair in Bergerac will take place in the Salle Anatole France from Fri 5th to Sun 7th December. This annual event showcases the many and varied bio products of the Dordogne and surrounding departments, with over 90 stands, conferences, workshops and exhibitions. Open Friday 14h-21h (followed by bal trad), Saturday 10h-20h and Sunday 10h-19h. Entry €2.50 (includes bal trad on Fri) or €4 pass for 3 days. Free for Under 15s. For more information & programme visit: foirebiobergerac.canalblog.com

Cantabile, the ACFAA Choir in Eymet, will once again be cheering the spirits of the local French and expat population this December by singing first at the Anglican Family Carol Service in Eymet Church at 6pm on Wednesday 17th December, followed by a procession to the Square. There, under the arcades, we will be singing a selection of well-known Carols and Christmas Songs for everyone to join in. Simon Kenworthy, our talented leader, has composed a special medley of music incorporating melodies you will recognise and the ACFAA (Association Culturelle FrancoAnglaise d’Aquitaine) will offer a cup of mulled wine to keep you warm, after which a collection will be taken by a local charity. If we are lucky, Father Christmas may even make an appearance!