The Bugle Dordogne - Dec 2015

Lascaux makes bid for 2017 Tour de France

With the Tour not due to pass through the Dordogne in 2016, officials are already campaigning for >> Page 6 inclusion in the 2017 race

Dordogne December 2015 - Issue #30

Expats lose bid for EU referendum vote The House of Lords has voted against an amendment to the referendum bill that would have given long-term expats the right to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. Under current rules, those who have lived outside the UK for more than 15 years cannot vote.

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n amendment put before the House of Lords that w o u l d have seen long-term expats given the right to vote in Britain’s in-out referendum on EU membership has been rejected, despite significant support. During the same debate, the Lords voted to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to have their say on continued EU membership, a decision that puts it on a collision course with the government which opposes the change.

Currently, expats who have lived abroad for more than 15 years cannot vote in British elections, but there has been a major campaign to allow them a one-off chance to vote in the upcoming referendum on the basis

that it directly affects expats as well as those living in the country. The amendment was defeated in the House of Lords by 214 to 116.

A prominent group from the upper house had argued that making a one-off exception for long-term expats to vote in the referendum was no different to the one-off exception that exists in the referendum bill which allows members of the House of Lords to take part (they also cannot vote in General Elections).

“It would be extraordinary if the government did not exert themselves to ensure that these British citizens who have been abroad for more than 15 years have the vote on the occasion of the EU referendum, when their own rights and livelihoods are at stake,” said

>> continued on page 8

INSIDE > > > NEWS - Bad year for Périgord truffles

After a poor season for summer truffles, the upcoming harvest of winter truffles is also likely to have been badly affected by the dry weather >> Page 3

NEWS - Are you flying this Christmas?

Crackers, party poppers, wrapped presents... what can you carry with you on the main airlines? Top tips to ensure your Christmas is a merry one >> Page 10

Bilingual - Traditional Christmas Dinner

We take a bilingual look at the traditional British Christmas Dinner and how these customs differ from those of France >> Page 15

The Bugle Business Directory

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

W

ell, what to say?! As a newspaper it's hard not to touch upon the recent attacks in Paris, but as a person it's impossible to get my head around what has happened and I don't know quite what to say. I saw headlines coming through on the night of the 13th as I went to bed, but it wasn't until the next morning that I realised the extent of the attacks. It took a while for the enormity of the loss of life to sink in.

I know that tragedies on this scale do happen with worrying regularity around the world, but it is somehow different when it takes place on your own doorstep. It is safe to say that it has rocked the nation

and it will be a long time until people get over the events of 13th November.

Perhaps the weirdest part was trying to explain what had happened to my 6-year-old. We had been forewarned by school that it was going to be mentioned in class, so we tried to sit down and explain it all in a way that might make sense to a child. But how do you do that?

Initial reactions after these events are often a mixture of anger and fear, but as everything sinks in it becomes more complicated. My wife had long been booked to travel up to Paris with a friend the week after the attacks to go to an expo. My first instinct was to tell her to cancel, but then that began to feel like

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

letting the terrorists win.

The best act of defiance in the face of such violence is to carry on. So my wife took the train up to Paris exactly one week after the attacks and carried on “as normal”. It was, by all accounts, a strange experience and made for a nervous day for us all, but I do think it was the right thing to do.

The French and the British have a long and glorious history of not quite getting along.

There is plenty of crossChannel banter, which on occasion can spill over into xenophobia – in both directions. But events such as this show that fundamentally, on the real basic issues, there is not much between our two nations. There has been a great deal said, by my neighbours and outside the school gates, about the fact that the fans turned Wembley red, white and blue for the football match against France that took place just four days after the attacks and that the England fans all sang the

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Sarah took this on place de la République, Paris Marseillaise (see page 12).

You could tell that gestures like that meant a lot to the French and sometimes it is good to see how much we have in common, rather than highlighting our narrow differences.

It feels weird, but I would like to wish all of our readers a very merry Christmas and thank you all once more for your continued support of The Bugle. As always, I am not short of plans, projects and hopes for the New Year, both for the newspaper and on a personal level. I intend to carry on enjoying my freedoms and living my life to the full, as for me that is

the best response to those who would remove those freedoms from us.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!

Until next month!

Steve Martindale, Editor

General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales24@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions24@thebugle.eu Write to: The Bugle Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois

INSIDE this edition 3-7 Local News 8-13 National News 14 Practical 15 Bilingual 16-18 Directory 19 Games 20-22 What’s On 23 Community

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Local town lights the way A bad year for

Dordogne truffles

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T www.abeleclairage.com

n the month where France was revealed as the most innovative country in Europe (and third in the world - see page 13), the region has been doing its bit.

ABEL, a lighting company from neighbouring Corrèze, has unveiled a unique solution to lighting pedestrian crossings in the Dordogne, a product for which it has already won an innovation award.

“The initial request came from SaintCyprien, which has high levels of tourism; it was keen to light a pedestrian crossing in an area that had very poor lighting,” explains Lionel Beaumi, a director at the company. “We wanted to think of an alternative solution, while respecting the standards currently in place.

There were already bollards near the crossing

and we wanted to incorporate the lighting system within these.”

Key to the solution is the use of low-energy, high visibility blue LED lights. These are installed on the standard bollards usually present on either side of the road at pedestrian crossings and produce a strip of light across the road that can be seen clearly

from long distances.

Apart from just illuminating the crossing, the colour of the light is important; the strip of blue light that crosses the road is highly visible, both to motorists and pedestrians. It is also easier to see than orange or white light for those with impaired vision.

The simple solution

has proved popular and the company are also now looking to promote the S-Pass bollard abroad. “We want to grow internationally, especially in Northern Europe. Countries like Sweden are also very concerned about the safety of their residents,” said ABEL head of marketing Claire Fronty. ■

hey call them “black diamonds”, and with good reason; they sell for almost as much as the sought after gems. Black winter truffles from Périgord (Tuber melanosporum) are the Dordogne’s pride and one of its most desired products.

While most of us enjoyed the sweltering summer of 2015, deep underground the truffles were suffering, becoming even more rare than usual. You only had to visit the summer truffle markets of the Périgord to see proof of this. In Sainte-Alvère the truffle market was forced to close in July for lack of the precious jewels.

Christian Pratique, president of the Trufficulteurs Pétrocoriens explained: “The summer truffles (Tuber aestivum) begin growing in April and May and reach full growth by the summer. But they must have water. This year the small summer production was a bad sign for the

winter truffles, harvested between December and March.

It is looking like a poorer year than 2014.”

Below average rainfall in the Périgord has not helped.

The national annual average is 195 mm of rain, but the Dordogne has so far received only 167 mm. Truffle experts insist that 40 mm per month is a basic requirement for a good harvest.

Eric Allegret, head of la Truffière des Mérigots, a commercial truffle farm near Thenon, warns that prices are already rising and may not fall to their traditional seasonal prices until later next year.

While the main culprit is the summer drought, the dry period that lasted well into winter will continue to take its toll.

Vast sums have been invested into research for truffle propagation, but the precise conditions for consistent truffle growing still remain mysterious. Except the need for rain! ■

by Brian Hinchcliffe

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

Manchester flights unveiled

M

i c h a e l O ’ L e a r y giveth and he taketh away.

The presence of Ryanair and other low-cost airlines is of huge importance for the local economy, but also for the community of British expats that live here.

So many people will have been delighted to read that Ryanair was adding three flights between Manchester and Limoges from 3rd April 2016. The downside for others will be that the new route replaces the current Liverpool flights.

The Dordogne is well served by Bergerac Airport during the summer months, but for many in the department, Limoges - and to a lesser extent Bordeaux - are the more convenient transport hubs.

The move is part of Ryanair’s continued investment in Manchester Airport. The company plans to add six routes, increase the frequency of 10 others and create up to 400 jobs. Three of those 6 new routes have come from Liverpool, however: Limoges, Carcassonne and Bratislava. Ryanair also said it would be basing an eighth aircraft at Manchester to serve its expanded schedules of 41 routes.

The news was welcomed

Local impact of Paris terror attacks

T

by Limoges Airport director Laurent Le Mercier: “Manchester, which has a population of 2.5 million, is the gateway to Wales and the airport offers important connections.” In other words, the route could create further tourism and economic opportunities for the Limousin, whilst also offering travellers from France the chance to connect via Manchester to destinations across the world.

Ryanair typically expects its aircraft to be 75% full on average and flight schedules have so far only

been announced for the first three months of the summer. “The first months will set the tone and dictate whether or not the number of weekly flights will be increased over the summer,” explained Laurent Le Mercier.

While the loss of the Limoges route, along with the two others, will be disappointing for Liverpool John Lennon Airport, a spokesman said they expect Ryanair traffic will remain stable due to anticipated increases in capacity on some of its remaining routes.

“Ryanair have had a good year to date during 2015 at Liverpool, carrying more passengers than last year, with strong load factors, and we expect 2016 to be another good year for them at Liverpool,” he said. “While they will no longer fly to some destinations, other existing Ryanair services will see increased capacity with more departures to Dublin, Kos and Rhodes and the return of their service to Reus, which is popular for holidaymakers heading for the Costa Dorada area of Spain.” ■

he terror attacks in France hit communities across France and the Dordogne was no exception.

Twenty-six-year-old Maxime Bouffard, from Coux-et-Bigaroque, lost his life in the fusillade at the Bataclan concert, tragic news which devastated the village and the surrounding area.

Here in the department, the authorities lost no time in putting their action plans into immediate effect following the terrible scenes in Paris of Friday 13th November.

In the wake of the attacks, Christophe Bay, the Dordogne Prefect ordered continuing, special surveillance at religious centres, sensitive sites and major transport axes including Bergerac Airport.

During the three day mourning period announced by the government, a ban on mass demonstrations ensured police activity was not diverted from essential security duties and some public facilities were closed.

Many fun events and festive markets were also called off. In Piégut-Pluviers, the Christmas market went ahead but British trader, John Reid, also Royal Airforce Association Welfare Officer, cancelled his Christmas jewellery stall. John explained to The Bugle: “ I am sorry to let down my customers but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing festive business at a time like this.

It’s not a security issue, it’s respect.”

In Bergerac, Mayor Daniel Garrigue requested bar owners and discos to close early.

Across the department a minute’s silence was respected by Dordogne residents on Monday 16th November. ■

by Brian Hinchcliffe

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DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Bad news good news for Périgueux water park

A

quacap, one of Périgueux’s most enjoyed facilities will be closed for a year. This was the dreadful news announced in late autumn. Well-liked by Tripadvisor’s reviewers, the ultra-modern wet and wild pool was set to be decommissioned for remedial work which would take at least a year.

Aquacap have just confirmed this and announced that the pool will indeed close for major repairs to serious leaks and will be out of action for a long period.

So where’s the good news?

Aquacap said that the work will not now start until 2017 and that the centre will be in action for the whole of next year. It added that the site will also get a facelift and reopen like brand new.

The Greater Périgueux local authority has said that it is dismayed by the duration of the work and the €2 million estimated cost, but takes comfort in the full summer season ahead. Jaques Auzou, chair of the authority, added that the remedial costs are likely to be the subject of legal action against the original installing contractors.

Holiday home owner Sarah Smith from Gosforth told The Bugle, “At least we will be able to use it next year. We often come to the Dordogne in spring, before it’s warm enough to swim outdoors. Our children love it. It’s like being at the beach.

We sometimes spend all day there!”

For the latest on the repair schedule at the Champcevinel water park, go to: http:// aquacap.agglo-perigueux.fr ■

by Brian Hinchcliffe

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

What region are we now a part of?

T

he administrative map of France is undergoing a massive shake-up in the coming weeks as the country goes to the polls to vote in regional elections to decide who is to govern the 13 new “super regions” of France when the map is redrawn on 1st January 2016.

Even though everything will be changing from the New Year, much remains uncertain, including the name of the super-region that will be created by the fusion of the Aquitaine, Limousin and PoitouCharentes regions. Despite the new region being born on the 1st January, the law currently gives authorities until the beginning of October 2016 to find a name!

What is known for sure is that the new super-region will be the country’s largest. The expanded region will cover 84,000 km², making it roughly the size of Austria! It will not have a particularly high population density, however, with 5.8 million residents and will also be the oldest region in France, with nearly one third of the population aged 60 or over.

The main aim of the reorganisation is to remove layers from the millefeuille of French administration (a millefeuille, literally meaning “a thousand sheets”, is the name of a vanilla-flavoured patisserie made with layers of puff pastry). Prime Minister Manuel Valls recently told journalists that the moves could save the country €25 billion in administration costs and efficiency savings through reducing the number of regions from 22 to 13.

With efficiency as the driving force, the reorganisation of the regions will result in the loss of some local jobs. The Aquitaine, Limousin and PoitouCharentes regions employ 4,000, 1,500 and 2,700 people respectively in administrative positions, but it is not yet known how many of these local jobs will be lost or relocated to the new regional capital of Bordeaux.

Much will change over the coming years, but backers of the reforms are confident that the simplified structure will help to reduce the financial and administrative burden of France’s current large, multi-layered and cumbersome system.

Now we just need a name! ■

Merged regions:

Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie Burgundy and Franche Comté Upper Normandy and Lower Normandy Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon Aquitaine, Limousin and Poitou-Charentes

6 regions remain unchanged:

Centre, Corsica, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Ile-de-France, Pays de la Loire, Brittany

6 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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A motorway at last for Périgueux?

Two major development organisations in the Aquitaine region have launched a joint campaign for a new motorway route. The two associations, BAP and Develop’SO, are calling for an express route through the soon to be enlarged Aquitaine region.

The proposal is to use the existing Paris-Limoges-Pau corridor and upgrade it to motorway standard, thus removing the Périgueux bottleneck, avoiding the intensive truck route between Bordeaux and Spain, and freeing up the Bordeaux ring road. The proposers claim that this new route will open up the entire new region, resulting in better infrastructure and greater investment.

The idea will involve an 80 km upgrade for the N21 between Limoges and Périgueux, and 60 km between Mussidan and the A65 at Langon.

The two associations, BAP from Pau and Develop’SO based in Périgueux, estimate the cost to be €2.5 billion.

Crossing Périgueux for local and through traffic has been a major issue in the Dordogne for years. In 2013, Bernard Cazeau, chair of the Conseil général, announced that a decision was soon to be made on the route for a link between the N21 and the A89, but the plans remain to be drawn.

This latest proposal is considered a “blue sky” idea, with major advantages for the new super-region, AquitaineLimousin-Poitou-Charentes.

At the moment, the campaigners, confident of the regional benefits of the scheme, are concentrating on getting a study completed. Many Dordogne drivers will be wishing them every success! ■

by Brian Hinchcliffe

Lascaux in 2017 Tour de France bid

A

fter much speculation, the route of the 2016 Tour de France has been unveiled, but the world’s largest annual sporting event will not be passing through the Dordogne.

Seven years after it last welcomed a stage of the Tour, nearby Limoges will host a stage finish as well as a stage departure the following day.

A campaign is already under way, however, to bring the Tour de France back to the Dordogne in 2017.

Speaking on France Bleu radio, the president of the Conseil départemental announced that he had already written to the race director, Christian Prudhomme, on the matter: “We have already submitted our bid to host a stage finish at Lascaux in 2017. This would be a momentous occasion as Lascaux IV will be opening in 2016.” The last time the peloton passed through the Dordogne was in 2014 when it visited Bergerac and Périgueux.

The 3,519 km race will not feature a prologue or a team time

trial in 2016, a structure that should favour the climbers. It does include two individual time trials totalling 54 km, however, making it ideally suited to the all-round talents of defending champion Chris Froome, who was among the bigname riders in attendance at a presentation ceremony in Paris.

Bastille Day (July 14th) will see the riders finish on the windswept summit of Mont Ventoux, a crippling 22.7 km ascent at an average gradient of 7.5%. It is the same stage that Froome won in 2013, effectively securing his first Tour de France win. “There are a couple of time trials in there, albeit they are not traditional time trials,” said Team Sky’s boss Sir David Brailsford. “Ventoux is somewhere he really likes going. He has been there before and, if he performs well up there, that could be good. I can’t see any reason why he won’t be rubbing his hands together. You have got to race what is in front of you. That is the great thing about the Tour de France - every year is different.”

“It challenges every aspect of cycling time trials, mountains, a technical descent,” said Team Sky’s Froome. “It’s such an amazing, special race. I’m still 30 years old and feel I have a lot left in my legs. It suits me better than this year’s Tour. The beautiful thing about the Tour de France is that it’s not specifically about one stage. I think it’s going to take

a complete cyclist, but the stage that certainly stands out for me is Mont Ventoux I know how difficult this climb is and how much time can be won or lost.”

Tour director Christian Prudhomme described the route as “a sporting challenge in beautiful surroundings”. Indeed, the opening stage will pass the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, which

former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower once described as the “most beautiful kilometre in France”, before ending along the windswept shores of Utah Beach, site of the D-Day landings. The race will pass through 4 mountain ranges, including stages in the shadow of Mont Blanc, before culminating in a sprint up the Champs-Elyseés in Paris on 21st July. ■

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 7

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

Lords deny expats EU referendum vote >> continued from pg 1 Lord Hannay during the debate. “They and their futures are directly involved in this. Frankly, it would be appalling if the government, later in this parliament, in an act of supreme generosity, gave them the vote - but after the referendum in which they wish to vote.”

This last comment referred to the “Votes for Life” bill currently being considered by the government. The bill will overturn the law that bans those who have lived abroad for longer than 15 years from voting, but it will not be passed before the referendum, which must be held by 2017. The government’s official position is that it wants expat voting rights for the referendum to remain the same as for General Elections, i.e. no votes for those who have lived abroad for longer than 15 years.

There are an estimated 5.2 million British citizens living abroad, with 1.3 million of those residing in other EU nations, although there is no breakdown as to how many of those have been living outside the UK for more than 15 years.

One of the amendment’s supporters, Baroness Miller, said many long-term expats had spent their working lives in the UK and drew government pensions as they had been nurses, civil servants and members of the forces and therefore still paid UK tax. “Many other people working in the EU are there because they are flying the flag for Britain. They have been encouraged by successive governments of this country to expand their careers and look to the EU,” she told the House.

“For some this started when they were at university, with the Erasmus scheme getting them to spend time at EU universities, and for others it is because the UK has developed partnerships with firms such as Airbus. So governments have encouraged British citizens to look on the whole of the EU as a place to study, work and live, and they cannot now pull the

rug from under their feet. They should at least give them a say in whether that rug is pulled. I can not understand why they are not keen to enfranchise this group of citizens. If the government believe it is right for British citizens to vote in future general elections, as announced in their manifesto, why is it not right to give these people a vote in a referendum that will have a greater impact on their lives than a general election?”

“The reason to give them the vote is because we are having a referendum which could fundamentally affect a large amount of the way in which they live,” argued Lord Hannay. “It could affect their healthcare arrangements, their ability to travel freely, their social cov-

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erage, their jobs and the way their children are treated. This is a huge range of things that could and will be affected if by any chance - mischance, in my view - the electorate votes to withdraw from the European Union. It would be really good if the government could take a deep breath and say: ‘Yes, we agree that these people should have the vote because that is what our manifesto says, and we agree that this referendum vote matters more to them than anything else’.”

Whilst the amendment had substantial support, there was also a larger group opposed to any changes. “I smell a rat,” said Lord Hamilton. “It seems to me that this is once again trying to slew the whole playing field, which we have des-

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perately been trying to keep level, in favour of those who want to keep us in the EU.” “These long-term expats in the EU may amount to as many as half a million people... a ‘significant number’,” added Lord Green of Deddington; views which seem to translate as “we don’t want them to vote as they might not agree with our position”!

In her closing remarks before the vote, Baroness Miller said: “It is very unfair that the people we are discussing have been led to understand throughout their lives that being in the EU means being part of a network to which Britain belongs. Now, when Britain may make a choice to leave it, they have no say in that whatever.” ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

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Physical book Short story dispensers sales on the rise introduced in Grenoble

I

f you've ever wondered how best to kill those ten minutes before the next train arrives, help could be at hand. Rather than Mars bars, vending machines in Grenoble in south-east France have been furiously printing out bite-size stories for bored commuters to nibble on. At the touch of a button, readers are able to choose one minute, three minutes or five minutes of fiction, printed for free on rolls of paper similar to those used for till receipts. Within the first two weeks following the launch by publisher Short Édition, co-founder Quentin Pleplé said that more than 10,000 stories had already been printed.

“The city was on board from the beginning,” Pleplé said.

“What they really liked was the fact that the dispensers distribute culture through the city in an original way. Stories are an important part of our life. We need them to construct who we are as individuals. More and more people don't take the time anymore to sit and read a book. This

http://short-edition.com

W

hen the first e-readers hit the market, many predicted the slow demise of the physical book. Why would anyone want to have a bulky dog-eared tome weighing down their bag when you could carry 1,000 books in your sleek slimline electronic reader. As Kindle became a household name and e-reader apps appeared on almost every tablet and smart device, it looked as though the doomsayers would be proved correct.

It is true that in some countries - most notably the UK and the US - the popularity of e-readers has made a huge dent in the market for actual books. But not every country has seen the same trend. In fact, in France, physical book sales have risen by 2.3% in the last year. Electronic book sales represent just 6% of the market in France, according to an audit carried out by accountancy firm PwC, and this figure will only reach 13% by 2019. This compared to a prediction of 59% in the US and 57% in the UK. The main reason behind these figures, according to Mathieu de Montchalin, president of the French bookshop union SLF, is the “dense network of bookshops” that France still has today. A big factor in the continuing popularity of bookshops is a law banning online booksellers such as Amazon from offering free delivery on books.

“People are increasingly working in front of computer screens and so, of an evening, a paper book is more appealing,” said bookshop owner Valérie Le Louarn. “Also, in France, there is a real culture of paper books and people want to go to bookshops. People are attached to books which they also see as ornamental.”

Alexandre Cavalin, another bookshop owner, agrees with this sentiment: “When you give someone a book, you are giving them a real thing, not just a link to a website... you can't link to a personal dedication!”

In the UK, the high street's largest bookseller, Waterstones, recently announced that it would no longer be selling Kindle e-readers. After singing a deal in 2012 with Amazon, which makes the Kindle e-reader, Waterstone's managing director James Daunt said the company had now reversed that decision: “Sales of Kindles continue to be pitiful so we are taking the display space back in more and more shops. It feels very much like the life of one of those inexplicable bestsellers; one day piles and piles, selling like fury; the next you count your blessings with every sale because it brings you closer to getting it off your shelves forever to make way for something new.”

Douglas McCabe, an industry analyst for Enders, said it was no surprise Waterstones was removing Kindle devices from its shops: “The e-reader may turn out to be one of the shortest-lived consumer technology categories.” ■

is a way to have a little 'bite' of a story, just for a couple of minutes.”

“The feedback we have had has been overwhelmingly positive - we are thrilled to see it working so well,” he continued. “There are only eight dispensers in the city of Grenoble for now but we are planning to introduce way more.

We are getting requests from all over the world - Australia, the US, Canada, Russia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Chile, Taiwan - that we are processing meticulously one by

one.”

The stories are drawn from more than 60,000 stories currently on the Short Édition community website, with the publisher’s 142,000-strong reader community selecting the best 600 for the vending machines.

Users are not able to choose what type of story they would like to read; they might get a romance, science fiction or even a comic. “Just the length, that’s the beauty of it,” said Pleplé.

As with so many in-

ventions, the idea first came from a “water cooler moment” a couple of years ago. “We were actually not thinking about work, just having a break at the snack vending machine,” explained Pleplé. “We thought it would be cool to have one for short stories. Then, a couple of days later, we decided to hack a prototype: the short story dispenser was born!”

The company is hoping to expand the idea to other cities in the near future. ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

Finally say bye bye to builder's bum

http://www.lesourireduplombier.com

I

t is a familiar sight when dealing with tradesmen across the world and has a whole host of expressions used to describe it: builder's bum, the coin slot, bottom cleavage... or to give it its official medical term, posterior rugae.

Whichever expression you use, this unpleasant sight could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a French inventor who has, if you'll pardon the pun, “cracked” it!

Adrien Hervé-Pellissier, a 24-year-old man from Rennes in western France, first had the idea for the new range of underwear after coming face-to-face with what the French call the “sourire du plombier” or plumber's smile, while drinking at a café. “I was with a friend and there was a man squatting down to clean a window. He was giving us the famous smile and I thought there has to be a gap in the market for fixing that!”

Nine months later and the young entrepreneur had a working prototype that was 100% made in France.

“The underwear has a large elastic band on it,” Hervé-Pellissier said, “so when you squat down we don't have to see your backside!” The 6 cm elastic band running around the top of the underwear is testimony to the philosophy that the best solution to a problem is often the simplest.

Hervé-Pellissier said he has been overwhelmed with interest and orders since the news of the invention was published and is already looking

to move from online ordering into shops as well as adding a women’s line. “A lot of people laugh when they hear about the underwear, but in a positive way. I get a lot of encouragement from all kinds of people: men, women, young and old.”

Those interested in covering up their plumber's smile for just €19.50 can find more information on the inventor's website: www.lesourireduplombier.com ■

Airline baggage rules for Christmas crackers

W

ith Christmas fast approaching, airports across the UK are gearing up to transport millions of passengers around the globe for the festive season. We live in times of heightened security, so to ensure there are no hold-ups at the check-in desk, it is always a good idea to check the different airline policies for travelling with Christmas and New Year favourites such as Christmas crackers, gifts and party poppers.

Research by Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) carried out on 14 major carriers, including Ryanair, easyJet, Flybe, BA and Air France, shows very different policies depending on who you are flying with. For those not wanting to miss out on pulling a cracker abroad this Christmas, only two out of the airlines in the study allow passengers to travel with crackers in their

hand luggage: bmi regional and easyJet. Both of these airlines stipulated that the crackers must remain within their original packaging; bmi regional restricts travellers to one box per person whereas easyJet permits two.

Passengers are more likely to be able to travel with crackers in their checked luggage, with eight of the surveyed airlines permitting them to be packed in the hold compartment. Aer Lingus, Air France, Delta Airlines, KLM and Ryanair, however, do not permit Christmas crackers, sparklers and party poppers on board at all.

When it comes to travelling with presents, many

airlines, including Ryanair and British Airways, stipulate that presents must not be wrapped to allow security staff to access the parcels if necessary.

In all cases, check airline/ airport restrictions as, for instance, some airports such as London Gatwick and Stansted do not allow crackers to be carried as cabin baggage, whatever the carrier, so these would need to go in hold luggage if departing from these airports.

More information on the research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/christmas crackers ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

12 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

England football fans show unity with France

F

ollowing the recent terror attacks in Paris, there was an outpouring of support for France and the French people. The day after 130 people were murdered in a series of coordinated attacks across the city, France reacted defiantly, with huge crowds gathering in public squares and long queues outside blood donation centres.

Around the world, countries were quick to condemn the attacks, offer to help the French government and pay tribute to the victims. One poignant example was the friendly football match between England and France that took place in London just 4 days after the events. One target of the attacks had been the Stade de France where France were playing Germany and the French team were given the option of cancelling the match.

They universally decided to play.

“We are here to represent our country and its colours blue, white and red with even more pride than we normally would,” said French manager Didier Deschamps. “It has been a difficult, stressful time,

but we have been together and each of us, in our way, has kept up to date with the events. Each player and individual has dealt with this in their own way. The main thing is that we have kept together and shared our grief. The match will be full of emotion but we have a duty to perform and give a good account of ourselves and represent our country in the right way.”

Two members of the French squad had been directly affected by the tragedy: midfielder Lassana Diarra's cousin, Asta Diakite, was one of the victims killed, while striker Antoine Griezmann's sister escaped alive from the Bataclan theatre where 89 people died. “In this climate of terror, it is important for all of us who represent our country and its diversity to stay united against a horror which has no colour, no religion,” Diarra wrote on his Twitter account.

In the event, the game went ahead at a Wembley resplendent in red, white and blue. In a show of cross-Channel solidarity the crowd of more than 70,000 sang La Marseillaise - the French national

anthem - with the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister David Cameron present. Fans had been given lyrics to the anthem and encouraged to learn them before the game and it was a gesture that resonated with the French public. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls tweeted: “La Marseillaise à Wembley.

Deux peuples à l'unisson.

Immense émotion. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” - “The Marseillaise at Wembley.

Two peoples in unison.

Huge emotion. Liberty.

Equality. Brotherhood.”

As the final seconds of the match were played out, France's fans delivered a final rendition of La Mar-

seillaise, which drew loud applause from England supporters, who held up coloured cards to create a French flag across the stands.

“There was a sporting meaning and a sporting dimension, but on a human level the match had far greater importance,” Deschamps said after the

What is a State of Emergency?

In the wake of November's attacks, President Hollande enacted a nationwide state of emergency in France for the first time since 1961. This has now been extended for three months, but what does it actually mean in practice?

The state of emergency grants exceptional powers to authorities, including the right to set curfews, limit the movement of people, forbid mass gatherings, establish secure zones where people can be monitored and close public spaces such as theatres, bars, museums and other meeting places. It can also allow for controls to be imposed on the media (though the government has said there would be no controls on media in this case).

Most significantly for the French State in the current context are the powers given to the security services and police to act without judicial oversight: they can conduct house searches at any time, enforce house arrest and confiscate certain classes of weapons, even if people hold them legally.

In the first days of the state of emergency, 413 homes were raided and 118 people were placed under house arrest, leading to 63 arrests and the seizure of 72 weapons. ■

Meaning behind La Marseillaise

T

he French national anthem, La Marseillaise, has been heard across the globe in recent weeks as the world shows solidarity with France. With its rousing tune, it has always been a popular and unmistakable anthem, but behind the melody lie grisly lyrics and over the years it has proved to be a controversial song, with some still claiming it is borderline racist in today's world (let an impure blood water our furrows).

La Marseillaise began life as a war song. In 1792, Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a captain in the French army, composed it after Austrian and Prussian troops invaded France in an attempt to quell the Revolution. The mayor of Strasbourg had commissioned a song that would rally troops to “defend their homeland that is under threat”.

On creation, it was initially entitled Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin - War Song for the Army of the Rhine.

The tune quickly became popular amongst the troops and

match. “We had desire and will but all things considered the human aspect was maybe more important tonight.” ■

was adopted by volunteers from the southern city of Marseilles - hence its nickname La Marseillaise - as they stormed Paris; the war song had become a revolutionary song.

The song's composer, Rouget, was a royalist and was imprisoned, while the song’s commissioner, Dietrich, succumbed to the guillotine.

The Marseillaise grew hugely in popularity during the First World War, when the lyrics became a rallying cry of the people once more. During the Second World War it was sung by the Resistance, having been banned by the Vichy government.

In recent weeks, La Marseillaise, with its lyrics of unity and defiance, has once again brought France together.

“It is the great example of courage and solidarity when facing danger,” historian Simon Schama told the BBC. “That's why it's so invigorating. That's why it really is the greatest national anthem in the world... ever!” ■

La Marseillaise

Allons, enfants de la patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé.

Contre nous, de la tyrannie L’étendard sanglant est levé.

Entendez-vous, dans les campagnes, Mugir ces féroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes.

Aux armes, citoyens!

Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons!

Qu’un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons.

Arise, children of the Fatherland The day of glory has arrived!

Against us stands tyranny The bloody banner is raised Do you hear, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers?

They’re coming right into your arms To cut the throats of your sons, your women!

To arms, citizens!

Form your battalions, Let’s march, let’s march!

Let an impure blood Water our furrows.

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 13

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Non-EU expatriates Alpine glacier shrinks denied election vote to have ever been passed. “Since the Senate is in the hands of the right, this law would never pass,” confirmed France’s labour minister Myriam El Khomri. “We are accepting the fact that we cannot do it today.”

Valls’ words came as something of a surprise to many, given that as recently as last year President Hollande himself vowed to make the reform happen. “How can it be that people who have been here for 20 years, 30 years cannot vote?” Hollande asked in his traditional Bastille Day presidential interview.

Manuel Valls has made no secret of his opposition to Hollande’s campaign measure on voting rights for foreigners and as a centrally inclined politician in a strongly left-leaning party, he is frequently at odds with the party’s base and even its leadership. Hours after Valls scrapped the foreign vote pledge, Socialist party chief Jean-Christophe Cambadélis announced that his party still supported granting foreigners voting rights, even if the government did not. “Allowing foreigners in good legal standing to participate in municipal elections is not going against the Republic, to the contrary it’s one way to strengthen it,” Cambadélis was quoted as saying by AFP. Vincent Ribérioux, vice president of France's Human Rights League (LDH), took his opposition to the move one step further, claiming: “Democracy has lost out to xenophobia and racism.” ■

Don't warn drivers, urge Gendarmerie The Gendarmerie have launched a campaign to persuade the public not to flash oncoming drivers to warn them of upcoming police presence. The move comes after gendarmes in Normandy missed catching a gang of burglars who were able to do a U-turn and avoid arrest after being warned of the gendarmes' presence by drivers coming the other way.

According to the Gendarmerie Facebook page: “Gendarmes are not just there to issue fines - they are there above all to ensure people's safety, help finding missing people and catch criminals.” They also released a short information video showing a man with an abducted child in the back of his car evading the authorities when he is flashed by oncoming vehicles. The short video ends with a with a message that says “this appeal comes from all abducted children that will never see their parents again”.

France is baby making capital According to figures recently released, France remains the baby-making capital of Europe, despite a 2.75% drop in births in the first nine months of 2015. The country's statistics gathering agency INSEE revealed figures showing that the average French woman now gives birth to 1.99 children, dropping below the symbolic value of 2 but comfortably ahead of second place Ireland with 1.96 children and 1.89 in Sweden.

Experts believe that a figure of 2.07 is necessary to maintain a stable population. Low birth rates across Europe mean a smaller population of workers which increases pressure on pension and welfare schemes as the population continues to age.

A

INSEE concluded that birth rates fall when there is a steep rise in unemployment, as was seen in southern European nations, or a significant drop in wages or disposable income, as has been seen in the UK. France had relatively high unemployment before the financial crisis, so the change has been less marked. The country also has high public spending on families, whether through family allowances, subsidies or services, a factor that also explains the higher rates of birth seen in countries like Sweden.

France top for innovation A recent study has revealed that France is the most innovative country in Europe and the third most innovative in the world! The study, carried out by Thomson Reuters, looked at the “100 most innovative organisations and enterprises” in the world, 10 of which were based in France. Japan and the United States, with 40 and 35 companies included respectively, dominated the rankings.

Each organisation's “innovation” was measured by the number of patents filed in each country, the rate of accepted patents compared to those which are registered, the geographical range of the patents and their influence. The French institutions making the list comprised: Alcatel-Lucent, Alstom, Arkema, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Thales, Baleo and the organizations CEA, CNRS and IFP. “The amount of patents isn’t everything,” explains Dominique Ducay, Director of Strategy and Intellectual Property at Thomson Reuters. “In the study we are very interested in the quality of these patents, as well as their influence.”

Two notable omissions from the list are companies from either China or the UK. Elsewhere France's economy returned to growth in the third quarter of this year, expanding by 0.3 per cent, after having earlier stalled, the national statistics agency INSEE announced.

© Anthere (WikiComons)

W

ith the ruling Socialist party looking to drum up support ahead of local elections in December, Prime Minister Manuel Valls has officially back-pedalled on a 2012 campaign pledge by President François Hollande to give non-EU foreigners the right to vote in local elections.

Expats from EU countries currently have the right to vote in French municipal and European elections, but those from outside the EU do not.

“That promise, in all senses, will not be implemented,” Valls said during a speech at Paris’ prestigious Sciences Po University. “And I am convinced that it will not be proposed again during the presidential election.”

Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Front party, which accuses the government of letting too many migrants into the country, is expected to capture at least two regional council seats from the Socialists in the upcoming elections.

The plan, as laid down in Hollande’s campaign promise, would have seen foreign nationals who are legally living in France and have been in the country for more than five years, given the right to vote in municipal elections - as is the case for citizens from other EU countries.

The reform would have required a change to the French Constitution, but whilst popular with those on the left, it was vigorously opposed by right-wing politicians who control the Senate, making it highly unlikely

ccording to measurements recently taken by the Laboratory of Glaciology and Environmental Geophysics (LGGE) in Grenoble, the Mer de Glace glacier has lost about 3.61 metres in depth in the last year, more than three times the average yearly loss. The Mer de Glace is situated on the northern side of the Mont Blanc mountain range and is France's largest glacier.

The glacier, which has a surface of 32 square kilometres and measures 200 metres deep in parts, usually only loses around one metre each year, a rate which has remained steady for roughly 30 years according to the LGGE. In recent times, only 1995 and 2009 have seen the glacier gain depth.

Although losses of this magnitude are not unknown, the rapid decline is being highlighted by environmentalists as another example of the impact of rising global temperatures. According to Christian Vincent, an analyst at the LGGE, this summer's heatwave, combined with lower than usual snowfall, were major contributing factors to the glacier's shrinking size.

Researchers have also noted that the Saint-Sorlin glacier, situated above the resort of SaintSorlin d'Arves, also lost over three metres in depth this year.

“This is an enormous deficit,” said Christian Vincent. “All of the glaciers from the French Alps

were experiencing the same effect.” If global warming continues at the expected rate, the scientist warned that glaciers in the Alps situated below 3,500 metres altitude would disappear completely before the turn of the next century.

Elsewhere, there was good news in the Alps when a local brewery won a major award at the 2015 World Beer Awards.

Mont Blanc La Blanche beer,

No more tinted car windows The latest move in France's continued battle to improve road safety is the banning of tinted side windows in the front of cars. With the Interior Minister due to file a decree with the State Council over the coming weeks, the new measures will be applied from January and those caught flouting the ban will be hit with a €135 fine and three points off their licence.

An estimated 160,000 vehicles on the roads of France are fitted with tinted side windows each year, all of which will be affected by the new rules; as many as 1,800 jobs could be lost as a result, according to Nicolas Guiselin, president of the Association of Security and Window Filtering (ASFFV).

A spokesman for the Inter-Ministerial Road

F

or the past couple of months something wonderful has been happening amongst Brits throughout France, because, as the humanitarian refugee crisis escalated, many people were asking, “What can we do to help?” A Facebook Group (France and Beyond) was born uniting almost 1,400 individuals who all wanted to “Do Their Bit” and help fellow humans in need.

So, how can The Bugle readers help?

Well, on 19th October Debbie Andrews, one of the group members, woke up with SOCKS on her mind. She kept thinking of all those adults and children with cold, wet

made in La Motte-Servolex in the Savoie, was voted World’s Best Wheat Beer 2015 by a jury at the annual competition.

According to Sylvain Chiron, who sourced the recipe for his beer from a Belgian Trappist monastery, the key to his success is a blend of spices including coriander and orange peel and the finest water from a spring in the Savoyard Alps... perhaps meltwater from the Mer de Glace? ■

Safety Delegation said: “To ensure the correct checks of certain dangerous habits like using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt, the police need to see the driver. To avoid getting knocked down, cyclists and motorcyclists for their part have the habit of checking where drivers are looking to make sure that they are in their field of vision.”

Others have claimed that tinted side windows are vital for personal security. Speaking to Le Parisien, one driver said that he had his windows tinted after the second time someone had attempted to carjack him. “Tinted windows are a safety measure for me because it’s more difficult for robbers to know who is inside,” he told the newspaper.

New cars are currently allowed to have a tint of up to 30% and this rule will remain in effect, although no further darkening will be allowed. ■

feet and a miserable thousand mile journey in front of them, and decided to do something about it. Hence, the Dry Feet Campaign was born and now thousands of new pairs of socks from all over the world make their way to Sock Central in the Vienne (Dept 86) from whence they are shipped to crisis spots all over Europe. Thousands more socks are needed every day, so if readers would like to make some “happy feet” then could they please donate socks (new, and any size from 43/44 down). Remove all packaging except the “link” which joins the socks into pairs, pop them into a clear plastic bag, with the size clearly written on the outside and post to: Sock Central Le Logis de la Roche 86250 Charroux More information can be found on the website www.socksforrefugees.com where people can also donate money for the Sock Team to purchase and dispatch more... Socks!

14 ♦ PRACTICAL

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To QROPS or Not To QROPS? - Blevins Franks

O

nce you reach retirement age you need to carefully consider all your options for your pension funds, and how they affect your income, tax bills and the transfer of the balance to your heirs. British retirees have a wide range of possibilities to choose from today, and expatriates have the further option of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) to consider.

QROPS were introduced in 2006 to enable Britons who have permanently moved abroad to simplify their affairs by taking their pension savings with them.

It has been an eventful nine years for QROPS. In a bid to close loopholes HM Revenue & Customs has made various revisions to the rules – and where it deems rules have been broken it can apply a 55% tax charge of the transfer amount - and delisted large numbers of QROPS from various jurisdictions.

There is now far more complexity in the QROPS market than people realise.

QROPS have been widely advertised as the answer for British expatriates. In some cases they are, but QROPS are not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. You need to look at how they work, what the alternatives are, and your personal circumstances and objectives, before establishing what would be the most effective individual solution for you.

Should a QROPS prove to be the best option, you need to consider which one – all QROPS are not the same. Look at the jurisdiction they are based in (legis-

lation, restrictions, investment environment, etc.), how the product is structured and the provider. It is important to consider the tax implications in the jurisdiction, the UK and here in France.

Today there is the further important question of whether and when QROPS can apply the new UK pension freedom.

Previously, in order to prevent QROPS from paying out all the benefits, HMRC made non EU QROPS providers declare that at least 70% of the transferred fund would be used to pay an income for life.

HMRC were going to remove this rule to bring QROPS legislation in line with the new UK pension freedom, but in March said that non-EU QROPS must continue to ‘temporarily apply’ the rule.

The UK tax authority has now confirmed that from 6th April 2015, a QROPS can allow the same degree of flexible access as a UK defined contribution scheme.

However, for those jurisdictions that are bound by QROPS rules to offer an income for life from 70% of the transfer fund, HMRC has yet to agree how they can overrule that provision. So for now those schemes must continue with the pre 6th April 2015 regime.

These schemes include Guernsey, Gibraltar, New Zealand and Isle of Man among others.

EU QROPS have not needed to comply with this 70% rule and so are free to offer full flexible access - provided the jurisdictional domestic legislation also allows it. Malta was the first jurisdiction

to change local legislation to allow full flexibility.

The flexible access rules do not apply to Qualifying Non-UK Pension Schemes, which continue to use capped drawdown and the GAD (Government Actuary's Department) basis of income withdrawals.

Earlier this year, HMRC sent a “legal request” letter to all global QROPS providers, requesting that they must satisfy themselves that their scheme adheres to Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (ROPS) rules and meets the minimum age test (55). HMRC wants to see that the laws of a jurisdiction, or the specific scheme rules, prohibit payment of benefits to members under 55 where UK tax relief was paid on the pension contributions.

In July HMRC delisted thousands of schemes. Australia went from having 1,600 to just one; a few have been added to the list since then, but they are not public offer funds.

Individuals who transfer to a nonQROPS could face a personal 55% tax charge, so you have to be diligent when transferring pensions into overseas schemes.

A 2015 regulatory development also affects those wanting to move into

QROPS. Under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, transfers from defined benefit (final salary) schemes over £30,000 require a review by an adviser with a suitable pension transfer qualification and regulated by the FCA. This applies whether the transfer is to a defined contribution scheme or a QROPS. However, expatriates should also take local advice, particularly tax advice for France, so ideally you need an advisory firm which has both advisers living locally and the UK regulated pension transfer specialist.

Pensions and QROPS are a specialist area and care must be taken to make the right decision for your personal circumstances and objectives. It is always advisable to have an adviser who is FCA regulated and capable of carrying out the in-depth analysis you need to establish whether to ‘QROPS or not to QROPS’. ■ Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

In the garden - jobs for December

I

went off down the garden yesterday to pull up carrots and couldn't as the earth was so dry, or at least, not without a trowel; pretty unusual for mid-November and a sure sign that unless we have good rain this winter (and hopefully not torrential downpours that do so much damage) we're headed into a winter/spring drought.

Such a strange year weather wise, and whilst good weather is agreeable - and who wouldn't want to eat outside in shirtsleeves on a Sunday on the last month of the year? - we need to be thinking about conserving the moisture in our ground. Spread a thick layer of mulching material round plants of all descriptions, and especially on bare ground. Use shredded wood, prunings, manure, leaves from herbaceous plants, bracken, bought mulches and fallen leaves. At the same time, empty the water butts and containers judiciously onto the ground and continue watering newly planted shrubs and trees.

If we have a drought over the winter, vegetables and fruit are likely to go up in price next year, so plan ahead and try to offset the cost by growing a bit more. With the recent mild weather conditions, shop bought veg plants can still be planted, as long as you keep an eye on the watering, and things like spinach, winter lettuce, leaf veg, mustards and chard, etc. sown, and onion and garlic sets planted. Artichoke

by Michelle Pierce

offsets can be replanted, and cardoons also.

Layer your soft fruit bushes to get extra plants (lay flexible stems down horizontally, bruise then under a node and weigh then down with bricks or stones), and look after your strawberry patch so that you can separate and replant the runners.

Continue harvesting the new fresh shoots of herbs like mint, which have done really well this autumn, and dry them for winter use.

Keep an eye on the last of the tender things that are still out in the garden, and be ready to pop some fleece over them when it turns cold.

Look at your ponds and water features, and get rid of over enthusiastic oxygenating plants by about half, but leave the pulled vegetation at the edge of the pond, so that any water fauna can hopefully find their way back to their element. Put shallow water trays and saucers out in your garden for the birds and other wildlife to drink from.

Collect the beauties of nature for indoor decorations and craft projects that will delight your kids and grandkids.

Start looking at seed catalogues, bulb catalogues and websites of plant growers for ideas about next year's garden.

Make a first long list, then leave it a few days and go back to it to whittle it down before ordering. Lurk around cemetery bins for the old chrysanthe-

mum plants from Toussaint, which can often be perfectly easily planted up and rehabilitated for future flowering.

Load up the compost heaps with hedge prunings instead of burning them, to take advantage of winter decomposition.

Plant the poor forced bulbs you buy with the bulb above ground, as they should normally grow, that is to say with the bulb under the ground.

Clean the things away that are grow-

ing in the wrong place - move them, prune them back, give them away, etc.

Make sure the garden tools are put away clean, oiled and (depending) sharpened, and book a service for your mower while it is not being used so extensively.

Finally, dream about next year's garden...

Good gardening! ■

Mon Jardin

Gardening essentials and giftware - Tools - Garden Essentials - Accessories - Kids - Seeds & Bulbs - Gift Ideas

www.mon-jardin.co.uk mon-jardin25@hotmail.com

BILINGUAL ♦ 15

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

SIRET 502 409 212 00011 – APE 8559B

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

Christmas Dinner

T

he culinary focus of a typical French Christmas is the réveillon de Noël, a family meal traditionally eaten after midnight mass in the early hours of Christmas Day. The meal varies from region to region, but will typically involve seafood, followed by a cooked bird and the traditional Yule log.

In the UK, the main Christmas meal is eaten on the afternoon of the 25th, but is also a family affair.

The dinner usually consists of roast turkey (although other types of poultry such as goose, chicken or duck are also common), sometimes with roast beef or ham. The meat is served with roast potatoes, stuffing, pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in bacon), cranberry sauce and vegetables. A common vegetable at this time of year is the Brussels sprout.

Much like the gherkin in a McDonald’s burger, sprouts

T

are traditionally served with all Christmas dinners, despite the fact that many claim not to like them and will not eat them.

Dessert in a traditional Christmas dinner is a Christmas pudding, a steamed pudding, heavy with dried fruit and nuts, and usually made with suet.

It is very dark in appearance - effectively black - as a result of the dark sugars and black treacle. Also common are mince pies, small pastries filled with

mincemeat. Despite the name, mincemeat does not contain any meat - it is a preserve typically containing apple, dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas, spices, and suet.

Historically, the centrepiece of the Christmas meal in Britain was either a boar or a peacock. The evolution of the main course towards turkey did not occur until the 18th century after French Jesuits had introduced the turkey to Britain. ■

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

L

a clef de voûte culinaire d’un Noël typiquement français est le repas familial du réveillon de Noël, traditionnellement consommé après la messe de minuit aux premières heures de Noël. Si le menu varie d’une région à l’autre, il est généralement composé de fruits de mer, d’une volaille cuite et de la traditionnelle bûche de Noël en dessert.

Au Royaume-Uni, le repas de Noël, également un événement familial, est

consommé dans l’après-midi du 25. On y sert habituellement une dinde rôtie (bien que d’autres volailles telles que l’oie, le poulet ou le canard soient également fréquents), parfois complétée de bœuf rôti ou de jambon. Le tout est accompagné de pommes de terre rôties, de farce, de « pigs in blanket » (de petits roulés de saucisses au bacon), de sauce à la canneberge (ou cranberry) et de légumes. Des choux de Bruxelles, légumes de saison, sont traditionnellement servis avec tous les repas de Noël,

bien que beaucoup de gens disent ne pas les apprécier et ne les mangent pas, tout comme le cornichon du hamburger de McDonald.

Le pudding de Noël est le dessert traditionnel. C’est un pudding lourd, cuit à la vapeur avec des fruits séchés, des fruits secs et généralement consommé avec de la graisse de bœuf. Il est d'apparence sombre, voire noir, conséquence de l'utilisation de sucre brun et de mélasse noire. Les “mince pies” sont aussi très appréciées. Ce sont de petites tartelettes garnies de “mincemeat”. Malgré ce nom qui signifie “viande hachée”, elles ne contiennent pas du tout de viande, la garniture étant constituée de pommes, de fruits séchés tels que des raisins secs, d’épices et de graisse de bœuf.

Historiquement, la pièce maîtresse d’un repas de Noël au Royaume-Uni était soit un sanglier soit un paon. Le glissement vers la dinde n’intervint pas avant le 18ème siècle, date de l’introduction de ce mets par les Jésuites français. ■

Boxing Day - December 26th

he day after Christmas - 26th December - is known in the UK as ‘Boxing Day’. Along with Christmas Day, Boxing Day is a public holiday that is celebrated in most of the countries of the Commonwealth.

Despite this, no one is quite sure of the exact origins of the day.

Clues to Boxing Day's origins can be found in the popular Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.” According to the song, Wenceslas, who was Duke of Bohemia in the early 10th century, was surveying his land on St Stephen's Day – 26th December - when he saw a poor man gathering wood in the middle of a snowstorm. Moved by the sight, Wenceslas gathered up his surplus food and wine and carried them through the storm to the peasant's door.

Even if the reason for giving gifts to the poor on the day after Christmas is not known, the reason that the day is called Boxing Day is better documented. During December, churches would often place a box on display into which churchgoers put money, or sometimes food. On the day after Christmas, the boxes were opened and their contents distributed among the poor, thus giving rise to the term 'Boxing Day'… maybe!

There is another explanation for the holiday that is popular amongst historians. Aristocratic families would usually require their servants to work on Christmas Day, but the staff were often given the following day off. As they prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes as a kind of ‘Christmas bonus’, hence 'Boxing Day'… perhaps!

A less popular explanation is that the

‘boxes’ were a good luck charm for sailors of the 15th and 16th centuries. A small box was placed on a ship by a priest while it was still in port and those sailors who wanted to ensure a safe return would drop money into the box. It was then sealed up and kept on-board for the entire voyage.

If the ship came home safely, the box was handed back to the priest in the exchange for the saying of prayers of thanks for the success of the voyage. The priest would keep the box sealed until the following Christmas when he would open it to share the contents with the poor.

What is known for sure is that today Boxing Day is more about buying than giving. British retailers traditionally start their Christmas sales on Boxing Day, opening as early as 5am for what is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

It was estimated that 10 million shoppers hit the streets for the Boxing Day sales in 2014. What would Good King Wenceslas have made of that?! ■

A

u Royaume-Uni, le lendemain de Noël soit le 26 décembre, est connu sous le nom de « Boxing Day », littéralement en français « Le jour des boîtes ». Comme le jour de Noël, le « Boxing day » est un jour férié dans la plupart des pays du Commonwealth.

Cependant personne n’est vraiment sûr de l’origine exacte de cette célébration.

Le chant de Noël très populaire « Le bon roi Wenceslas » nous met sur la piste. Wenceslas, Duc de Bohême au début du 10ème siècle, inspectait ses terres le jour de la Saint Etienne, le 26 décembre. Soudain il vit un pauvre homme qui ramassait du bois pendant une tempête de neige. Emu par cette scène, Wenceslas alla chercher de la nourriture et du vin et les déposa, pendant la tempête, sur le seuil de la maison du paysan.

Si la raison pour laquelle il est de coutume d’offrir des présents aux plus pauvres le lendemain de Noël n’est pas claire, l’appellation « Jour des boîtes » est plus documentée. En décembre, les pratiquants se

Not what Boxing Day is traditionally all about!

rendant à l’église déposaient de l’argent ou parfois de la nourriture dans un tronc réservé à cet effet. Le lendemain de Noël, les boîtes étaient ouvertes et leur contenu distribué aux pauvres d’où, peut-être, l’origine du terme « Jour des boîtes » !

Les historiens privilégient une autre explication pour cette célébration. Comme les domestiques de familles aristocratiques devaient généralement travailler le jour de Noël, ils disposaient souvent d’une journée de repos le lendemain. Alors qu’ils se préparaient à rendre visite à leur famille, leurs employeurs leur offraient des boîtes de cadeaux, comme une sorte de « prime de Noël », d’où le nom de « Jour des Boîtes »… peutêtre !

Il existe une explication moins populaire selon laquelle « la boîte » était un portebonheur pour les marins aux 15ème et 16ème siècles. Un prêtre plaçait une petite boîte sur le navire amarré au port et les marins qui souhaitaient revenir sains et saufs y déposaient de l’argent. La boîte était ensuite scellée et laissée à bord pendant tout le voyage. Si le navire revenait au port, elle était rendue au prêtre qui, en échange, faisait des prières de remerciements pour la réussite de ce voyage.

Puis le prêtre gardait la boîte fermée jusqu’au Noël suivant, au moment duquel il l’ouvrait et partageait son contenu avec les pauvres.

Ce qui est sûr et certain, c’est qu’aujourd’hui, le “Boxing Day” est plus une journée d’achats qu’une journée de dons...

Il s’agit en effet de l’une des dates les plus rentables pour les commerces britanniques qui commencent traditionnellement leurs soldes de Noël ce jour-là et ouvrent à cinq heures du matin. On estime à environ 10 millions le nombre de clients attirés par les soldes le jour du « Boxing Day » en 2014.

Qu’en aurait pensé le Bon Roi Wenceslas ?! ■

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

Business Directory

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

Auto Services

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

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

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com

Electricians

Siret: 498 843 051 00018

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

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

CHARENTE

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

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INGRID GELAUDIE La Baronnie, 24260 Audrix

06 31 98 92 07 Cats and Dogs Boarding Kennels

Purpose built kennels - dept 16.

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Michael and Wendy Aldrich

catsanddogs2009@hotmail.co.uk

05 45 66 14 62 Siret: 494 030 919 00018

MinouCats

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

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

SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

JOHN SOWERSBY

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Siret: 499 234 615 00015

DOG GROOMING FOR ALL TYPES OF DOGS

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Architectural DRAWING SERVICE Renovating your French property?

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Building Services

SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

Building Services

ElsaConception

Need interior design advice?

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Carpenters/ Joiners

Wood Work SHUTTERS/DOORS, STAIRCASES, etc.

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05 55 41 17 76 CHARKER DAVID

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

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

E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr

Tel: 05 53 09 42 18 No Siret: 402 444 871 00030

ETS RICHARD ESTABLISHED IN 2005

ARTISAN IN RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION WORK INCLUDING BARN AND LOFT COVERSIONS. SPECIALIST IN OLD STONE WORK, ALL TYPES OF ROOFING, PAINTING & DECORATING, BATHROOMS, TILING, GUTTERING, WOOD CONSTRUCTION, PLASTERBOARDING, INSULATION. BASED IN PERIGORD NOIR COMPETITIVE PRICING

T : 06 38 71 08 36

General

Siret: 790 016 984 00011

(Architecture/ Design/ Decoration)

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

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

Harlequin Developments are a Distributor and Installer for Solarventi, solar dehumidifying and ventilating products.

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

E : richard.stienstra@orange.fr For more information please visit my Facebook page : Entreprise Richard

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Dave Cardwell - professional builder/designer

D

ave Cardwell, professional builder/designer, is able to undertake all building works, including bespoke handmade Abri’s, Carports, Field Shelters, Stables or Animal Housing. Whatever your needs, look no further! Whether you require basic stables or desire a complex design, we can create to an exact brief. Digger and driver also available for hire.

Our company is based on the belief that our customers’

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If you would like to find out more information regarding our products and services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service for price.

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

Before...

Custom-built Carports, Abris & Field Shelters

Before...

Dave Cardwell 15 years experience & 7 in France www.limousinbuilder.webs.com dave.cardwell@yahoo.co.uk 05 55 98 24 12 - 07 82 78 01 31 Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/CardwellArtisan

Building Services Painters/ Decorators

Building Services

WiFi Anglais

Plumbers

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Stephen Wisedale

Losing business due to poor Internet and WiFi?

PLUMBING & Painter & Decorator HEATING ENGINEER Simon Carter

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

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

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

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05 55 41 17 76

- Installation, from kitchen taps to full central heating systems

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All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm Monday: Champsac Tuesday: Tremolat Wednesday: Star Inn, Périgueux Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Daglan See our website for full details:

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Food & Drink

Garden Services

siret: 444 925 630 00014

Bar & Restaurant

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

French/International cuisine.

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HOME & GARDEN maintenance For all your gardening, window/gutter cleaning & paintwork needs, etc...

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Free quote Bergerac and surroundings mansfield.gardening@gmail.com

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

siret 537 415 903 00013

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18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

A

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

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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.

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The initial models were more than capable of keeping the cottages dry (and ventilated), even with the limited sunshine hours available in Denmark during the winter season. Since that time, the technology has really come along in leaps and bounds. Now, more than 20 years later, the 3rd and 4th generation Solarventi have exceeded all expectations.

In Southern Europe, Solar-

General

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Gifts & Crafts

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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. Several ex-demonstration models available at reduced prices, call for details.

Property Sales

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

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LANGUAGE & GAMES ♦ 19

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Crossword Clues and answers (page 23) in English

Across:

1. Gem (5) 4. Shade of yellow tinged with orange (7) 8. Symetrically arranged (7) 9. Pouch (3) 10. Two-wheeled vehicle (7) 11. Publish (5) 12. Patisserie (6) 14. Syntactic category (6) 17. Wanderer (5) 19. Stone pillar (7) 22. Mesh (3) 23. Floorshow (7) 24. Stayed clear from (7) 25. Groups of cattle (5)

Down:

1. Jests (5) 2. Male witch or demon (7) 3. Source of illumination (5) 4. Remuneration (6) 5. Surreptitious (7) 6. Hazards (5) 7. Type of power (7) 12. Very rich vein of precious ore (7) 13. Made smaller (7) 15. Vagrant (7) 16. Prohibit (6) 18. Slogan (5) 20. Planet (5) 21. Praise (5)

SUDOKU - EASY

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

SUDOKU - HARD

The solutions to this month’s sudokus can be found on page 22

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20 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

WHAT’S

ON Throughout December Village de Noël, Périgueux

Discover the Christmas Village of Périgueux at place Bugeaud and square Daumesnil. Open every day of the week, enjoy a glass of mulled wine and sweet & savoury treats and shop for Christmas gifts amongst the chalets set around the ice rink.

1st - 24th December Noël à Bergerac Amongst this year’s festivities in Bergerac (see bergerac.fr for the full programme) is the artisanal market, open every day from 16th to 24th December from 10h-19h. 37 artisans & artists will offer visitors original gift ideas such as pottery, blown glass, wood, saffron and beauty products. There will also be mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and hot drinks available. Place Cayla, place de la Myrpe, Maison des syndicats.

Saturday 5th – Thursday 31st December This year’s Christmas Village, set amongst 50 chalets on places de la Liberté, du 14 Juillet and de la Grande Rigaudie, with open-air ice rinks, takes on a Scandinavian theme and welcomes craftsmen and women from all over France, with a variety of goods and gourmet treats.

WHAT’S ON ♦ 21

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

The Vendredi Club 2-Day Christmas Craft Fair

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December from 10 am - 5 pm Salle des Fêtes Bournel 47210

Over 30 stalls with a variety of handcrafted products all made locally. There will be beautiful Jewellery, Silk Scarves, Pottery, Patchwork, Christmas Cards, Knitted Toys, Cakes, Marmalade, Chutney, Glassware, Artwork and much, much more!

English Cakes and Bacon Butties will be available in our Pause Cafe plus Mulled Wine and Mince Pies (Real Traditional Christmas Fayre).

On Saturday there will be ‘free’ horse and carriage rides around the village all day and on Sunday come and enjoy the Villeréal Choir who will be singing around the Christmas tree about 4 pm.

Both afternoons from 2 pm to 5 pm there will be a ‘free’ Children’s Christmas workshop where the children can make Christmas decorations and don’t miss the arrival of Santa.

For more information tel 05 53 71 80 25.

VOX VESUNNA

VERTEILLAC CHRISTMAS MARKET & BROCANTE Sunday 6th December Father Christmas / Vin Chaud Christmas Gift Ideas Huge Brocante Large Parking areas

Périgord’s male choir, “VOX VESUNNA”, a vocal ensemble of 20-25 choristers under the direction of Julia Brian, will be performing on Sunday 6th December at 15h30 at the Eglise d’Eymet.

Their repertoire is very eclectic and includes familiar tunes, Basque and Russian songs, Negro spirituals and opera aria.

Tickets (available from Eymet tourist office): €12; Free for Under 12s For more information visit www.voxvesunna.com

Music in the Dordogne sponsored by ARCADES Join us for concerts in the air conditioned new hall in Le Buisson, mostly of classical music, with top class French, English, Russian and other international performers. Concert tickets cost €15 including wine in the interval.

All events are organised by volunteers and serve also as a meeting ground for the French and international communities of the Dordogne.

Venue - Le Buisson de Cadouin, Nouvelle Salle des Fêtes, Avenue Aquitaine

For more info, tel 06 87 88 15 33 or 05 53 23 86 22 or visit http://www.arcadesinfo.com/

UPCOMING CONCERTS Sunday 6th December at 17:00 Recital by pianist Antoine Grolée at Le Buisson Pôle d’Animation Culturelle

Horses’ Festive Fair

Programme: Schubert-Liszt – Auf dem Wasser zu singen, Wagner-Liszt – La mort d’Yseut, Liszt – 2 Etudes de concert - Forest murmurs and Dance of the Gnomes, St François d’Assisi Preaching to the birds, Hungarian Rhapsody no.°12.

They may be enjoying a well-earned retirement, but the Police Horses in their rest home near Brantôme are getting excited about their Christmas Fair on Sunday 6th December.

Last year’s event was a great success and the BPH stables are determined to make the 2015 Christmas Fair bigger and better and even more fun!

The BPH gift shop and the special Christmas Market open at 11 am with gifts you won’t find anywhere else! Santa arrives by horse-drawn carriage at 11:30. He will be greeting children in his grotto all day. There’s face painting, games, a festive hog roast accompanied by the legendary BPH home-made cakes and seasonal goodies.

Mulled wine and hot drinks will be on sale all day with live music by Vis-a-Viz and Hommage.

And of course the Brantôme Police Horses will be there to greet their visitors in the stables.

Brantôme Police Horses is a rest home for horses removed from active service in UK police forces.

Proceeds from the fair go directly to care and feed for the horses.

**********

The fair is at the stables, La Grange, 24530 Saint-Pancrace, near Brantôme.

Sunday 20th December at 16:00 Christmas Concert Christine Good singing at Le Buisson Pôle d’Animation Culturelle

More info from: www.brantomepolicehorses.com

Later in December, Brantôme Police Horses present guitarist Dan Jones on Sunday 13th December at 3 pm in the traditional farmhouse ambiance of La Grange.

Roland and Allison Philips have organised an intimate concert of Spanish classical guitar on a Christmas theme with mulled wine or soft drink on arrival, a sumptuous afternoon tea with BHP’s celebrated home-made cakes. The BHP gift shop will be open.

Dan Jones is a Yorkshire based, highly respected composer and player. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy his music in the Dordogne. With tickets at only €12.50, early booking is advised. Call Allison or Roland on 05 53 05 86 80.

22 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015

Funding Fun for Gambian Hospital

La Chorale

AMARYLLIS

Direction – Kees de Jong Britten’s ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ also Messe Breve no 7 in C by Gounod other works by Duruflé L’Eglise de Notre Dame des Ronces, Nontron Friday 11th December at 20h30 10 euros (Children/students free) Enquiries tel: 05 53 56 41 08

Following November’s 70s theme night, which raised €1,312 for the Bansang Hospital fund, a monster Christmas market has been organised by the Bansang Hospital Appeal, also in Abjat-surBandiat.

With 30+ stalls inside and around the Salle des Fêtes in Abjat, plus donkey rides, Santa’s Grotto, festive fare, bar and barbecue and fund-raiser, Linda Nicholson is looking forward to a super day on 13th December from 10 am until 6 pm.

Organiser Linda Nicholson told The Bugle: “The 70s night was great, we are already booking an 80s do for November 2016, but the market has been a huge event in Abjat for 15 years.”

For those Brits who enjoy lusty carol singing, the Sens de la Terre in Piégut-Pluviers is hosting a Bansang fund-raiser on 22nd December from 5 pm to 6 pm. For €3 carollers get festive mince pies and drink, plus a chance to belt out favourite carols to keyboard accompaniment.

To find out more about the Bansang Appeal visit http://bansanghospitalappeal.org

Do you have an event for The Bugle? editor@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite.

Dépôt légal à parution.

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

notices@thebugle.eu EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

COMMUNITY ♦ 23

DECEMBER 2015 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Monday

Market Days

Beynac Le Fleix Les Eyzies Ste-Alvère

Tuesday

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

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

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

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

Friday

Sunday

Piégut Pluviers Razac Sarlat Siorac-en-Périgord Vélines

Thursday

Bergerac Brantôme Cubjac Le Buisson Ribérac Sarlat Vergt

Saturday

Agonac Beaumont du Périgord Belvès

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

WANTED: Property Manager I have an old stone-built property in Couze, near Bergerac. I visit from the UK once a year, and members of my family also visit.

However, I cannot stay for long enough to make certain improvements to the property, and need a property manager to carry out these improvements for me. The agent should be either English or French with an excellent grasp of English, as my grasp of French is not exhaustive especially on the telephone. At the moment I require someone to purchase a fridge and install it, first removing and disposing of a defunct freezer, which it is to replace, and a very old half size fridge. The difficulty is that the freezer is built in and both freezer and fridge lie behind heavy oak doors, which of course I wish to retain.

There is also a need for redecorating one wall.

My neighbours, one of whom is English, keep an eye on the house for me in my absence and would be able to show it to you before you make a decision.

If anyone is interested in this and of course future works if we are mutually satisfied, please contact me at couze.24150@yahoo.co.uk

LEMONY – a 2-year-old Ginger Shaded Silver girl

AQUITAINE CHURCH SERVICES

The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine covers the Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Condom (Gers).

All services are held in English.

For further details, please see our website: www.churchinaquitaine.org or contact Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith, +33 (0) 607 04 07 77 chapaq.office@gmail.com

SUNDAY 06 DECEMBER 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 11:00 Holy Communion – Doudrac 11:00 Prayer & Praise – Sainte Nathalène 18:00 Advent Carol Service – Bertric Burée Tuesday 08 December 11:00 Holy Communion - Allez

Lemony is calm, gentle and extremely loving. Her current foster carer knows how quickly it’s possible to develop a special bond with this super affectionate cat!

Wednesday 09 December 11:00 BCP Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 18:00 Christmas Carol Service – Montcaret, Dordogne

She’s always ready for a fuss, pushing her head into your hand, then laying down either on your lap, or next to you. She adores being brushed and loves to have her tummy stroked.

Thursday 17 December 10:30 BCP Holy Communion - Limeuil

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Family Service – Négrondes

SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 10:30 Family Service – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion – Chancelade 10:30 Holy Communion - Dondas 10:30 Morning Worship - Limeuil 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Monteton

But much as she loves family life, Lemony doesn’t want to be just an inside cat and will always need safe access to the ‘great outdoors’.

Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve 18:00 Holy Communion - Monteton 18:00 Holy Communion - Condom 22:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil

Lemony isn’t fussed by dogs, but she’s not fond of other cats, so a cat-free household is a must.

Friday 25 December – Christmas Day 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Eymet Temple 11:00 Holy Communion – Doudrac

If you feel you could give a home to this stunningly beautiful girl, please contact Caroline on 05 55 27 10 25 / email: carolinela74@gmail.com Lemony is chipped, vaccinated and sterilised. www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 10:30 Morning Worship – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion– Bordeaux 10:30 Morning Worship – Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion – Négrondes SUNDAY 03 JANUARY 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Limeuil 16:00 Evensong – Bertric Burée

AQUITAINE CHURCH SERVICES CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICES, DECEMBER 2015 The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine covers the Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Condom (Gers).

All services are held in English.

For further details, please see our website: www.churchinaquitaine.org or contact Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith, +33 (0) 607 04 07 77 chapaq.office@gmail.com Dordogne Sunday 06 December - 17:00 Christmas Carol Service – Limeuil Thursday 10 December - 18:00 Christmas Carol Service – Montcaret Friday 11 December - 18:00 Christmas Carol Service – Ribérac Hospital Chapel Sunday 13 December - 16:00 Christmas Carol Service – Chancelade Wednesday 16 December - 18:00 Christmas Carol Service – Eymet Temple Thursday 17 December - 17:00 Christmas Carol Service – Sainte Nathalène Friday 18 December - 18:00 Christmas Carol Service – Négrondes Lot et Garonne Friday 11 December - 18:30 Christmas Carol Service – Saint Médard, Clermont Dessous Sunday 13 December - 11:00 Christmas Carol Service – Doudrac Sunday 13 December - 17:00 Christmas Carol Service – Monteton Sunday 13 December - 17:00 Christmas Carol Service – Nérac Wednesday 16 December - 18:30 Christmas Carol Service – Dondas Tuesday 22 December - 18:30 Christmas Carol Service – Allez Gironde Sunday 13 December - 17:00 Christmas Carol Service – Bordeaux

Join us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services throughout Aquitaine.

Please visit the Services page of our website for more information: www.churchinaquitaine.org

24 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2015