The Bugle Limousin - Dec 2016 by The Bugle

The Bugle EnglishLanguage Film Club The Bugle has teamed up with Le Sénéchal cinema in Guéret to found a monthly film club >> Page 4 November 2016 - Issue #85

Limousin

Your local newspaper for life in France

December 2016 - Issue 86 - FREE!

Reciprocal expat rights deal close Sources close to the British government have said a deal guaranteeing expat rights may be agreed very soon.

enior government figures have revealed that Britain and the EU are on the verge of guaranteeing the rights of British expats postBrexit. According to The Telegraph, the majority of European Union countries have already signalled they were ready to agree a “reciprocal rights” deal with the UK. The government is believed to have told business leaders that only “a few” of the 27 EU member states are left to agree the outline of a reciprocal agreement for the rights of expats living elsewhere in the EU and EU nationals living in Britain. No deals have yet been struck, but insiders are speculating that an announcement could be made as early as the EU summit

INSIDE > > > Woman finds grenade in sack of spuds - pg 10

BA announces Limoges to Gatwick flights - page 3

due to take place in Brussels in December. If confirmed, the news will come as a great relief to the 1.2 million British expats currently living across Europe, as well, of course, to the estimated 3.3 million EU nationals living in the UK. Prime Minister Theresa May has repeatedly refused to give details of any deals being made behind the scenes, over concerns that leaks may damage the UK’s negotiating position. “We hope and expect to guarantee the reciprocal rights of EU and British citizens, but this is premature and wrong,” said a government source. “No deals have been struck, formal or informal. The government has been clear that it wants to see this issue

Record fine for wine fraudster - pg 10

UFO ban upheld by town's mayor - pg 12

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 16-23

>> continued on page 9

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

aving decided to move to France and have children, one thing that I have spent a lot of time thinking about is whether, when they grow up, my children will feel French, English, British or a little bit of everything. My wife and I are very much British. That doesn't mean that we don't love France and the French, but I grew up in a British family during my formative years and culturally I identify as British. Which does lead to some entertaining misunderstandings, as I am often completely lost in social situations such as births, marriages, parties, etc. Do you send a card, is a present appropriate, what should I bring? I once got into a lot of trouble for running a birthday present over to my elderly neighbour a few days early - I was going away for a short break and would miss the big day. She was horrified and refused to accept it... it was bad luck to be given a present before your actual birthday. Perhaps she is just particularly superstitious but you get my

drift. I assume that my children will absorb these cultural reference points, ideally whilst also understanding how things are done in the UK. A short piece I wrote this month about a recent Michael Moore documentary really got me thinking about this once again (see page 6). In his film he visits a primary school canteen and is blown away by the quality and variety of the food, and the way in which French children learn to eat together. I love the French style of cooking and eating, but in our house we still do things in quite a “British” way - my kids are no strangers to Yorkshire pudding, Marmite and “proper” bacon! I have tried to be more French and eat my main meal at lunchtime, but if I'm honest, all that happens is I end up having a second hot meal in the evening. I keep trying though, which could possibly go some way to explaining my expanding waistline! I am aware that how we do things at home makes my children different to their French friends and I don't want them to

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

be the weird foreigners at school. Which is one of the reasons that we decided that they would eat in the school canteen from day one. I can't speak for everyone, but I have plenty of friends in the UK whose children would run a mile at the sight of a moule and for whom rabbit and duck are pets, not food. I don't think I ate or even saw - any of these foods until I was well into my teenage years, but they make regular appearances on the school menu. My eldest came home the other week to announce that she wasn't the biggest fan of salsify. I am something of a foodie and love to cook and the word rang a bell, but I'll admit I had to Google salsify to see exactly what she was talking about. As it happens - and as the documentary rightly points out - school meals in France are exceptional, which made the decision for them to eat at the canteen a much easier one. Every day, my kids eat a balanced, four-course meal, and this does also take the pressure off in the evenings as I know that they have eaten well at least once that day. If you put two Brits of a similar age in a room, before long they will be reminiscing about favourite childhood cartoons, cheesy 80s pop tracks you're embarrassed to say you still love and how to get the most out of 10 pence at the pick and mix counter. I want my children to feel this at home with their French

friends in the future, but I am also greedy and want them to be comfortable in British surroundings. Whether that is possible remains to be seen, but eating at the school canteen seems like a logical step along the way. Elsewhere this month, I am very pleased to say that we are launching a Bugle Film Club (see page 4). If you are a film fan, or just fancy seeing a few films in English, do get in touch, as these things always require a few people to make them work. The cinema in Guéret are very keen to get something off the ground, we will have a certain amount of choice as to what we see and it looks like the tickets will be very reasonably priced! Finally, with “Black Friday” behind us (whatever that actually is) and with December upon us, I'd like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

CONTACT us Tel: 05 55 41 17 76 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions@thebugle.eu

INSIDE this edition

3-5 Local News

6-12 National News 13-14 French Life 15 Bilingual 16-23 Directory 24-26 Community 27-28 What’s On

Copy deadline for content and advertising:

15th December

for January edition

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Charroux prepares for 2nd BA unveils Limoges-Gatwick flights for summer 2017 bilingual literary festival

ugust 2015 saw the first ever bilingual literary festival take place in Charroux, southern Vienne, in an event which gathered French- and English-speaking writers together for a three-day festival in the small town just west of Pressac. Following its success, a diverse range of events are planned for the second instalment of this festival between 24-26 August 2017. Activities will include themed discussions, authors' talks, workshops, coaching sessions, readings, script-writing, theatre skills and much more. There will be a festival bookshop and opportunities for book signings. In addition, a number of fringe activities are being planned that will complement the main programme. Also present will be the novelist Barbara Erskine. An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of over 13 bestselling novels as well as several short story collections that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural. Her novels are published in over 30 languages worldwide. She will talk about her inspiration and her novels spanning the past 30 years, from her debut Lady of Hay to her latest bestseller, Sleeper’s Castle. “I am thrilled to be invited to speak at the second Charroux Literary Festival in August 2017,” said Ms Erskine. “This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new and old readers, and to explore the medieval history of the town with its historical links to the Route to Compestela.” The Festival Patron is the Author Susie

Barbara Erskine Kelly, who has lived in the Poitou Charentes since 1995 and has written five bestselling books about living and travelling in France. “I am delighted to be the Patron of the Charroux Literary Festival,” Susie told The Bugle previously. “Living in the area and writing about it has provided me with a close connection to the place, the people and the culture. Whether your interests lie in fiction, poetry, history or even song writing, we hope you will find something of interest at this delightful festival in a stunning corner of France.” ■ For more information about the Charroux Literary Festival, visit: http://charrouxlitfest.wordpress.com For further information about Barbara Erskine, visit: www.barbara-erskine.co.uk

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imoges Airport is celebrating after revealing that British Airways is to open a line between Gatwick Airport and the capital of the Limousin. The area is already well served by the low-cost carriers with Ryanair and Flybe operating a number of long-standing, yearround routes to and from the UK, but adding a premium airline to their list of options is a huge coup for the regional airport. The new route to London Gatwick is a significant boost, as it not only creates a partnership with one of Europe's most respected international airlines, but also opens up the rest of the world via connections at the London hub. Furthermore, those with friends or family south of London will also be grateful for the new option; anyone who has disembarked at Stansted to spend the next 2 hours sat on the M25 will know how hard it is to get round the cap-

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cussed on France; after Nantes and Montpellier, Limoges is the now the third French airport to be connected to Gatwick.” The airport hopes that the new routes will generate a further 15,000 passengers, but also acknowledges that the benefits are more than purely statistical. “The British Airways desk will add to the image and standing of the airport,” admitted Mr Le Mercier, who underlined that it is now up to them to ensure that the new route is a success. ■

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Ref 2109 - € 38,500 - Detached property comprising cottage with large attached barn located in a village between Gueret and Bourganeuf. Ground floor: large room with a chimney used as kitchen/dining room plus three additional rooms. 1st floor: two double bedrooms. The attic is convertible. Above the old workshop, there is another room. The property is in need of entire renovation. The garden of 1775m² has a small outbuilding. DPE Vierge Ref 2108 - € 71,500 - Large 4 bedroom house with barns, outbuildings & garden in a village halfway between Bourganeuf & Gueret. Ground floor: entrance hall, bedroom/office, laundry room, cellar, garage/boiler room. 1st floor: fitted kitchen, lounge/dining room, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom & wc. Convertible attic. Oil & wood fired central heating. Double garage, large workshop, large barn, another barn. Plot size 1890m². Lovely views. DPE Vierge

ital. The line will operate four times a week, initially between 28th May and 17th September, with flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Prices start from €50 one-way. “It's a real sign of confidence from British Airways. It's great news and will help hugely in the opening up of the region to the wider world,” explained Laurent Le Mercier, director of Limoges Airport. “It couldn't have worked out better for us. British Airways are fo-

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4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

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Bugle launches Guéret-based English-language film club

inema fans in the Creuse will soon have even more opportunity to watch English-language films following the news that The Bugle has teamed up with the Sénéchal cinema in Guéret to offer a monthly film night. French-speaking cinephiles, especially younger audiences, are increasingly choosing to watch “foreign” films in the language they were filmed in, with French subtitles and without all the mismatched lip synching! This has lead to an increase in the number of VO films (original ver-

sion) being screened. And now, with a dedicated film night for English speakers in Guéret, there has never been a better time to go to the cinema! The idea is to form a group of like-minded Bugle readers who will be able to choose which film will be screened each month. Members will also be able to take advantage of a reduced rate for screenings, and even enjoy tea, coffee and a cake after the film. If you are interested in film and would like to receive more information about The Bugle Film Club,

please email editor@thebugle.eu quoting “Film Club” in the subject line. Over the coming weeks, we will be gauging interest, choosing the most convenient time for screenings and gathering opinions on the type of films people may be interested in watching. If you would like to get involved, or if you have any thoughts on how the film club might operate, then please do drop us a line. For more information about the Cinéma Sénéchal, visit www.cinemasenechal.com and click on “english” in the menu bar. ■ PS Hello to Jason Isaacs!

St-Yrieix 'welcomes' new Fnac

arge national chains can bring opportunities for towns, especially in rural areas of the country, but their arrival always raises the question of unfair competition with smaller, local businesses. And so it is in St-Yrieixla-Perche, where local officials are hailing the arrival of Fnac, which opened its latest store in November at the 3D retail park (Intermarché). The company is attempting to cover more areas of France in the ongoing battle against online retailers and will employ a dozen people at the relative-

ly modest 500m2 shop, which is strategically situated on the borders of the Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Dordogne departments. “We will stock all the latest products, but we will also be offering a link between the physical and online retail areas,” explained a spokesman for Fnac. “People who can't find what they're looking for can order direct from our store. Alternatively, people who prefer to order online can come and collect from the store in a matter of hours.” The retailer's arrival has been met

with anger, however, from the town's 3 independent bookshops. Smaller booksellers have been struggling to compete in recent years with online giants such as Amazon, as well as other large retailers such as supermarkets, which are stocking more and more books. Any investment in rural areas is usually welcomed by local officials, however, and there could be further good news for St-Yrieix-la-Perche in that respect, with rumours abounding that McDonald's is also planning a new outlet in the town of 7,000 people. ■

European Vehicle Transport

Christmas market at Bourganeuf

or the last four years the Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques, based at Bourganeuf in the Creuse, has organised a very successful “Semaine Franco-Britannique”. This year they have a different approach and are running a range of different activities throughout the year. Members and the local community have already run a number of creative workshops and their annual Salon de Thé welcomed 90 customers to the village of St-Amand-Jartoudeix in August. Their next major event is a Marché de Noël on Saturday 10th December. It’s an indoor market which will be held in the Hall Polyvalent in Bourganeuf and will last from 8.30 am till 5 pm. From the start of the event their ever popular English Breakfast will be on sale. It is being prepared by Sophie Hicks from “Boucherie à La Ferme” in the Corrèze (www. boucheriealaferme.com). The majority of the produce comes from Sophie’s farm so visitors can enjoy a traditional British meal created from high quality products. It’s fine to turn up on the day and breakfast when you arrive but given that last year they served 150 customers (!), it is helpful to know how many people are coming. To reserve a breakfast please visit www.francobrit.com or contact the Office de Tourisme at Bourganeuf (05 55 64 12 20). There is no payment in advance. After breakfast visitors can enjoy browsing the wide range of market stalls - foodstuffs, artisan beer, silk-screen prints, jewellery, sculptures, clothing, toys... and all at a range of prices for those large or small Christmas gifts. At lunchtime there will be a range of snacks and hand-held food on offer and this can be accompanied by either artisan beer or wine. The Association will be providing tea and coffee throughout the day and, in the afternoon, traditional mince pies will be on sale. Finally, there will be entertainment by Les Amis Chanteurs de St-Amand at 3 pm. What better way to get into the spirit of Christmas? More details about the Association may be found at www.francobrit.com ■

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Local expat campaigns for change in UK breast cancer screening law

n expat cancer survivor, whose tumour could have been missed during routine checks had she not moved to France, is campaigning for a law change in the UK. Cheryl Cruwys lived in Bishops Stortford for 20 years before moving to St-Germain-les-Belles, south of Limoges, in 2013 and only discovered she had breast cancer at an early stage because the checks in France are more thorough. Had she still lived in the UK, the routine mammogram she would have been offered as she turned 50 would not have picked up that she had invasive ductal carcinoma. Her cancer was hidden from the standard mammogram due to her high breast density, which can make tumours harder to detect. Since receiving her diagnosis Cheryl has been campaigning to raise awareness of the impact of breast density on mammogram results.

In July this year, Cheryl underwent an operation to remove a small breast cancer tumour and lymph node after her Stage 1 cancer was discovered during an ultrasound in France, following an extra check that is not routinely offered in the UK. “Having turned 50 in March, I was called up for various health checks by

the French system,” Cheryl explained. “Similarly, in the UK, I would have been called for a mammogram, but this alone would not have detected my invasive cancer this early and I would have been given the all-clear. In France, following a mammogram (every 2 years), if dense breasts are detected, then an ultrasound is carried out. In my case, the mammogram was clear, but an ultrasound immediately flagged up a small, 8mm suspicious dark area.” “I am working to promote early detection,” Cheryl said. “In the UK, 3,500 breast cancers are being missed each year using mammograms and so the issue is the effectiveness of them, particularly on dense breast tissue they are more difficult to detect. Along with breast cancer survivor Terri Bainbridge, from Exeter, I am planning a campaign and petition for a law to be created in the UK informing women of the density of their breasts - which is supplied on mammogram results - therefore giving them the option to go for further tests.” “Obviously, I am very happy we moved to France,” said Cheryl, who has just finished her radiotherapy treatment. “If we had not, it would not have been found. I would have had the all-clear at my mammogram and three years would have passed when it possibly would have remained undetected and, being the invasive type, may well have spread to my lymph nodes. It completely changes your life, but I am so very lucky. I have avoided a later stage diagnosis and harsh treatment such as chemotherapy.” As part of her ongoing work with Breast Density Matters UK, Cheryl received an invitation to Westminster from an MP & Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer to discuss ways in which they may be able to assist. “I was delighted, not only to meet with Mr C Tracey, MP to discuss our Breast Density campaign, but also to

receive his personal support. He will soon be presenting the campaign to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer and we look forward to a further meeting in the New Year. We hope to be able to present more supporting evidence and I plan to be accompanied by a UK breast surgeon who can provide the professional medical angle that is required. It is going to be a busy time now but as I am compelled to do this for women in the UK, I am up for the challenge!” To find out more or to sign the petition and join the campaign, go to the UK page of www.change.org and search for “Breast Density Inform Law”. ■ You can also get in touch directly with Cheryl via the following: Facebook: Breast Density Matters UK Twitter: @Cheryl_Cruwys Email: breastdensitymatters.uk@gmail.com

Télim TV closes After months of uncertainty, the axe has finally fallen on the Limousin's dedicated television station, Télim. After mounting financial difficulties, the company was placed into receivership one year ago, but, unable to find further investment, the station has now officially closed. The Télim team, which comprised 8 employees, had tried everything to stay on the airwaves, even placing the station for sale on small ads site Le Bon Coin for just one euro. The company folded with debts of €800,000 after its funding was gradually reduced over the years. Télim, which focused on the smaller issues of life in rural France, originally had an operating budget of €1 million, but this had fallen to just €600,000 by the time it closed and staff blamed the lack of political support for the station's failure. Nouvelle Aquitaine's president tweeted following the announcement: “The region is open to any local TV project: the press is a pillar of democracy”. ■

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6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Expat wins best bistro award

f France is famous for two things, top of the list would be food and wine. The nation's pride took a knock recently, however, after a Chinese team beat the French into second place at the world wine tasting championships (see last month's edition of The Bugle). And now, rubbing sel de Guérande into the wound, a restaurant run singlehandedly by a British expat has been voted best village bistro in France. Manchester-born Chris Wright, an entirely self-taught chef, only opened his small bistro earlier this year after running the successful Parisian eatery Le Timbre (the postage stamp) for 14 years. His new restaurant, which doubles up as the local shop in Dienne, a village of just 200 people in the Cantal department, was his attempt at a quieter life. The bistro soon gained a reputation locally, however, and before long he found himself inundated with booking requests. “I wanted it to be a low-key thing, but looking at it from that point of view, it's been a bit of a disaster” said the 44-year-old chef. “I was hoping to wind

down with a quiet little place where you could get a nice slice of ham and cheese. I failed there!” Unfortunately for Chris, his life is not likely to get any easier going forward after winning the top village bistro award from Le Fooding food and restaurant guide. The trendy guide prides itself on a down-to-earth, unstuffy approach to food - poles apart from the more famous Michelin Guide - and does not think that nationality should play a part in its considerations. “We think quality, sincerity and authenticity are most important and it’s true that lately we note that foreigners are not the worst in these departments,” said Alexandre Cammas, founder of Le Fooding, who has an interesting theory on why so many foreignborn chefs feature in his guide. “In France, one can end up as a chef by default because you’re useless at school, for example, whereas foreign chefs when they come to France, it’s not by default, it’s to fulfil a dream.” Chris Wright has now closed his bistro for the winter, but is already looking forward to a

busy season when he reopens next year. “The locals have been great. Quite of a lot of people knew of me, because I have been coming down for the last eight years or so and I love the food from around here. Others prob-

Le Pub

Living life in France with the French

ably thought that, being English, I wouldn't be capable of much more than a sandwich!” Despite his desire for a quieter life, the British chef has very publicly proved his culinary credentials. ■

French school dinners hailed as restaurant quality Oscar-winning documentary maker Michael Moore has heaped praise on French school dinners in his most recent film, “Where to Invade Next”. In the documentary, which came out in September, Moore visits countries around the world to investigate aspects of life and culture and to see where America can learn to do things better. In the light-hearted film, Moore sits down with children at a primary school in northern France to enjoy a meal of scallops, followed by lamb and a cheese course, a menu he says would not be out of place at an upmarket American restaurant. “I entered a small village in rural Normandy and went to one of the finest kitchens in the country,” explained the filmmaker during the documentary. “By my standards, it was a 3, maybe a 4-star kitchen. It was definitely the best place to eat in town... it was the school cafeteria!” ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

Six face trial over Kate Air Force trains eagles to tackle drone threat Middleton photos

ix reporters, photographers and media chiefs are to be tried in France for invasion of privacy over the topless photos of the Duchess of Cambridge which were published in 2012, according to judicial sources. The pictures of Kate Middleton were taken with a long lens and showed her topless on the balcony of a private residence in the south of France, during a holiday with Prince William. The photos first appeared on the front page of local newspaper La Provence in southern France in September 2012, but were given a much wider audience when celebrity magazine Closer subsequently also ran them, sparking fury from the royal family who pressed for criminal charges in an attempt to prevent further publication of the images. Closer’s chief editor, the head of Closer’s parent com-

pany Mondadori, two news agency photographers, along with a photographer and a senior figure at La Provence will now have to answer in court over the publication of the intimate photos. The directors of La Provence have denied that one of their photographers took the pictures, which re-

vived the debate about invasions of privacy by the press, with one royal spokesman at the time branding them “reminiscent of the worst excesses” of the paparazzi in Princess Diana’s life. No date has been set, but it is believed that the trial will take place some time in 2017. ■

he emergence of cheap, readily available drones has caused a massive headache for authorities and security services. At one end of the scale are careless members of the public who fly their new 'toys' in dangerous areas - near misses with planes and helicopters are becoming a regular occurrence. At the other end of the scale, there is serious concern that drones could be used by terrorists to carry improvised explosive devices. Sometimes high-tech problems can have a low-tech solution, however, and the French Air Force has responded to the threat by training a team of elite eagles to intercept drones. “The eagles could be used in major events like the July 14th celebrations, G20 meetings or big international conferences,” an Air Force spokesperson told L’Express magazine. Currently, the only response to a rogue drone is to either shoot it down or use a “jammer” to block any flying signals. Both of these solutions, however, result in the drone falling from the sky, which is not always ideal when public areas are involved. “In certain situations, when debris could fall onto the crowd below, the drone cannot be shot down. The eagle can intercept the device without causing extra damage. They have been taught that there is food on the drones, and now when they see one of these devices they intercept. We are training them not just to attack them, but to detect them.” The Air Force began with a batch of golden eagle eggs in spring this year and once the birds were big enough, they began their training in the summer. It is hoped that they will begin service as early as next year. It may sound like a far-fetched idea, but eagles have already been successfully used by police in the Netherlands. ■

French band facing name change There was shock around the world when the results of the recent American presidential elections came in. Leaders began to panic as to what a Trump presidency would mean for them, but for one French band, the problem ran deeper. Formed in 2014 as an electronic rock group, “Trumps” have now said that they are looking for a new name. Lead singer Jim explained that their image took a blow when Donald J Trump entered the presidential race, but that now they are to change their name. “We don't feel like being associated with this guy,” the band said. “We have no connection with him, and we don't want to be seen pushing anything political.” The band have been taking suggestions from fans on their Facebook page, but have already rejected the tongue-in-cheek suggestion of “The Le Pens”! ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

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UK close to a deal on post-Brexit expat rights

>> continued from pg 1 resolved, as long as that can be done in both directions.” However, Mrs May recently stressed twice within a week that a deal guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals to remain in the UK after Brexit will be struck quickly. “I want an early agreement on the status of UK nationals in Europe and EU nationals here, so that you and they can plan with certainty,” the prime minister told business leaders at the Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) annual conference in November. The potential deal for Brits abroad was hailed as “fantastic news for them, their family and friends” by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, parliamentary adviser to Conservatives Abroad, which has campaigned on voting rights for expats. “It will allay a great deal of anxiety. It is only right that Europeans who are legally here and doing a good job of work for this country should also have the reassurance they can stay as well.” Josh Hardie, deputy director general of the CBI, said the suggestions of a deal were “really good news” adding it was “encouraging to hear that it has

been prioritised”. Whilst a deal on expat rights was always likely to be agreed, the uncertainty that has surrounded the situation since the June vote has caused a great deal of anxiety for many British citizens living in France. Until now, many have relied on theoretical “acquired rights” guaranteed by the Vienna Convention of 1969 to secure their future in France, although whether the Vienna Convention applies in this instance has been much debated. The convention states that the termination of a treaty “does not affect any right, obligation or legal situation of the parties created through the execution of the treaty prior to its termination.” The House of Commons Library says that “withdrawing from a treaty releases the parties from any future obligations to each other, but does not affect any rights or obligations acquired under it before withdrawal.” So theoretically, expats who have already exercised their right to live in EU states can expect to keep that right after Brexit. If a formal deal is agreed with the 27 EU member states, seeking protection under the Vienna Convention should no longer be necessary. ■

Man jailed for life for expat murder

32-year-old man has been jailed for life for the brutal 2015 murder of British expat Violet Price, a crime which shocked the local community in the commune of Moustier near Marmande, Lotet-Garonne. Madi Mahaboudi, who had a previous conviction for a 2005 unlawful killing for which he was sentenced to eight years, murdered the pensioner, before cutting her body into pieces and hiding the body parts in surrounding fields. The tragedy began when 80-year-old Mrs Price was reported missing by her son following a barbecue with friends in Eymet, Dordogne. Unable to reach her by phone later that evening, her son went to her house to find it empty. Her car was still outside, her mobile phone was in the house and the lights were on. There were also two cups of coffee on the table, one still half full - Mahaboudi's DNA would later be found on one of the cups. Investigators had immediate concerns and a search was initiated in a 4-kilometre radius of her home and along the banks of the Dropt river, involving members of the gendarmerie, sniffer dogs and

a helicopter. Several days later, police arrested Mahaboudi, who was revealed to be the brother of Mrs Price's daughter-in-law. Mahaboudi subsequently led investigators to a patch of woodland 400 metres from his home where the partially buried body of the expat was found in two separate locations. “In 15 years of practice, I had never seen such a degree of bruising on the throat and neck,” the court heard from a medical examiner during the trial. “He's not someone who really regrets what he's done,” added the prosecuting attorney. “He's a boy who did not know how to develop as a man because he had a violent father who was imposing and very severe,” claimed defence attorney Isabelle Gillet, who told the court that Mahaboudi was raped as a child by an acquaintance of his father. Given an opportunity to speak before jurors retired to deliberate, Mahaboudi said: “I ask to be given a chance. Deep down I know I can be rehabilitated.” Violet Price, originally from London, had lived in the area for 3 years. ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Château owner jailed Woman finds grenade over massive wine fraud in sack of potatoes

Bordeaux château owner has been jailed for 2 years and given a record fine after he was found guilty of selling fake wine to a number of major supermarkets. FrançoisMarie Marret, owner of four estates in the region, was told that he must pay €7.8 million for the fraud, which saw 800,000 litres of cheap plonk labelled as prestigious vintages from Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Listrac-Médoc. The scandal, which dates from 2011 and 2012, involved what became known as “moon wines”, so-called as the cheap wine would arrive in tankers at dusk, before being drained into the château's tanks. The low quality wine - mainly press wine and excess wine destined for distillation - was bought on the black from struggling local producers for just a few hundred euros per barrel before being passed off as wine from more prestigious appellations. The three growers received suspended six-month prison terms and suspended fines. The ruling has taken the industry by surprise - it is very rare to go to prison for wine crimes in France. “The severity of this judgment does not represent justice,” Marret said outside the courtroom. “I don't even know

how they're coming up with 8,000 hectolitres. It's impossible, purely impossible.” The fine does appear to be large as even prosecutors calculate that the wine maker will only have netted around €800,000 from the scam, but the industry is keen to protect its reputation and send a warning to other would-be fraudsters. “It was a strong signal to professionals in the Bordeaux trade that justice will protect consumers and the quality of Bordeaux wine,” explained vice procureur Nathalie Queran, a prosecutor in the region's finance and economic crimes division. “The alleged offences are contrary to all the rules. They seriously damage the image of our appellations, and that of all the winegrowers who make them renowned,” said Hervé Grandeau, president of the Fédération des Grands Vins de Bordeaux, which was a civil plaintiff in the case. “We will show ourselves particularly intransigent in the future when faced with such practices.” The wine merchant, Vincent Lataste, received an eighteen-month suspended prison sentence and the truck driver, an accomplice whose confession provided key information, received a four-month suspended sentence. ■

Rugby team push bus down motorway Rugby players from the Pro D2 side Perpignan had some unexpected late night scrummage practice last month when their bus broke down in the middle of the night on the way home from a match. Stunned onlookers were treated to the unusual sight of burly sportsmen pushing the 19-tonne bus down the hard shoulder of the A62 between Bordeaux and Toulouse towards the nearest service station. Their efforts were filmed by the team's Belgian centre Jens Torfs, who posted the video to Instagram. One of the players featured was former Scottish international flanker Ally Strokosch who re-Tweeted the short video with the caption “That’s my baldy head right there!” Strokosch has played with Perpignan, who sit eighth in France's second division of rugby, since 2013. ■

he French are not particularly famous for their love of spicy food. A woman from Grenoble almost made a dish that packed quite a punch, however, when she very nearly dropped a grenade into the evening meal. “I was peeling potatoes when I pulled one out that felt particularly heavy,” explained the woman, who had recently bought a 25kg sack of spuds from her local Carrefour Market. “I banged it on the table, decided it must be a stone and put it to one side. When my husband came home, he ran it under the tap and we realised that it was a grenade!” The couple were obviously worried and took the miniature bomb, which dated from the First World War, to the end of their garden while they waited for experts to come and remove the potentially deadly weapon. The potatoes, like 50% of those grown in France, originated from the Somme department, best known as being the theatre for many of the most famous - and bloody - battles of the Great War. There are still huge numbers of unexploded bombs and grenades in the fields of northern France and it is sadly common for farm-

ers to build piles of unexploded ordnance on the edge of their plots. It is far less common, however, for these to find their way into the nation's shops! With the grenade covered in mud, it is understandable that the weapon was not spotted by the producer, who does not check the potatoes individually by eye. It is far more worrying, however, that the grenade was not picked up by the subsequent

passage through a metal detector at the distributor, followed by a manual selection process prior to packaging. “There has clearly been a failure here, although thankfully without any consequences,” said the vegetable distributer concerned. “We will be strengthening the metal detection tests... this kind of incident is not acceptable. It is the first time this has happened in 30 years.” ■

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

12 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

Mayor upholds ban on UFO landings

f any extraterrestrial travellers subscribe to the electronic version of The Bugle, they may want to take note that landing your UFO at Châteuneuf-duPape will see you locked up. The mayor of the town, which is traditionally more famous for its wine, has announced that he has no plans to lift a 62-year-old ban on the “flying over, landing, or taking off of flying saucers” in the area. The original decree, signed in by thenmayor Lucien Jeune stated that “Any aircraft, known as a flying saucer or a flying

Other crazy French laws • It's illegal to name your pig Napoleon • Drinking alcohol at work is forbidden unless it's wine, cider or beer • Unlimited self-service ketchup is banned in school cafeterias • It's illegal to kiss through the window of a train while it's on a platform • You “can” marry a dead person, but you first need to get the president's permission

cigar, which should land on the territory of the commune will be immediately held in custody.” According to France Bleu the law was first introduced 1954 after a man in northern France claimed to see two beings dressed like “deep sea divers” emerging from a “cigar-shaped” spaceship. Perhaps unsurprisingly, local gendarmes have yet to arrest any aliens as a result of the law. “I'm not going to touch the ban,” current mayor Claude Avril announced recently. “It spices things up a bit. It creates a harmless kind of buzz and no one is getting tricked.” This tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the absurdity of the “law” also lays behind its creation. Elie Jeune, the son of the town's former mayor, has already dismissed his father’s decree as a “publicity stunt”, telling reporters: “At that time, people were talking a lot about extraterrestrials and the unknown, it was in fashion, and there were loads of stories circulating. He wanted to make a bit of an advertise-

ment for Châteauneuf. It was an excellent publicity stunt... and free!” It also worked. In the weeks and months following his original decree, journalists flocked to Châteauneuf-du-Pape from all over the world and, predictably, the public couldn’t get enough of the story. And now, after publicly announcing that he is doing nothing, the world is once again talking about Châteauneuf-du-Pape... will we never learn! ■

Women cheat on men who don't do dishes

en, you have been warned. If you don't want your partner to stray... do the dishes! This is the conclusion of a survey carried out by Gleeden, a top dating website for married and unfaithful people. The survey of 10,000 female members revealed that they were more likely to cheat on men who failed to pull their weight when it comes to household chores. Some 73 per cent of female members of the site quizzed on the matter claimed that they were driven to infidelity because their partner was found wanting in the housework department, from cleaning the toilet to emptying the washing machine. A further 86 per cent of respondents said they were deeply frustrated by their man’s tendency to avoid housework and 84 per cent admitted to it having caused arguments. Despite the modern Frenchman helping out far more around the house than his pre-

decessors, a survey carried out last year by French statistics agency INSEE found that women still perform two thirds of all domestic chores. And before any male British readers start feeling smug, a similar study in the UK found that Brisith men do even less, just 31% of the housework - or around 6 hours per week. A 2014 Ifop poll found that 55 per cent of French men and 32 per cent of French women are unfaithful to their partner and that infidelity is on the rise. The French are, however, also unusually forgiving, which is possibly a good thing considering their propensity to stray! Dating website Gleeden was launched in France in 2009, but has since gone global and is aimed squarely at women looking for some extra-marital action. It is free to use for female members, but male users have to buy credit, opening up different levels of access to registered women.

The site, which has estimated that around 80% of its members are married, caused controversy last year when it ran a series of adverts that appeared to promote infidelity, angering religious and conservative groups and sparking legal action. The poster campaign featured a woman in a bridal gown, with her fingers crossed behind her back. ■

Badly parked Porsche blown up by bomb squad A young Parisian has learned the hard way what dangerous parking will lead to in a country that is still under a state of emergency. On a night out in town, the man was unable - or perhaps unwilling - to find a parking spot in the trendy 6th arrondissement of the capital, so left his €150,000 Porsche in a taxi rank with the hazards on. Later that evening, presumably after a few drinks, the man decided to take a taxi home, leaving his Porsche Carrera S parked illegally. With the country on a high state of alert following the terror attacks of recent times, the abandoned car with its lights flashing soon attracted the attention of police. Unable to access the vehicle, the police called in the bomb squad, who decided they had sufficient reason to blow open the front bonnet to check the vehicle for explosives. The motorist arrived shortly afterwards to take his damaged car home. “I shouldn't have parked it there,” the man admitted to journalists. “They contacted the leasing agency, then called me, and I explained the situation. I said sorry and said I would head there immediately. But obviously they didn't take this into account, because the bonnet was already exploded by the time I arrived.” With sympathy in short supply, local authorities have so far refused to comment, but the man is believed to be attempting to claim compensation for his damaged vehicle and has demanded to know under what basis it was considered “suspect”. ■

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

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Christmas walnut fruit cake by Julia Watson

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f you ever muse on French products that bear the prized AOC classification, it’s most likely a lovely bottle of Bergerac or Bordeaux and a well-ripened Epoisses or Brie to go with it that springs to mind. The list of foodstuffs marked ‘AOC’ is a great deal more comprehensive, however, and in SouthWest France the walnut grown in the Périgord is also defined ‘AOC’. The origin of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée designation goes back further than you may imagine. The very first product to become so highly respected that its production received the protection of a parliamentary decree to ensure its quality was maintained to a recognisable degree, was Roquefort cheese in 1411. The AOC certification system was formalised in 1935. To be granted the classification meant that products by approved producers, in designated areas of the country, would be held to a rigorous set of standards. This was to insure that consistency of quality and traditional production methods would be guaranteed. The prime products to receive the certification were wines and cheeses. Then, in the 1960s, a broader spread of foodstuffs began to be in-

cluded, from Puy lentils from the Auvergne, espelette peppers from the Basque Country and lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence, to bull meat from the Carmargue and the patissier’s favoured échiré butter, in five different regions of France. The AOC label alerted consumers to quality. Corsica’s AOC honey was considered so exemplary, it was part of the supplies dispatched to the Mir space station. Now there are more than 200 products with the marks of AOC and IGP Indication Géographique Protégée, a subsidiary designation, which supports quality in vins de pays only. In this august parade, the walnut may seem a humble inclusion. But they are nuts with a long history. Evidence that walnuts were eaten as long as 17,000 years ago has been found in habitations of the Cro-Magnon. Walnut trees benefit from growing in sheltered valleys or low hillsides in the well-drained clay and limestone soils that make up Dordogne farmland. Oil from their nuts has been used over the centuries for making soap, paint, and producing light. When the Périgord failed to compete with production of oils from other cheaper more prolific plants, the focus moved in the 19th century to-

wards growing walnuts primarily for eating. Grown in over 578 communes, most of them spread across the Périgord, there are four varieties eaten throughout France and exported abroad. The Franquette, the Corne and the Marbot are generally sold dried in their shells. The Franquette and the Corne, along with the Grandjean, a small, easily removed nut that originated in Sarlat, are also sold shelled. Walnuts are a prime ingredient in the below alternative to the classic Christmas fruit cake, a recipe so unexpectedly light and delicious it will win over anyone who doesn’t like the traditional dense classic or has left it too late to bake for the coming festivities. It’s a cake known as the Queen Mother’s Favourite Fruit Cake. Buckingham Palace refutes this lovely rumour, which is a shame, as the Queen Mum is also said to have insisted that the recipe only be passed on if the recipient promised to pay one shilling to charity. Feel free to double up on the walnuts, given they are such AOC stars. You can make it up to the day before Christmas - if you’re not in a Christmas panic by then. Unlike the standard Christmas fruit cake, it doesn’t demand the weeks

of whisky feeding and maturing. Nor do you need to cover it with teeth-chipping concrete white icing and marzipan, though feel free to decorate it with seasonal reindeer, Father Christmas and sleigh. Its optional icing could just about

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pass for a melting snow drift. Eat a slice with a glass of vin de noix. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

The Queen Mother’s Favourite Fruit Cake For the cake: 225g dried dates, chopped 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 50g dried walnuts, roughly chopped 275g plain flour

225g caster sugar 1 large egg, beaten 75g butter For the icing: 5 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons cream 2 tablespoons butter

Grease and line a 23cm x 30cm tin. Heat oven to 180ºF. To make the cake: Put the chopped dates in a bowl and pour over a breakfast cup of boiling water. Add the bicarbonate of soda and stir in. Set aside. Cream the butter with the sugar in another bowl. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Sieve together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter, sugar and egg mix, then the dates and incorporate well. Scrape the batter into the baking pan and spread it right to the edges. Bake the cake in the centre of the oven for 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. To make the topping: In a small heavy saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar and cream over a low heat. Bring the mixture to the boil and boil gently for 3 minutes, stirring all the time. Pour over warm cake. When cool, store in an airtight tin. And, right or wrong, put a shilling for the Queen Mother in a charity tin.

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

In the garden - jobs for December

by Michelle Pierce

t's only just very recently that the ground has been well watered, doing the garden the world of good (unless it continues for the next 6 months!) but few could say that we're having 'seasonable' weather. Early frosts killed off the tomatoes et compagnie but since then the cold has been noticeably absent. The grass is still growing, as are the vegetables in the potager. The weather patterns have been very similar in the Limousin for the last two years - cool, very damp springs, followed virtually overnight by months of very hot, dry weather. This may well be the template for

the next year, unfortunately. So we need to be thinking about making sure our ground is as healthy as possible, and as humus rich as it can be. Spread a thick layer of mulching material round plants of all descriptions, and especially on bare ground. Use fallen leaves, shredded wood, prunings, manure, leaves from herbaceous plants, bracken, and bought mulches. You want the micro organisms and soil insects to be doing the maximum amount of work for you. In the early spring, focus on collecting rainwater. With the recent mild weather conditions, shop-bought veg

plants can still be planted, as long as you keep an eye out for possible cold, and why not try sowing things like spinach, winter lettuce, leaf veg, mustards and chard, etc., and planting onion and garlic sets. Artichoke offsets can be replanted, and cardoons also. Layer your soft fruit bushes to get extra plants (lay flexible stems down horizontally, bruise them under a node and weigh them 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. 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. 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 growing in the wrong place - move them, prune them back, give them away, etc. When it rains, organise your shed and your tools. Make sure they are put away clean, oiled and (depending) sharpened. Clean your mower thoroughly whilst it's not in use, to stop the acids in the grass stems damaging the metal. Dream about next year's garden... Good gardening!

What’s changed for pensions since Brexit? - Blevins Franks

or many expatriates, their pension income is the key to living the retirement lifestyle of their choice. Now that Brexit is imminent, should you have concerns about your pension security? Here we take a look at the key implications for the State Pension, defined contribution schemes and defined benefit or ‘final salary’ schemes. The State Pension Currently, expatriates living in France are entitled to annual inflation increases in their State Pension payments as EU residents. This may change once the UK leaves the EU. Britons resident in nonEU countries like Australia and Canada, for example, are not eligible. However, the UK has reciprocal agreements with some countries to allow resident Britons the yearly increase, such as in Jersey and the USA. Much depends on how Brexit negotiations unfold. Legally and administratively, there is no reason why the government could not extend the increase to retirees living in the EU. In these difficult economic conditions, however, a wider agenda for increased revenue could prompt the government to remove this benefit from non-UK residents. Defined contribution pensions With defined contribution pensions, what you can receive depends on how much has been paid into the scheme in contributions, tax rebates and investment growth. Research from pension consultants Hymans Robertson found that threequarters of defined contribution pensions could fall short of providing the income needed for a comfortable retirement. This is 10% more than before Brexit, worsened by the environment of low interest rates, weaker growth and an unsettled currency. Now, people may need to save more, or for longer, to get the same amount as before Britain voted to leave the EU. The cost of buying an income for life in the form of an annuity, for example, has increased by up to 30% post-Brexit. However, Brexit has not affected the flexibility with which you can take out or transfer money from defined contribution pensions. While there is speculation that the government may introduce an ‘exit tax’ on pension transfers, this has not been confirmed either way.

Defined benefit pensions In a defined benefit pension, your employer guarantees a fixed proportion of your salary for the whole of your retirement. The biggest issue facing these pensions is the stability of the providers financing them. Since Brexit, the cost of providing defined benefit pensions has become much more expensive as returns from the assets underpinning them - mostly UK fixed interest securities, commonly known as gilts or bonds - have shrunk. This, coupled with increased life expectancy, has created a significant shortfall for many companies in funding payments promised to scheme members. Companies with insurmountable deficits can fail alongside their pension schemes - BHS, with its £571 million pension deficit, is a recent example of this. In an effort to reduce future pension liabilities, many companies are offering large payouts for members to ‘cash in’ early. Dubbed the ‘Brexit bonus’, these payouts can be more than 30 times the annual income due on retirement, and have been known to increase by tens of thousands in a matter of weeks. There is speculation that the government may try to discourage a mass exodus from defined benefit pensions by changing the law to make withdrawals more difficult. In the meantime, with such record payouts on offer, some members may be tempted to transfer out of their defined benefit pension without fully understanding the long-term implications. Should you be taking any action? While so far Brexit has not made too much of a dent in pensions, this is a good time to review your arrangements. Before making any decisions, seek expert advice to make sure you choose a suitable course of action for your individual circumstances and objectives. If you have a defined contribution pension, you could consider transferring it to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Scheme (QROPS). For many expatriates this is a suitable way to bring their pension with them and take advantage of tax-compliant opportunities available in France. A QROPS can also offer currency flexibility. By holding investments in different currencies, you could insulate your pension income from volatility in the pound and the euro during Brexit uncertainty. Specialist advice is important to first establish if QROPS is right for you, then find a suitable product and navigate

the complex cross-border tax and jurisdiction issues. If you have a defined benefit pension, advice is critical. Transferring has its risks and many members may benefit more by staying in the scheme, despite the appeal of a large ‘Brexit bonus’ in the short term. An adviser can help you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of transferring and make recommendations tailormade for you. Of course, you may not need to take any action at all right now. During this period of Brexit uncertainty, however, it is worth reviewing not only your pension arrangements but your overall financial planning.

By choosing a locally-based adviser with cross-border experience, you can keep up to date with Brexit developments that may affect you specifically as an expatriate in France. ■ Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com 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.

BILINGUAL ♦ 15

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Festive traditions in France

Present giving rench children traditionally leave their shoes in front of the fireplace on la veille de Noël (Christmas Eve) before they go to bed. Père Noël (Father Christmas) visits them while they sleep and if they have been good leaves presents in and around the shoes. In northern and eastern France, there is a parallel tradition which celebrates Saint Nicolas on December 6th. Adults traditionally wait until le jour de l’ An (New Year’s Day) to exchange gifts, although, increasingly, families are exchanging gifts on Christmas Day. Festive traditions An important aspect of Christmas in France is the Nativité (Nativity) with its crèche (manger) and santons (figurines). The latter are often hand-made and passed down through the generations. Mistletoe is hung above the door and is considered to bring for good fortune. Note that it does not have the ‘kissing’ connotations of other countries! The sapin de Noël (Christmas tree) is not as important in France as, for example, in the UK, but it does still form part of the Christmas celebrations. Christmas trees are decorated a few days before Christmas and Père Noël will often leave sweets and treats on its branches in addition to the present in the children’s shoes. Unique to Lyon is the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), where every house in the city will place a candle in their windows, producing a spectacular effect. The celebration usually lasts four days, culminating on 8th December. Le réveillon de Noël The most important Christmas event in France is la Messe de minuit (midnight

Mass) followed by the eating of a meal known as the réveillon de Noël (from the verb réveiller, to ‘wake up’ or ‘revive’). Although fewer and fewer French attend midnight Mass, it is still an important part of Christmas for many families. The réveillon represents a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth and is one of the most important meals of the year. Traditionally the réveillon is a family affair and the meal is eaten immediately after midnight Mass at home or in a restaurant. The meal varies from region to region, but typically will involve seafood, followed by a cooked bird and the traditional bûche de Noël (Yule log). This cake is made from chocolate and chestnuts and represents the log burned from Christmas Eve until Epiphany in parts of France. The log-burning is itself based on an ancient pagan Gaul tradition of burning a log for the duration of the winter solstice. La Saint-Sylvestre - 1st January French New Year is celebrated with a feast called the réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. On New Year’s Day friends and family exchange good wishes and sometimes gifts. The president also uses Saint-Sylvestre to make his annual address to the nation.

L'Épiphanie - 6th January The final celebration of the festive season in France is Épiphanie (Epiphany) on 6th January. The tradition on this day revolves around the eating of a special cake known as the galette des Rois (literally ‘cake of the kings’). A small figurine or fève is placed inside the cake. The cake is cut into pieces and distributed by a child, known as le petit roi, or l’enfant soleil. Whoever receives the piece of the cake with the gift inside is declared King or Queen for the day and gets to choose a partner. ■

Les cadeaux la veille de Noël, les petits enfants français laissent traditionnellement leurs chaussures devant la cheminée avant d’aller au lit. Le Père Noël leur rend visite pendant qu’ils dorment et s’ils ont été sages, il laisse des cadeaux dans leurs chaussures. Dans le nord et l’est de la France, il existe une tradition similaire : c’est la célébration de Saint-Nicolas le 6 décembre. Traditionnellement les adultes attendent le jour de l’An pour échanger les cadeaux, bien que les familles le fassent de plus en plus le jour de Noël.

Traditions festives En France, la Nativité est un moment important de Noël avec sa crèche et ses santons souvent faits main et transmis d’une génération à l’autre. Le gui est suspendu au-dessus de la porte afin de porter chance mais sans la tradition du baiser des autres pays! Décoré quelques jours avant Noël, le sapin tient une part importante dans les célébrations mais moins cependant que dans d’autres pays tels que le Royaume Uni. Le Père Noël laisse souvent des friandises sur les branches lorsqu’il dépose les cadeaux dans les chaussures. Célébrée uniquement à Lyon, la Fête des Lumières se tient sur 4 jours, le moment phare prenant place le 8 décembre. Les habitants déposent une bougie sur le rebord de leurs fenêtres, ce qui produit un effet spectaculaire. Le réveillon de Noël Pour les Français, la messe de minuit suivie d’un dîner appelé «le réveillon de Noël» (du verbe «réveiller») est le moment le plus important de la célébration de Noël. Bien qu’en nombre décroissant, de nombreuses familles se rendent toujours à la messe. Le réveillon permet de revivre symbol-

Many thanks to local French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for this month's piece. If your New Year's resolution is to improve your French, why not get in touch with Sophie to see how she can help! See below left for contact details.

iquement la naissance de Jésus et c’est l’un des repas primordiaux de l’année. Le réveillon se passe généralement en famille et le repas est consommé juste après la messe de minuit, à la maison ou au restaurant. S’il varie d’une région à l’autre, le menu typique se compose de fruits de mer, d’une volaille rôtie et de la traditionnelle bûche de Noël. A base de chocolat et de noix, le gâteau symbolise une bûche qui se consume de Noël à l’Épiphanie dans certaines régions de France. C’est l’héritage de rites païens qui consistaient à faire brûler une bûche pendant le solstice d’hiver pour garantir une bonne récole. La Saint-Sylvestre - 1er janvier La nouvelle année est fêtée lors du réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. Le jour de l’An, familles et amis s’échangent leurs meilleurs vœux et s’offrent parfois des cadeaux. Le président choisit ce jour pour adresser son discours annuel à la nation. L’ Épiphanie - 6 janvier La saison festive se conclut le 6 janvier, lors de la célébration de l’Épiphanie. Les familles et amis se partagent alors une galette des rois. Une fève y est dissimulée et un enfant désigné comme «le petit roi» ou «l’enfant soleil» distribue les parts. Celui qui trouve la fève devient le roi ou la reine d’un jour et doit choisir un partenaire de sexe opposé. ■

Christmas Vocab List L’Avent: Advent Un ange: angel Une chandelle: candle Noël: Christmas Une carte de Noël: Christmas card Un chant de Noël: Christmas carol Le jour de Noël: Christmas Day Le réveillon de Noël: Christmas Eve dinner La veille de Noël: Christmas Eve La fête de Noël: Christmas party Un cadeau de Noël: Christmas present L’arbre/Le sapin de Noël: Christmas tree La fête des Rois: Epiphany, Twelfth Night Le père Noël: Father Christmas Un santon: figurine in a Nativity Un jeu: game Un jouet: toy

La crèche: manger Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas! La Messe de minuit: midnight Mass Le gui: mistletoe Le jour de l’An: New Year’s Day La Saint-Sylvestre: New Year’s Eve Le réveillon du Nouvel An: New Year’s Eve dinner Un cadeau: present Un renne: reindeer Un ruban: ribbon Un traîneau: sleigh La neige: snow Une boule de neige: snowball Un bonhomme de neige: snowman Une peluche: stuffed animal Noël sous la neige: white Christmas

Your favourite one stop shop where you will find something for all the family within our 32000ft² sales floor.

www.eco-entrepot.fr The best selection of DIY timber at very favourable Heinz Baked Beans, Homepride Flour, prices including decking, skirting board, ﬂooring, Mcvities Biscuits, Typhoo T-bags, Mushy tongue & groove (int/ext treated), plywood & OSB... Peas, Baking Powder, Icing Sugar, Thistle Multi Finish Plaster, Cement, Sand & Gravel. Cornﬂour, Curry Pastes & Sauces, PVA and all your silicone based products. Naan Breads & Mango Chutney, As well as a fabulous range of tried Poppadums, Robinsons Juices, and tested paints, we are now an Cadburys chocloate + 100’s of other official Crown Paints distributor. well known grocery products. www.facebook.com/eco.entrepot

We also have Furniture, Beds & Mattresses, Clothing, Pets Accs, Hygiene & Household, Smoking Accs, Toys, Storage, Clothing, etc, etc

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16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Animals & Pets Champlong Chatterie

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

Alison & Ray

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

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

Valhalla dog holidays

Small, friendly English-run kennels in Bétête (23270) Open 365 days a year Call Leanne on:

05 55 80 42 47 or email

leaberry24@yahoo.co.uk

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

Small & friendly, English run. Viewings welcome. Certificat de capacité. Also available: Pet foods, treats & accessories.

Mon - Sat: 9.00 - 7.00

Contact Dave Grant: 05 55 67 58 87

www.the-orchard.eu

Luxury holiday home for cats Château-Chervix (87380) 12 € / day Spacious rooms, outside space, video surveillance. Payment: CB, cheque and cash. Contact Jessica 06 31 94 63 87 / 05 55 58 86 52

www.latourdeschats.fr siret: 818 954 669 00013

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Auto Services

siret: 504 584 228 00010

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

European Vehicle Transport 06 23 29 24 70 - see pg 4

Vehicle Repairs and Repatriation Can, van & motorcycle repairs and servicing Vehicle transport undertaken, both locally and from the UK Tyre fitting/repairs/balancing

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

Antiques Vintage Retro Lovely French finds from the Limousin Open most days on D15 4 La Brauderie, 23160 St-Germain-Beaupré

Tel: 07 80 00 46 23 UK Mob: +44 (0)7902 838 776

JOHN SOWERSBY

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Carpenter

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

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

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com Siret: 498 843 051 00018

At Masterplans.eu we can help guide you through your planning application in France. From initial feasibility to completed dossiers. We will compile all the relevant drawings and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure your application proceeds smoothly. We are equally at home working with clients here in France or those living abroad.

Tel: 05 55 80 72 83 Mob: 06 33 07 29 72 Email: info@masterplans.eu www.masterplans.eu Siret: 790 016 984 00011

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE Renovating your French property?

motorptscharente@aol.com

RING BILL! Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad Below

New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

All types Best Rates References available Call Mark:

06 45 82 34 03 Siret 798 692 778 00011

JONES ENTREPRISE

Quality Workmanship Since 1986

Carpenter Builder Portfolio available to view at www.jonesentreprise.com email: jones23entreprise@orange.fr

Jeff Jones: 05 55 62 46 21 Mob: 06 38 25 74 62 siret: 810 322 123 00011

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 6

Neuvialle Menuiserie

Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 / 07 87 38 58 88 see main ad below

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

RING BILL!

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE JOINERY

no job too small - very competitive rates

Registered Car Mechanic

30 Years’ Experience Joiner Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Flooring & General 2nd Fix Finishing, Joinery & Decking Emergency Lock Services

05 55 81 31 85

Siret: 802 265 728

Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 (Home) 07 87 38 58 88 (Mobile) mgchristie2013@gmail.com

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners

+44 (0)1377 538 639

www.motorpartscharente.com

Health & Beauty >> pg 21 House Clearance >> pg 21 Insurance & Finance >> pg 21 Language Services >> pg 21 Pest Control >> pg 21 Property Maintenance >> pg 22 Property Sales >> pg 22 Retail & Commerce >> pg 22 Transport/Removals/Storage >> pg 22-23 General >> pg 23

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

06 17 49 11 72 siret: 815 114 772 00016

CHARENTE

LA BRAUDERIE BROCANTE

>> pg 16 >> pg 16 >> pg 16 >> pg 16-20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 21 >> pg 21

bennett63andrew@aol.com

MOTOR PARTS

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siret: 810 192 807 00016

La Tour des Chats

Animals & Pets Antiques/Brocantes Auto Services Building Services Chimney Sweeps Computers/Satellites Food & Drink Garden Services Gifts & Crafts Handholding Services

■ Services ■ Brakes ■ MOT Prep

(contrôle technique)

SIRET: 494 617 798 00017

■ ... much more Dept. 23 & surrounding areas

Alpha Locksmiths

24/7 Emergency call out service Lost your keys... locked out... keys locked in the car... give us a call! Lock changes of all types, external and internal UPVC & Wood - Windows & Doors - Safe opening - Non desctructive entry No call out charge - Hourly rate based on location and time of day or night 25 years’ experience - Fast, friendly & efficient - Free estimates

Tel: 06 70 34 79 32 - Email: kyriacosdemetriou701@gmail.com

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Chasing Dreams and Flies; A Tragicomedy of Life in France

orothea Shefer-Vanson's fourth novel, ‘Chasing Dreams and Flies; A Tragicomedy of Life in France,’ recounts the saga of a couple from England who decide to follow their dream and leave England in order to move to France. As they approach retirement age, Sophie and John Williams are anxious to escape the Britain of the early 2000s, but find that there are various hurdles on the road to fulfilling their dream of living the good life. They assume that with the help of their friends and by dint of their devotion to one another they will be able to succeed in their new life. In the process, however, they find that they are limited by their ignorance of the French language and culture as well as being harassed by the hostility of one of their neighbours. Like them, Julie Smithers has left England to live in France, but in her case it is in order to write a book and escape a painful romance. Her encounter with expat handyman Steve gives her renewed hope of finding happiness despite her reservations. In the unexpected denouement, all the characters happen to be in the same place at almost the same time. The book is available in both ebook and

printed form from Amazon. Go to www.amazon.com and search for "Chasing dreams and flies". ■ THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR FRIENDS AND RELATIONS!

ADVERTORIAL

I have been living in France for the past 12 years, having arrived from County Wicklow in Ireland. After attending the local school, I then spent 4 years at the lycée Saint-Jean in Limoges, finally graduating with a Bac Professionel in Hotellerie et Restauration (Catering, Silver service & Hotel Management). Having worked for the past 6 years in a variety of restaurants, both locally and at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, I have recently reopened the Bar Bistrot 'Le Bon Appetit' in Bénévent-l'Abbaye, where I offer an alternative to kebab and chips! With a large sunny terrace for warm days and a cosy 'salle' with a wood-burning stove for cooler months, I offer a summer and winter menu. The latter starts from 1st November with traditional French cuisine and a couple of snack options. Opening times are 5 pm to 10 pm every day, closed Thursdays and Sundays from November to the end of March. The summer opening times are from 4 pm to 10 pm, from April to the end of

Wood Work SALAMANDRE BARWICK SHUTTERS/DOORS, électricité ÉLECTRICITÉ STAIRCASES, etc. MADE TO MEASURE

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Building Services Electricians Pink Electrique Ruth & Geoff Kowalczyk All electrical work, home automation & security. Project management. See our website for more information. French qualified and insured. 30+ years worldwide experience. Departments covered: 23, 36, 87.

Tel: 05 55 63 10 68 Mob: 06 64 59 48 64

Email: info@pink-electrique.fr www.pink-electrique.fr SIRET: 788 709 871 00016

Lumiere Service et Energie Steven Rofe 20+ Years experience

• NICEIC approved Electrician for 8 years in the UK • Wiring of new installations (including liaising with EDF) • Rewiring existing houses/barns • External & garden lighting • All aspects of electrical works • Fully insured - (10 year Decennale) • Departments covered 19,23 & 87 05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71 email: rofesteven@yahoo.co.uk www.rb-first-construction.com Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

Keith SLOPER

Tel: 05 55 64 94 20 Mob: 07 86 38 09 61 * Qualified electrician * All types of electrical works carried out * Free estimates * Fault finding * Consuel certification arranged * Temporary and permanent EDF supplies arranged * Departments 23 and 87

SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

Available for all types of electrical work Small jobs, new builds, renovations, rewires Consuel assistance and certification service available Fully insured with 10 year workmanship guarantee Based near Châlus (87230)

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No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

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sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Your advert here

INSTALLATION23

Le Bon Appetit

October. My aim is to create a relaxed bistro where the emphasis is on 'bistro' rather than 'bar', with locally produced fresh produce. Find us on Facebook or visit our website for more information and details of upcoming events. ■ 4, rue des Tanneries 23210 Bénévent-l’Abbaye www.bistrot-lebonappetit.com Facebook: (BBBonAppetit)

Max Huggett

Steve Johns

Fosse Septique Specialist

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance

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

Digger and dumper hire

Groundworks, foundations, driveways, etc.

Building & Renovation services

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Building Services General

Davis & Davis

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

E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

LES VIDANGES LIMOUSINES

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

siret: 514 556 208 00015

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We guarantee to beat any like for like quote !

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Free devis and site visit

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management

Mob. 06 40 56 96 12 Tel. 05 55 67 57 64

Offering a broad selection of building services in depts. 87, 19 & 23. From one off installations to complete renovations, construction, landscaping and ground works. E: info@maxhuggett.com

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments

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

Alpha Locksmiths

05 55 60 29 50 / 06 04 13 30 57

24/7 Emergency call out service

Based Arnac-la-Poste - Covering depts 87, 23 & 19

Tel: 07 88 15 24 16

email: davis-davis@sfr.fr

see main ad - pg 16

Siret: 498 203 652 00017

GODSON

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

50,000 sq ft of covered showrooms & 2 large external display areas - P5 18mm tongue and grooved water repellent chipboard. Available in 8ft x 2ft sheets. - C.L.S. stud work: 2.4, 3 & 4.8m lengths. - OSB 8ft x 4ft sheets, 9mm and 18mm in stock. - Plywood all in 8ft x 4ft sheets. External grade, suitable for construction use. - Skirting board & Architrave in stock. - Insulation earthwool, 100 & 150mm. R value for 100mm - 2.25. - Rigid board insulation Xtratherm R: 40/75/80/90 &120 mm. R value for 40mm - 1.73. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 6pm - www.reclamation-yard.com - Only 1km from Confolens on the D952 Ansac-sur-Vienne road

CONTACT : PAUL CHARLESWORTH TEL : 06 28 28 04 63

pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr www.pmcbatiment.fr

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience.

N PE

TI-

S MO

ZIN

Based St-Junien. Covering Depts 87-16-24. Siret : 531 655 231 00011

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

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

We also supply KWIKSTAGE scaffold for hire - either DIY or full scaffold service provided.

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

siret: 503 169 237 00016

Building Services General

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 6

Entreprise KWIKSTAGE Hines Scaffold Hire Building & Renovation DIY or Full Scaffold Service See our website or phone for details

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

28 years qualified experience

05 55 89 69 46

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

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

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

La Noneix

Bricolage

Construction & Property Services

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

●Renovations ●New builds ●Roofing ●Stonework ●Carpentry ●Ground works

Large or small projects undertaken - please view our website. Contact: Paul or Joanne Rands

05.55.66.44.06 www.lanoneix.com Paul.rands@orange.fr

Barry Haggerty

Mason

Building & Property Services. Pointing. Patios laid. Brick/Stone & Blockwork. Daily rates available. Free estimates. 25yrs+ experience.

05 55 66 13 30 / 06 42 19 20 06 UK mob: 07778 156 754 siret: 807 664 263 00017

Scaffolding Hire

Large stock Rapid response Good rates for long & short term hire Erected or self-erect Delivery or collection All areas covered Call Dave: siret: 795 207 067 00013

♦ Woodworking ♦ Kitchens ♦ Rail and plasterboard ♦ Shutters and gates ♦ Painting ♦ Over 10 years experience as a qualified joiner in the UK ♦ Based 87230 Call Michael Houghton:

06 15 60 09 97

mrm.houghton@hotmail.co.uk Siret 823 466 768 00012

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES • house/barn clearance (pre sale / post sale) • garden/land clearance • dechetterie runs • rubbish removal

SIRET: 501 144 596 00019

06 42 73 83 37

All internal works

Specialist equipment available: • tractor with flail mower, rotavator, etc. • vehicle with 1.5 tonne crane

05 55 37 45 35

wasteremovalmultiservices@gmail.com siret 532 981 198 00015

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

R & B Construction ALL ASPECTS OF RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION • House & barn renovations • Garage/loft conversions • Bathroom/shower rooms • Doors/windows • Roofing • Patios/decking • Plumbing & Electrical • 10 year Guarantee Insurance

See our website: www.rb-first-construction.com Tel: 05 55 37 74 06 (Dave) Tel: 05 55 69 75 67 (Steve) (Depts 23, 87 & 19) siret: 501 792 386 00010

Dave Cardwell - Builder

05 55 98 24 12

Stephen Cullinane & Son From the foundations to the roof Established 9 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 13

Double D

Renovations & Home Improvements 05 55 65 00 29 - pg 4

upvc-solutions uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories

Available in white, beige & oak woodgrain. Visit our website for more information.

www.upvc-solutions.webs.com

Double D Renovations & Home Improvements

All types of building work, groundwork, renovations, decorating and maintenance

05 55 65 00 29 / 06 33 19 99 64 email: double-d-23@live.fr siret: 510 357 155 00017

Paul Jones Renovation

Experienced and fully registered artisan, offering a high quality finish and service • 10yr Décennale Assurance • Full house/barn renovation • Plasterboarding walls and ceilings • Tape and Jointing • Kitchen Installation • Roofing works • Carpentry • Patios/Decking

See our Display Ad - pg 5

email: upvc-solutions@orange.fr

Steve Johns Assainissement

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Tel: 05 55 69 28 12 Mob: 06 73 18 63 47 Email: pauljones@orange.fr www.pauljonesrenovation.com

Property Maintenance Services

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

fosse-septique23.com

05.55.64.11.73 - see pg 10

Harlequin Developments est. 2007

All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken. Kitchens fitted and tiled Replacement doors and windows Parquet flooring Oak framed porches Plasterboard and Insulation

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

Qualified Tradesman 20+ years experience Offering extensive handyman and general maintenance services Small jobs a speciality, able to work with you on your renovation projects Affordable & reliable, a quality job every time Servicing 23 and surrounding areas. Call Jim:

05 55 66 23 97 06 27 25 07 78 Siret: 792 049 025 00010

S.J. GODBY ENTREPRISE

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

Paul Goldsmith Interior Renovations Registered for 8 years in France

High quality work, excellent references available • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiling • Wood flooring • Loft conversions • Pointing • Windows • Plasterboarding Covering Creuse and Indre

e: lasout@live.com

t: 09 66 03 52 89 SIRET 494 123 847 00019

siret: 503 133 159 00015

ALL ASPECTS OF RENOVATION WORK • All types of plastering • Plasterboarding, studwalling • Lime mortar pointing • Window and door openings • Stone work • Sand blasting Free and friendly quotations, no job too small Fully qualified and registered artisan for over 19 years Covering dept 23

Contact: 07 89 71 25 69 E-mail: stuart.godby@live.fr siret: 434 085 338 00037

Neptune by French Lily Kitchens & Interiors 05 55 80 92 91 - see pg 8

siret no: 495 067 829 00020

RSW Entreprises

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 4

Masonry & More

General building Renovation , Roofing Reliable, good quality work 30 years exp Scaffold Hire Martin Sprague

05 55 61 93 07

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76

MASONRY & MORE Martin Sprague

05 55 61 93 07

• General Building • Renovation • Rooﬁng • Structural Work • Reliable, good quality work • 30 years exp • Scaffold hire email: martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

BREXIT - MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOUSE SALE Pioneer France ensures sellers and buyers maximise their funds

he last fifteen years have seen a huge volume of foreign buying and selling activity in France. In fact, the level of activity has almost tripled compared with the previous fifteen-year period. “The internet has obviously played a huge part in this change but so too have methods of financing,” says Harris Raphael, Managing partner of Francebased Pioneer France. “The biggest financing change has been the ability for those transferring funds when buying or selling properties to utilise the services of a specialist foreign exchange company to achieve exchange rates only available previously to large commercial organisations.”

Building Services Groundworks Mini-Digger with driver

“What is odd is that buyers are almost twice as likely as sellers to use the services of such a specialist,” says Harris. “This is a real shame, as having tried so hard to achieve the best price for their house, many sellers then relinquish an unnecessary chunk of these funds by using old-fashioned and very expensive banking methods to repatriate their money back into sterling, dollars or whatever. This often loses the seller thousands which could have been so easily avoided. Our historic data shows that the average loss is around €3,500.” Harris believes that this is primarily because the profile of a typical seller is usually older than that of a buyer. Sellers are therefore

Building Services Painters/Decorators Simon Carter

05.55.78.62.29

Painter & Decorator

See Main Ad below

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK

john.bonella@gmail.com

MINI DIGGER With driver for hire

Work to High standard Contact Michael: Mob: 06 44 24 10 17

Email smeaton.diane@orange.fr Area 87, Bellac

The Old Orchard Digger Company 3 ton digger & driver 1.8 ton digger & driver Dumper for hire Great rates General property maintenance undertaken Contact Daryn

m: 06 32 24 03 09 t: 05 55 76 16 40

e: theoldorchard01@gmail.com

experience, now based in Haute-Vienne. Specialist services: Interior & exterior painting & decorating, wallpapering, plastering. FREE QUOTES

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

more likely to have traditionally used a bank for their transfers and are reluctant and nervous about using ‘new methods’. “I understand this completely,” says Harris. “Anything new can be daunting, especially when it concerns one’s major asset! However, Pioneer France’s foreign exchange brokerage has been operating for over 35 years and is one of the very few that is fully authorised and regulated by the FCA, with the right of establishment in France. As such, we are able to provide our clients with full security of funds, and we can give expert currency exchange guidance to aid our client’s decision making, which the banks are not licensed to do.” Pioneer France was recently voted number one for foreign exchange rates and service, so contact Harris and his team to find out more about saving thousands. ■

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Building Services Plasterers Chris

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

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

CALL KATH

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

Painting and Decorating

Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

Interior and Exterior Colour Consultations Room Re-designs Kathleen Willis

05 55 63 53 06

kathleen.willis@orange.fr siret 802 262 35200015

christopher.willis@orange.fr SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

Le Plâtrier du Limousin The friendly & reliable plasterer 10 year guarantee. Covering depts. 23 & 87. Call Stuart on:

05 55 80 92 91

info@platrierlimousin.fr Siret: 534 396 908 00012

The Pioneer France FX team: Harris, Simon, Tanya, Zoe, James and Steven

Tel: 05 53 07 06 27 Email: info@pioneerfrance.com Web: www.pioneerfrance.com GLEN VINEY

PLASTERER Quality Plasterwork, Internal & External

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

Tel: 06 45 18 86 10

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

Building Services Plumbing & Heating Martin Walters

Plumber

Caught out last winter? Don't worry! We can now offer winter checks, drain downs, caretaking, general DIY, key holding, as well as our usual friendly plumbing services.

Tel 02 54 24 84 62 Siret 522 804 723 00016

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Nathan Sherrard Plumbing Central heating Electrics Maintenance contracts Winter check-ups All work undertaken

02.54.34.14.57 06.72.61.31.79 Siret: 813 117 736 00013

Building Services Roofing MUMFORD TOITURE Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

25+ years roofing experience All aspects of roofing, large or small 15+ years experience plastering/boarding  Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007  Call Mark for a free quotation

06 78 60 96 16

mumford.toiture@gmail.com Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76 Mini Digger

Wanted Experienced shopfitters

with Driver for Hire

Landscaping, Ditching, Land Clearance etc. Hedge Removal and Stone Wall Construction

Experienced shopfitters required for installs all across France. Joiners, electricians and labourers also required.

Email: contact@reactive-resource.com

John Bonella

Granulés du Limousin

87440 Marval

05 55 78 62 29

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

john.bonella@gmail.com

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

Merry Xmas to all our customers, new and old!

Building Services Roofing

Roofing Repairs & Renewal

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

for all your tree requirements 30+ years experience Free quotes and advice We will not be beaten on price or standard of work Reliability guaranteed Fully qualified arborist - Fully insured Covering depts: 87, 23, 86, 36, 19 & 16

beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk

Chimney Sweeps LA RAMONEUSE

THE LADY SWEEP Established since 1986

Slate, tile, sheet, etc. Zinc work Velux and dormers 35 years in the trade

All types of chimney

Call Andrew on:

02 54 31 48 50

06 35 12 10 66

Brush & Vacuum Fully Insured Call Ruth Clear

theladysweep@orange.fr

539 210 542 00012

siret 504 218 454 00016

Eurl Réno-Gén

TOUTE SWEEP

ROOFING SPECIALISTS All types of roofing External insulation Carpentry work Dormer windows Velux windows Zinc guttering Chimney repoints Lead flashing, etc. Contact Phil Andrews:

Mob: 06 42 38 54 22 Tel: 02 54 30 11 20 Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr

Chimney Sweep Service

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

Contact Barry Manning

Tel: 05 55 66 48 55 Mob: 06 31 59 81 08

barry@toutesweep.com

REMEMBER - BLOCKED FLUES AND CHIMNEY FIRES CAN BE FATAL... DON'T TAKE THAT RISK!

siret: 509 180 410 00011

SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

PMC BATIMENT

Chimney Sweeping

Roofing Specialists

www.pmcbatiment.fr see main pg 17

Building Services Sandblasting Sand and Blast We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

service for wood, stone and metal. Perfect for stripping away years of grime or paint. Contact us for a free quote, or see our website:

www.sandandblast.com

05 55 76 31 59 / 06 77 40 95 92 bobby@sandandblast.com steve@sandandblast.com SIRET: 812 727 253 00013

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

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72 Siren: 502 409 949

Computers, Satellites & Web Design For all your TV and satellite installations and repairs (Sky TV, Internet etc.) Call Patrice:

06.79.07.91.56

Your advert here

Big Dish Satellite

05 55 41 17 76

05 55 78 72 98

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

www.bigdishsat.com see main ad - pg 8

GOODWIN SATELLITE

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

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 23 40 18 64 Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr siret: 453 067 910 00019

Creusetec Satellite Systems

05 55 66 60 21

High speed internet via satellite from "tooway" & "SES Astra". TV Satellite Sales, Service & Installations. Dish alignments. Sky/Freesat/TNT/FTA. Most of depts 23,03,63,87,36 covered.

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

Le Creusois Petticoat Lane Bar/Restaurant Les Genêts, Azerables

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

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

Your advert here

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99 Visit: www.petticoatlaneshop.com E-mail: sales@petticoatlaneshop.com

English groceries, Fresh Beef & Steaks (to order only), Gammon Steak, Bacon, Sausage & Cheddar Cheese. Wide range of frozen items including vegetarian. Traditional English beers, Sherries & Wine. Cards for all occasions. Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am – 6pm Visit us and compare our prices

Garden Services

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

05 55 41 17 76

Sat-Elec

Sue and Rob Manning

Sherrie et Steve Jardiniers

EARL Les Fromentaux

Gardening

SIRET: 510 117 328 00011

Satellite Television UK/FR Satellite Broadband Data Networks Videosurveillance/CCTV T: 05 55 09 15 73 M: +44 (0)7495 218 975 E: gengey72@gmail.com siret no 798 364 600 00014

Food & Drink

BEEF and LAMB Excellent beef and lamb available from our farm direct to you. All are bred feed and finished here in Vilenne. All the lamb is free range and naturally finished off grass. A box of beef is 12-18 kg at €10.90 per kg

LA FEUILLARDIERE

Mobile Curry Take Away For menus and venues:

Try Something Different

Chez Jacques Marsac (23) • Cosy atmosphere • Speciality Crêpes • Large burger menu • Over 80 single malt whiskeys • Selection of bottled British ales • Book corner, pool table • "Mouclade" nights • Curry nights

05 87 40 02 83 closed Wednesdays

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

E: sherrieetstevejardiniers@gmail.com Siret No: 811 161 835 00001

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

GARDEN SERVICES

Tel: 05 55 78 61 46

Fish & Chips every Friday night

M: 06 58 72 03 43

Mandys-curry-2-go www.mandyscurry2go.com

French restaurant - English spoken

No job too small. Reasonable prices. Contact Steve or Sherrie

Tel: 02 54 25 34 73

2, Route des Roches La Gare 87230 BUSSIERE-GALANT Mail: contact@lafeuillardiere.fr

Undertaken

for all your tree requirements beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk 05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

10 Route de Vilenne, 36200 Celon

RESTAURANT

All general

see main ad above

Paul Brown

All gardening work: Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge Trimming General Maintenance Dept 23 & Surrounding Areas

m : 07 70 39 12 23

Tel: 05 55 89 57 40

siret: 498 199 306 00016

Siret: 483 059 242 00030

Parties 20+ & events catered for 26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Restaurant du soir. Our menu changes monthly. Special occasions and parties welcome. Fish and chips and mushy peas €11,50 the last Friday of each month. Open Mon - Sat * Reservation in advance please* For more information:

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com 2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix. Restaurant AUX CEPES LA veytiZoU, 87130

Tel: 09 64 00 14 51 see main ad - pg 4

brownpaul006@gmail.com

T.A.D. 23

(Travaux d'Accès Difficiles)

All aspects of garden maintenance • Tree Surgery • Garden Clearance • Strimming • Pruning

T: 05 55 81 14 51 M: 06 85 78 81 32 siret: 788 438 562 00019

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

DIRECTORY ♦ 21

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

FREEZTEQ Frozen Dampcourse System is a unique and highly effective damp coursing system. It is based on siliconate solutions, which are inserted into holes drilled in the mortar line of the wall to be treated in the form of circular section, pre-frozen "ice sticks". The slow-melting system ensures a continuous water-repellent barrier because the system depends on diffusion, the most effective method for fluid distribution in masonry. Accurate dosages can be readily achieved and application costs are thus remarkably low.

The FREEZTEQ system is suitable for all types of walls, including brick, stone and rubble infill, and has shown itself to be particularly effective in the treatment of older properties. DIY or contractor; easy to use; 30 year guarantee available; most effective method; direct insertion; reduced costs; all wall thicknesses; all types of stone or brickwork; treatment from one side of wall only; no specialised equipment; no bulky equipment; correct dosage; no spillage of liquids; non-flammable; odourless. ■

FREEZTEQ Frozen Damp-course System is now available in France, all enquiries to Harlequin Developments. Tel: 05 55 68 67 56 or 06 06 60 46 97, e-mail: harlequindevelopments@live.com

Gifts & Crafts

Handmade Gifts Hand painted silk accessories, jewellery & much more. See website for market locations and dates

Mon Chic Cottage English Xmas Cards, Gifts, Salon de Thé New for knitters! Limousin Wool!

www.nsandifer.com Siret: 811 512 094 00020

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker

Book a Chalk Paint workshop

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

Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri 10h-16h

Tel: 05.55.80.29.98

Fat Quarters, Chalk Paint, Little Greene paint & wallpapers Le Dorat, 87210 Contact jay@monchicccottage.com

www.monchiccottage.com Tel: 05 87 77 95 59 26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Artisan art for your garden

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

tel: 05 55 81 31 85 email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

'ROUSSIS MAID'

HAND-CRAFTED CARDS AND APRONS All products made in France. Cards also available at Carole's Hair Stylist at Le Buisson, near Saint-Bazile. Same prices as 2015!

Email for more details: ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com See Notice Board for details of where you can find us at local markets. Send an email to sign up to the newsletter

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

Personalised Poems Give someone special a unique & personal gift

www.personalisedpoems4you.webs.com

Handholding Services A HELPING HAND Translation/interpretation Dealing with utilities/banks Permis de construire Sourcing/supervising artisans 1-2-1 conversation classes

05 55 62 50 38

Tel: 06 86 89 81 02

Jonathan Critchley jcritch.7@gmail.com

siret 528 539 448

siret: 792 285 025 00013

Très Jolie

Sophie Arsac

Ladies fashion accessories 05 55 78 62 29 / 06 04 08 29 53 see main ad pg 22

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 14 07 64 - pg 15

Installers and distributors wanted for all regions of France.

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Health & Beauty

Ecole de Langue 86, Rue Nationale, 36400 La Châtre

TONY FARRELL INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

The Spectrum IFA Group with over 20 years' experience advising expatriates throughout Europe on all aspects of financial planning. Represented in Creuse by Tony Farrell:

Tel: 05 55 89 57 94 Mob: 06 15 28 54 82

Email: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 PARIS "Société de Courtage d'assurances" R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr SIRET No.: 500 064 183 00014

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth management advisers

www.blevinsfranks.com See our main ad - pg 14

COUNSELLING Lesley Kidd MSc

UK Reg. Counsellor & Psychotherapist Senior Accred. MBACP 548379 • French Reg. Conseille de Vie & Coach • Based on borders of 87-19-23 • Meet in person or via skype • Initial appointment without charge

05 55 38 33 35

lesleykidd@hotmail.co.uk SIREN: 818 604 654

House Clearance debarrasser87

House Clearance Specialists www.ferraille87.com see main ad - pg 5

Insurance & Finance

Language Services

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 14 07 64 - pg 15 Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE

Sympathetic French Tuition - Speaking and Understanding for life in France - Relaxed but purposeful - Confidence-building Free taster class (3hrs) Funding possible if in/seeking work

Tel: 09 73 13 62 10

02 54 31 12 55

www.ecole-de-langue.net

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

05 55 41 17 76 Pest Control

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

homer.jennifer@gmail.com

Email: info@applicateur3d.com

Want to learn French?

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

French-English / English-French Cuisine, European Fauna and Flora, Birds, Gardening and Farming, Beauty and Cosmetics

La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental

Paper brochures and e-books

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

87120 Eymoutiers

Vocabulary

HiFX

aubert-edition-traduction.perso.sfr.fr/en/publishing.htm

www.hifx.co.uk

aubert.edition@gmail.com

International money transfer

All your language needs under one roof!

Aubert-Edition

Curative and preventative

SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

22 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Online radio station for English-speaking expats Ex-patradio.com is a brand new online internet radio station, which launched live on 21st March 2016. The station is designed for English-speaking expats. The aim is to have a variety of shows, ranging from chat shows through to music programming covering a full spectrum of musical tastes. Our DJ presenter music shows include: • ‘The Golden Oldies’ with Mick Hennell, featuring tracks from the 50s and 60s • ‘The Beat Goes On’ with Steve Bell, showcasing new expat bands, musicians and singers • ‘The Blend’ with Ira, our American presenter, with the best of Creole and Swamp music through to rare blues cuts • ‘The All Day Special’ with station founder, Dave Hailwood • ‘The Roast Beef’ and a little Country and Western from 'The Southern Comfort’ with Wayne Allen • ‘The Retro Chart Show’ with Dave Mac • ‘Soul Time’ with Max Morrison - a great new show of Northern Soul • ‘The Nostalgia Club’ with David Sibbald -

Property Maintenance Safe Hands Home Services Cleaning and Handyman Maintenance

songs from the 50s • ‘Smooth Jazz’ with Phil Johnson • ‘Good Vibes’ with Anne Dessens Our ‘live’ coffee morning chat shows with station founder, Dave Hailwood, feature regular specialist contributors, covering topics such as women’s issues, gardening, sport, travel, cuisine and eduction... in fact, anything that affects expats. Our audience is encouraged to join in via email or phone with comments, questions and requests. Ex-pat Radio aims to be an international station, with an approachable local feel to it. Our website also features businesses, advertis-

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE UK

Including holiday home and gîte preparation. Key holding services. Southern Haute-Vienne & surrounding area.

Contact: Alan Rootham - 05 87 41 23 57 Email: shhs87500@gmail.com Siret: 821 426 046 00016

Are you looking for your perfect base in the UK? We have beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom models available in East Sussex. Relax in style in a modern holiday home and take advantage of fantastic facilities. Open for 11 ½ months a year.

Agence Newton

www.agencenewton.com 00 33 (0)5 55 27 51 14 see main ad - pg 4

Retail & Commerce

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com 05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 12

Moulin de Tintin

Your advert here

www.ParkHolidays.com/beauportsales

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

Houses on Internet

Limousin Spas

05 55 41 17 76

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Property Sales

From

£9,995

CALL 0044 1424 853 764

www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)1 15 82 35 53

Transaxia

Alongside the amazing "Rotospa" spa range, we are now able to supply the "Durasport" & "Strong Spas" ranges of quality spas.

05 53 56 62 54

All our spas are manufactured to the highest standards & have full manufacturers warranty. These spas have relatively low power requirements & are very economical.

Cendrillon - Bourganeuf

Prices start from €3,750. Models seat 2 to 7 people. For more information on our range check out our website:

Leggett Immobilier www.leggettfrance.com see main ad - pg 2

Bourganeuf-Creuse-Limousin www.transaxia-bourganeuf.fr 0033 (0)6 83 66 83 09 - see ad pg 8

Furniture, interiors & gifts

Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 3

www.limousin-spas.com or telephone: 05 55 63 26 20 Numéro Siret: 752 157 610 00011

ing their services and trades. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our shows on a regular basis, or would like a commercial made and aired, please get in touch with Catherine Brown at catherine@ex-patradio.com Email us with requests, stories, jokes, local events in your area, sports groups, and anything else. We want to hear it all.. So get typing to: dave@ex-patradio.com Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/ expatradiofrance/ Tweet us on: @ExpatRadioFr And listen live now!

www.ex-patradio.com

Eco Entrepot Get down The Shed

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 15

French Lily

Kitchens & Interiors 05 55 80 92 91 - see pg 8

Transport, Removals & Storage

SAFE GARDE Secure self storage units in Guéret

Whether you are a business or a household, we are here to make your storage a worry free experience at affordable prices.

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Why not take a look at our website or give us a call... we are here to help you!

Chez Amanda Depot Vente des Vêtements

www.safe-garde.com

05 55 63 58 85

safegardegueret@gmail.com

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

siret: 821 846 318 00011

8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

Email: soieetbois@gmail.com Web: www.soiebois.net Tel: 05.55 48.28.89 SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

• Man with a van service • Friendly, Mature Service, Ex-Police • Living in Limousin, specialising in moves between UK and France • Competitive Rates • Fully Insured Please call Mick for further info

UK: 0333 022 0359 FR: 07 68 64 22 54

W: www.milenlighthaulage.co.uk E: info@milenlighthaulage.co.uk

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76 Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Monthly circulation: 14,000 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 SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Tirage mensuel: 14,000 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.

Très Jolie

Ladies fashion accessories Beautiful scarves, purses, handbags, jewellery & gifts

(See Notice Board for where to ﬁnd me)

Paula Bonella

05 55 78 62 29 06 04 08 29 53

tres.jolie1@orange.fr Facebook: search for “Tres Jolie Milhaguet” siret 753 125 061 00014

DIRECTORY ♦ 23

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €11.20/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 30,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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

6-Month Contract

12-Month Contract

€84

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€14/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€18.75/month)

€134.40

(€11.20/month)

€112.50 €126

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€21/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€28/month)

€168

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

€180

(€15/month)

€201.60

(€16.80/month)

Small Directory Ad 46mm x 46mm (Actual Size)

30 words max

€268.80

(€22.40/month)

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

Removals

UK ↔ France ↔ UK Full & Part loads All size of vehicles, from Man & Van through to 18 tonne truck Storage facilities in Sussex UK free phone:

0800 840 3058 Mob: +44 (0)7808 338 386 www.michaelsmovers.freeindex.co.uk

European Vehicle Transport 06 23 29 24 70 - see pg 4

DSD Removals & Storage The Removal Experts France ↔ UK

• All risk insurance cover • Full and Part load specialists • Professional staff & modern vehicles • Every vehicle from a Luton van to a full removals lorry • Prices from £3.63 per sq ft

+44 (0)1274 724 545

info@dsdremovalsltd.com www.dsdremovalsltd.com facebook.com/DSDRemovals

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

www.buggscarhire.com see pg 10

Man & Van Transport

Central France Storage

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

09 82 12 69 73 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

VAN ROUGE Affordable Moves Europewide 18m3 Van / 4.5m load length 29m3 available on request Full loads/ part loads/ single items Regular UK runs.

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage to suit all needs Vehicle storage also possible

Tel: 09 66 03 52 89 Email: lasout@live.com siret: 494 123 847 00019

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

www.transitionremovals.com see main ad - pg 5

MAN + VAN Peugeot Boxer

General

with 13.5 m3 Load capacity

"Official Transporter of The Bugle" Collections \ Deliveries \ Brico Runs Transport and Small Removals France - UK - Spain - NL Monthly return UK trips available Based Nr Aubusson, Dept. 23

05 55 83 02 77 \ 06 30 90 58 90 jonathanpiddock@orange.fr

Siret No : 523 955 151 00015

MICHAELS MOVERS

Watson European International Removals

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk see main ad - pg 2

Cash paid for scrap All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

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

MIMI HOME CARE Bilingual home care near Guéret (23) - Cleaning & Ironing - Grocery shopping - Tutoring (for children under 11) - Baby-sitting (for children over 3) - Pet-sitting - Help for elderly or impaired people (walks, meals, conviviality...) - English and French lessons - House maintenance during absence (watering the plants, emptying mailbox, looking after pets...)

Tel: 06 21 33 60 99

South West France Pools Contact info: southwesfrancepools@gmail.com Phone: 05 55 78 57 60 Mobile: 06 44 35 65 03

Email: mimihomecare23@yahoo.fr

For more information see www.southwestfrancepools.com

siret: 818 225 526 00016

Siret: 802 929 539 00012

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

To raise funds for the SPA dog rescue centre in Guéret. High chair, buggy, travel cot (plus mattress/bedding), changing mat, etc. Each item will incur a hire charge of 10 euros, plus a refundable 10 euros deposit. For more INFO or to HIRE Call Vanessa: 05 55 64 32 08 or email: eq6763@gmail.com

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com 05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 19

Nettoitout

Professional Cleaning Services Windows Conservatories Garden maintenance Offices

For a free and personalised quote please don't hesitate to contact us on:

07 81 39 21 49

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Would you like to receive an electronic copy of The Bugle each month? We can deliver a copy to your inbox, hot off the press

Simply email - subscriptions@thebugle.eu For more details visit www.thebugle.eu

24 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities SPA Creuse The SPA Creuse dog refuge centre is based in Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois near Guéret and provides an invaluable service to the community by rescuing dogs that otherwise would have nowhere to go. Each year we re-home over 100 dogs which find themselves at the SPA though no fault of their own. We have dedicated staff who work alongside a network of French and British volunteers, all of whom have one aim in life, which is to do the best they can for the dogs until they find their forever homes. In order to do this they need to raise funds; along with walking the dogs every day, volunteers also organise fund-raising events and vide-greniers throughout the year. We are a friendly bunch and always on the lookout for more like-minded people and so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or adopting one of our lovely dogs, then please visit our website www. spa-creuse.com. Noah's Ark Noah’s Ark is a French registered charity run by Cindy and Lauren Maasik who have spent the last five years rescuing animals and caring for them on their farm near Saint-Mathieu. A warm welcome awaits you at their shop and tea rooms in Rochechouart, with home-made cakes, tarts, and quiches followed by plenty of tea or coffee. For more info visit www.noahsark.fr or Facebook: Noah's Ark Tea Rooms and Brocante, 6, Rue de Poitevin, Rochechuart. Open Tues - Sat 10h-17h. Tel: 05 87 41 26 16. Farm visits for animal adoption are welcome at La Ferme, Les Dognons, 87440 Maisonnaissur-Tardoire. Tel: 05 55 70 64 76. Email info@ noahsark.com Phoenix Association Phoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France. Phoenix does not have a 'rescue centre' as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South-West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate. Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fund-raising and donations to cover the very high re-homing and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com and www.facebook. com/PhoenixAssociationFrance Church Notices Anglican Holy Communion Services are now being conducted by Rev Robert Leone at 2:30 pm on the 1st Sunday of each month at the French Protestant Church, Place du Temple, Thiat (87) near Le Dorat (87) and Montmorillon (86) until the Anglican church is ready for use. For more information email: revrobertleone@ gmail.com Monthly Worship in English If your journey of life has brought you here to France, why neglect your journey of faith? We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3pm. Where? At the Temple in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – we are part of the Parish of the Basse-Marche of the Eglise Protestante Unie de France. The Temple is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat. If you want to know more contact Rev Derek

Lawson on 05 55 68 53 03 or Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86. English-speaking church services Guéret Come as you are... This is an invitation to join us at our CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service you are welcome at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Eglise Evangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Guéret, 23000. We welcome all who want to join a group of English-speaking Christians for a time of worship and learning together. Children are very welcome. For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott. james@neuf.fr Christians together in Limousin La Souterraine Area We hold a time of fellowship and Bible study every Tuesday afternoon. Barbara and Cedric look forward to welcoming you. Tel: 05 55 71 09 04 The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet mid-way between Crozant and Eguzon. Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am. Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62 Fitness & Fun Art Classes Mainsat The class runs every Thurs (term time) at the Salle du temps libre in Mainsat from 14h-16h. We do a little bit of everything: pencil, charcoal, watercolour, pastel, acrylics, oils and sculpture, etc. Contact Susan Neill for more info: Tel 05 55 83 12 18 / Mob 06 87 99 31 37 / Email thomassusan.neill@hotmail.com La chance de danser NEW!! Starting in September dance classes for adults in La Souterraine. Tue Bums & Tums - Stretch & Tone 10:0011:00. Salle des fêtes Saint-Léger-Magnazeix; Tue Tap from 19:00-20:00. Salle des fêtes La Souterraine; Wed Beginners ballet from 10:3011:30. Salle de danse La Souterraine. €5 per class. For more info contact Jan Pitwell on 09 66 96 44 85 or at lachancededanser23@gmail.com. Photo Club La Meteorite (87) Rochechouart All welcome, all levels; we meet fortnightly at 3-5pm on Sundays. Field trips, friendly critique, conversation and competitions (to contact and more details go to photoclubmeteorite.org). Chabanais Bowls Club With winter approaching fast and outside exercise becoming more difficult, why not join the many others who exercise indoors twice a week and at the same time enjoy an enjoyable game of short mat bowls? We even have time to stop for a cup of tea and a biscuit. Chabanais Bowls Club meets on Tuesday mornings, 10 am – 1 pm, and Thursday afternoon, 2 pm – 5 pm, at the Salle des Fêtes in the centre of Chabanais. And for those of you that enjoy your Summer boules, we offer indoor boules ‘boccia’ played with leather bowls with players either standing or sitting. Boccia is therefore also suitable for those with limited mobility. For further information ring Brian on 05 45 29 05 73 or simply turn up, we have all the equipment you will need. Drawing and painting classes At Saint-Junien with the CAPCC (art club). All levels welcome, every Monday and Thursday, English and French spoken, friendly atmosphere, materials provided by the club. 45€ / half-term. Contact: lindsaycox@club-internet.fr for brochure with full details. Keepfit (Bonjour La Forme) Held at Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs in the Salle Polyvalente: Mon evening at 19.45-20.45 for cardiac and muscle exercises; Thurs afternoon at 15.00-16.00 for gentle exersises. All are welcome to join us. Contact Jeanette 09

62 58 49 03 (Eng) or Catherine 05 55 66 67 30 (Fr) for more info. Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong classes organised by the ACAMIES (association culturelle d'arts martiaux internes et d'exercices de santé). Wed: Jarnages, 18h30-20h, Salle Polyvalente. Thu: Bétête, 19h-20h30, Domaine de Tournessac. Individual classes, courses, massage & treatments also available. Contact: 06 48 00 02 07 http://acamies.e-monsite.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks! Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit. Our “monitrice” is English and will happily provide bilingual instructions. We meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Pontarion Town Hall, for a one-hour workout. Come for a free trial, or call 05 55 64 98 87 or 06 32 42 95 68 for more details. Indoor Bowling at Oradour-sur-Vayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play. If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it - it's free. If you require further information or directions to our venue please contact me - Email: OradourBowling@gmx.com or telephone: 05 55 08 41 75 Zumba! Regular zumba classes across depts 36, 18 & northern 23. For more info tel 06 58 37 17 04 - email evezumba36@gmail.com and for details of classes visit www.zumbazumba.fr Indoor Short-mat Bowling at Cussac 87150.... and now Outdoor too! As the premier bowls club in the Haute-Vienne, we are going from strength to strength with members seeking us out and travelling great distances to continue their love of bowls or simply to 'try us out'. Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game, just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears! We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can be played. Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl! Our regular sessions indoors are Wednesday evening at 8pm and Thursday Mornings at 10am. Outdoor sessions will be arranged as the spring arrives so keep in touch. Serious bowlers and beginners are welcome - club bowls are available for use. For further information contact cussacbowlsclub@gmail.com or telephone 05 55 78 66 45. Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www.spaequilibre.yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson. Chinese gym 17h-18h15 & 18h15-19h30 and karate 19h3021h. For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53 Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 - 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and

a half. For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20. Gym Bien-être Would you like to be more supple? Come to our gym class on Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am, where we do gentle exercises to help all our muscles and joints. The classes are held in Rochechouart in the Capitole building, upstairs. Our group is part of a National Federation of Gymnastics. For information contact Pauline at pauline.maskell@sfr.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www.dechencholing.org Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Getting out in the garden is one of life's pleasures for many people and there's a lot of satisfaction in seeing seeds and plants thrive and grow under your care. Our Association has a different, garden related topic each month and you are very welcome to come and join us in learning more about growing plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees in this region. We also have visits to other gardens and an Annual Show in September. We meet on the third Thursday of each month (excl Feb) in the Mairie at St-Amand-le-Petit (between Eymoutiers and Peyrat-le-Château). Meetings start at 2.30 pm and visit timings will be advised. For more information contact Carolyn or Antonia at pjlimousin@gmail.com http://jardiniers-du-limousin.webs.com Agenda for 2017: 19 Jan Snowdrops plus Open Gardens Scheme; Feb no meeting; 16 Mar Bees: sustainable gardening methods for pollinating insects; 20 Apr Good and Bad. Friends and foes of the garden; 18 May Cuttings workshop; 15 June Visit to Les jardins de Mas Maury; 20 Jul Gardening to save the planet; 17 Aug Summer lunch; 3 Sep (Sunday) 5th Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Annual Show; 19 Oct AGM followed by House Plants; 16 Nov DIY Christmas decorations; 14 Dec (2nd Thur) Gardeners' Question Time and Christmas Party Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac. We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. This year the President is Véronique Granet and the Vice President is Michelle Pierce. For further information contact Michelle on 05 45 89 36 54 / unjardinenfrance@gmail.com Agenda for 2016: 12/12 AGM. Aux Plantes, etc. We are an association of independent, ethically-minded and passionate plant producers. Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It’s not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you! Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants. For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or visit: www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Les Jardins de Sirius Based in Pressignac, Charente, we are a small association of people who are keen on gardening. As well as finding plants an endless source of interest, we believe that the simple fact of gardening has numerous positive benefits for health, stress, social interaction - in other words, our daily lives - and we’d like to encourage this aspect. We run flower workshops on the first Saturday afternoon of the month. If you’d like to get involved, have more info on the association or become a member, please contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@gmail.com

Integration Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques The Association Rencontres FrancoBritanniques, based in Bourganeuf, was created in January 2012 and aims to help British people, resident in the Communautés de Communes surrounding Bourganeuf, to become integrated in their communes and local life. We organize a range of cultural and social activities for our members. The fortnightly conversation groups are an important part of our association. At these meetings British members can improve their spoken French, and our French colleagues may improve their English. We would very much like to welcome new people, both French and English, into the association. Our meetings and events are fun and take place in a happy and friendly atmosphere. We currently have 90 members. The annual subscription for membership is €12 per person. For further information on the association's activities contact: Christine Gee 05 55 64 22 25 - email: geeinfrance@gmail.com - www. francobrit.com Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessinessur-Gartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community. The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-surGartempe, when various activities take place, all aimed at promoting a friendly and welcoming ambiance. Through these activities, which include visits, talks, entertainment and much more, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle. For more details or to join please contact the President, Bernadette Ruffenach, on 05 55 76 11 19. Les Franglais de Banize (23120) French and English people meet every Wednesday at 2-3 pm in the mairie in Banize to share English and French language and lots of laughter. We all learn from each other, in both languages and about aspects of both cultures. In general the English try to speak in French and vice versa. As far as possible! The meetings have been going on for seven years now but new arrivals are always welcome. For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60. Connect87 CONNECT is a group for English speakers of any nationality in the area of St-Yrieix-la-Perche. Our Objective is to help people make friends and exchange information. We hold fun events and a Monthly Coffee Morning on the First Friday of every month at Espace Ferraud, rue du Docteur Lemoyne, St-Yrieix-la-Perche. We are a non profit making group and we are run by volunteers, there are no membership fees. For Further information visit our website www.connect87.info or contact Nikki Evans at nikkifleurie@gmail.com or on 05 53 55 09 83. French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/Haute-Vienne border. We are accompanied by a retired French schoolteacher and a current French teacher of English. Discussion is informal, loosely based on everyday topics, including some grammar plus general discussion. We need a few more people to help keep it vibrant and to cater for inevitable absences. The only cost is yearly membership of the local Association, about €20, which brings with it other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Peter Metcalfe at petergmet@gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-le-Château Association Familles Rurales now offer

COMMUNITY ♦ 25

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-le-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters. We will also do our best to help you with practical matters such as language problems, payment of bills, hiring workmen, etc. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-le-chateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyratle-Château Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-la-Perche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Held at five different levels, all with the same native French teacher, so it is easy to move from one class to another if you feel out of place. Level 1 (beginners) - Mon 10h30-12h; Level 2 - Thur 10h30-12h; Level 3 - Tue 10h30-12h; Level 4 - Sat 10h-12h; Level 5 (top) - Weds 14h30-16h30. All courses are held in Familles Rurales' premises at 1 rue de la Piscine (former swimming pool), 87500 St-Yrieix-la-Perche. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, or Mark GRIEVES (English-speaking president) tel 06 76 64 89 94 will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Aubusson’s Network - International Apero Reseau We have changed our name to “Aubusson’s Network” and are now meeting at the cafe “ Les Balladins” opposite Aubusson’s Gare Routière car park. We continue to meet between 11.30 am and 1pm every Saturday. You can contact us by phone, Catherine on 06 86 17 80 88 or email jan.senior@yahoo.co.uk We continue to meet to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers. We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages. Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We are a friendly club based in Rochechouart and our aim is to promote good relations amongst the local French-speaking and English-speaking community. We offer courses of tuition in English and French as well as organising social and cultural events including visits to places of interest. For further information please visit our website www.learningtogether.moonfruit.com, email us at learningtogether87@gmail.com or telephone our President Alan Bretman on 05 55 49 08 75. We look forward to hearing from you. The Melting Pot We are a group of around 70 members, both French and British, who meet with the aim of sharing things and trying to integrate with the French community. We meet every week at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac, on a Wednesday morning from 10 am - 12 noon, except for the first Wednesday, when we meet in the evening at 8 pm. We hold information meetings, plant swaps, BBQs, games nights, visits and have guest speakers about topics relevant to living in France. Contact: www.meltingpot-limousin.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) CLE is a not-for-profit organisation whose members form a valuable resource for the exchange of news, views, ideas and information. We lobby and work with key organisations to help protect our members' best interests, particularly when Government or other proposals threaten to impact the well-being of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year, plus social activities including coach trips, activity days and charity events. Our special interest groups include a Fishing Group, a Pudding Club and Gourmet Club which holds regular lunches at some of the region's better restaurants where we negotiate set menus a cut above the typical 'plat du jour' but still reasonably priced – all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Tel: Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 Libraries & Books Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of second-hand books (both English and French)

from 9am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac. All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-surBriance and St-Méard RPI). La Souterraine English Library and Information Centre Located in the historic Porte de Puy Charraud, at 10 rue de Portail, La Souterraine, we are a lively, wellstocked English language library with almost 10,000 books and media available to borrow. We have an attractive cafe which serves tea, coffee and a range of home-made cakes. There is also a regularly changing display of works by local artists and an interesting brocante area on the ground floor. The Library offers classes in French for English speakers with a professional teacher and also organises Anglo-French conversation groups in association with the Municipal Library in La Souterraine. There are also a number of thriving special interest groups, such as the Gardening Group, Camera Club, Friendship Group, etc. We also provide support & assistance in bureaucratic and administrative matters for both existing British residents as well as newcomers to the area. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most welcome. We are open from 09.30 until 12.30, Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat. For more info tel 05 55 89 57 62 during opening hours or visit www.englishlibrary.fr The English Library, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 5 yrs, is situated in the Route des Rateries, beside the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee, whilst you browse through our collection of around 7,500 books, DVDs and talking books. Our opening hours are Thursdays, 10h00 – 16h00 and Saturdays 10h00 – 12h30. Also, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10h00 – 12h00, you are invited to join us for our Club Franglais, which welcomes people from all nationalities, to chat in French, English or any language you wish(!) whilst enjoying a cup of tea, and a piece of home-made cake. We host a range of other activities too, including the Café Philo, and Club Scrabble. More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www.ententecordiale-creuse.org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo.com Music “Le Jeudi Meta Blues” Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 4th Thursday of the month, from 19h30 to 22h at “La Petite Charrue” pub, Le Bournazeau, ChâteauChervix (87). All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around blues, folk and rock, in French AND in English, or who might like to jam a little, are welcome. Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34. Music Club Boussac The venue of the Club de Musique & Music in Boussac "open mic" night has changed. We welcome musicians of all levels and styles, spectators and all music lovers to join us for an evening of musical entertainment and fun at L'Origan restaurant, 34 rue Vincent, Boussac 23600 from 20h until midnight on the last Saturday of each month. A PA system will be available. For only 8€ Christophe, the chef and proprietor, will be offering a special formule of Fish & Chips or a small pizza of choice from a Reine, Campagnarde, 4 fromages or Creusoise plus a drink. His normal extensive menu is also available. Food will be served until 22h. For more info please email Dave and Bev at gemsandcrystalsmail@gmail.com or phone 05 55 65 19 24 or Rosie and Mervyn 05 55 65 70 06 mervynjw@ aol.com. We look forward to greeting you all at this new venue. Open Mic Night If you like music and have ever fancied getting up and having a go, why not come along to our Open Mic Night at “Le Loch Ness” in La Souterraine town centre every Friday around 8.30pm. L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52

The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin - whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making. We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave.lee@cegetel.net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr

Caspian and Fifi - born approx 10/08/16 & 19/08/16

Support

Fifi was such a shy little girl but when her mum, brother and sister all left for new homes on the same day she found her new hero in Caspian! Together they make the most adorable pair. Caspian is a playful and affectionate boy with a great personality who has helped Fifi to build her confidence, so much so that she is now always first in line for a cuddle! They play together beautifully, chasing, killing toys and generally behaving like kittens should but when playtime is over and it's time for a nap Fifi will curl up happily on top of Caspian and the two of them will purr away. If you would like to know more please contact Caroline at carolinearcher74@gmail.com or call 05 55 27 10 25 (19390 Beaumont, Corrèze). Fifi and Caspian will be chipped, vaccinated and de-parasited on adoption. www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at Limoges, Périgueux and the recently opened meeting at Civray. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. For details of the meetings or other information contact Roger 05 55 76 22 65 (Limoges), Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 (Périgueux) or Angela 05 49 87 79 09 (Civray). Other meetings in South-West France can be located on our web-site at www.aafrance.net English-speaking council surgery ...for residents of the commune of St-LégerMagnazeix. Every 2nd Weds in the month, an English-speaking council surgery with councillors Manuela Stroescu and Patrick Johnson will take place at the Mairie between 11am and 12pm. Elizabeth Finn Care Registered charity Elizabeth Finn Care is able to offer direct financial assistance to British and Irish nationals or residents who live overseas. We ensure that our help does not affect any means-tested payments. For more information contact: Mary Hughes - Case worker France, Elizabeth Finn Care - tel 04 68 23 43 79 or visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk and www. turn2us.org.uk L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne Charitable organisation offering English-speaking support and guidance to anyone dealing with the day-to-day difficulties affecting those with dementia, their families and their carers and assistance with how to access the best provisions of care. English Helpline (available on Tuesday mornings between 10am and midday): 09 64 21 40 86. For more information email alzheimer.dordogne@ orange.fr or visit www.francealzheimer-dordogne. org Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Free confidential support for English-speaking people touched by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86. CSF 24 hour helpline: 06 45 35 32 30, Email csfcharenteplus@gmail.com, Facebook: Cancer Support France - Charente Plus Cancer Support Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87) and Creuse (23). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, helpline@ cshautevienne.org or visit www.cshautevienne.org

BERLIOZ Berlioz is a Fox terrier cross of medium size, who is 8 years old and has been at the refuge for far too long. He is a super little guy, a bit scruffy at the moment but nothing a shampoo and trim couldn't sort out and is full of character and fun and loves nothing more than cuddles, biscuits and to go out for a walk. Berlioz doesn't get on with all other dogs but doesn't look for trouble and even after all this time spent at the refuge, he is still house trained, which says a lot about this lovely boy. He is very affectionate when he gets to know you and easy going and is a real favourite with the volunteers, young and old, as he walks very well on the lead. He would suit life in an apartment or a home with a well enclosed garden as he does have a tendency to look for adventure. He is micro-chipped, vaccinated, castrated, wormed and ready to go to his forever home. Surely there is someone who can love this little boy, all he needs is a chance. If you would like to know more about Berlioz then please contact the SPA de Creuse (Guéret, 21 Le Clocher, 23000 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois, tel 05 55 81 99 31 (www.spa-creuse.com) or if you would like to get in touch with an Englishspeaking volunteer about Berlioz or indeed any of our other lovely dogs at the refuge then please email Faye at faye.jones23600@gmail.com. Truffe, a gorgeous Fauve de Bretagne X featured in our November edition is still available for adoption. Please do get in touch if you can help!

Jango

Jango is the most beautiful boy with a gorgeous long thick silky coat. The staff at the refuge at Limoges think that he is a Border Collie crossed with an Australian Berger and so, unsurprisingly, he is a very lively and clever dog. He has been at the refuge for far too long and so hasn't received the exercise and training that a young very intelligent dog needs. As a result, when you approach his cage with a lead he becomes so excited that some people can be put off, however after a walk he soon settles and it is easy to see what potential he has. Jango needs an experienced dog owner who would be willing to invest time and energy in order to bring the true character of this fabulous dog. This breed is typically affectionate, quick to learn, and faithful. Jango is 2 years old and comes castrated, chipped and vaccinated. If you would like to meet him he is at: SPA de la Haute-Vienne, 156 avenue du Général René Chambe, 87270 Couzeix. Tel 05 55 48 06 75 or if you would like some help from an English-speaking volunteer please email Pam at pamrob1@hotmail.com

26 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ DECEMBER 2016

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

2km from Chénérailles & the Château Villemonteix

Best wishes for Christmas & the New Year from Alma and Bill. Open Monday to Saturday for: Restaurant du Soir Fish, chips & mushy peas €11.50

Christmas menu all through December (except Christmas Day) All by advance reservation please For more information

Bugle Notice Board

tel: 05 55 81 31 85 email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

Mon Chic Cottage

21 Place Charles de Gaulle, Le Dorat Xmas Cards, Crackers, Gifts, Cake Decorations Tea, coffee & home-made scones / cakes Official Stockist & Workshop for Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan & Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Decorative Paint Workshops To learn the basis of using Chalk Paint™ & ask questions, join us on a workshop. All materials included. To book contact Jay. Opening hours: Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri - 10h-16h

05 87 77 95 59

info@monchiccottage.com www.monchiccottage.com

Mandys-curry-2-go

RESTAURANT

AUX CEPES La Veytizou

On the main road (D979), Between Limoges & Eymoutiers ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 3rd Dec - OPEN MIC NIGHT ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 17TH dec - Christmas QUIZ NIGHT ~~~~~~~~~ Sun 25TH dec - Christmas lunch ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 31st DEC - New year's eve Party with john martin

~~~~~~~~~ For more info on any of the above, contact Sue: email: auxcepes87@gmail.com or Tel: 09 64 00 14 51

www.mandyscurry2go.com Dates for December

Gouzon, Chilled orders only! 3.30pm, (place de l'Eglise) - Wed 30th Nov Boussac, (place de l'Hôtel de Ville) - Wed 30th Nov (5.45pm) Aubusson, (place Maurice Dayras) - Thursday 1st (6pm) Bourganeuf, (place Martin Nadaud) - Wednesday 7th (5.45pm) Peyrat-le-Château, Thursday 8th (6pm) Le Grand-Bourg, (place du marché) - Friday 9th (5.45pm-7.15pm only) Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 9th (8.30pm) Bourganeuf Christmas Market - Saturday 10th CHILLED DELIVERIES, Thursday 15th & Friday 16th - various areas, contact us for details Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 17th (5.30pm) Thank you to all our customers for your support in 2016! We will still be doing our normal venues over the winter, weather permitting. Please check website & facebook for updates. Have a Merry Christmas & all the best for 2017! Mandy & Rob

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

Chez Jacques Marsac (23)

Roussis Maid

Merry Christmas from Mike & Christine Find us at the following weekly market: Piégut (Wednesdays) - until 21/12 and at the following events: Sat 10th Dec - Condat-sur-Vienne Sun 11th Dec - Cognac-la-Forêt Sun 18th Dec - Chassenon Thu 22nd Dec - Chasseneuil monthly market. (Our last market until March) Christmas cards now available in English & French Our cards can now be purchased from Carole's Hair Stylist at Le Buisson, near Saint-Bazile. For further details or to order cards, e-mail: ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

Bar Bistro

Le Bon Appetit

Thu 15th Dec Quiz Night Sat 17 Dec "Mouclade frites" from 19h30 th

For more information Tel: 05 87 40 02 83 1, rue de la Gasne, 23210 MARSAC

Très Jolie Fashion Accessories Where to find me:

Every Wednesday - Piégut Market Please see my facebook page... search 'Tres Jolie Milhaguet' to see what's new. Mail order available, email for more details. Most items now stocked at the 'Coeur et Etoile', St-Mathieu

05 55 78 62 29 / 06 04 08 29 53 tres.jolie1@orange.fr

... is open January 1st for drinks and nibbles from 3 pm to 8 pm. Join us for drinks by the fire with friends and family to celebrate the New Year... look forward to seing you! 4, rue des Tanneries, Bénévent-l'Abbaye (23) 06 80 43 83 51 bistrot-lebonappetit.com

Gardener Wanted

We are looking for a skilled gardener, once a week, 87430 Verneuil Call 06 27 10 54 07 or +49 (0)1515 0646018

Petticoat Lane

This month we will be at the following Christmas markets: Sunday 4th December – Aigre Tuesday 6th December – Civray Saturday 10th December – Bourganeuf (23) We would like to wish all our customers old & new a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Please note we will be closed 26th December and open 27th to 31st December We will then be closed from 1st to 16th January, re-opening 17th January

sales@petticoatlaneshop.com http://www.petticoatlaneshop.com/ 5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Due to the ever increasing number of Classified adverts submitted we have taken the difficult decision to move this to an online only service. The high volume and turnover of these items means that it is no longer practical or even possible to print them all each month. For the time being please continue to send us your items for sale / items wanted to:

notices@thebugle.eu We are aiming to provide an automated submission service on our website in the near future. Our Classifieds page is updated daily. Please bookmark the following link:

www.thebugle.eu/classifieds.php

WHAT’S ON ♦ 27

DECEMBER 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu Fri 25th Nov to Sat 24th Dec GUÉRET La Boutique éphémère Pop-up boutique, 9 rue du Marché, featuring 20 local artisans and designers. Open every day from 10h-19h.

Sat 3rd Dec BERSAC-SURRIVALIER Christmas Market 80 exhibitors. Regional produce, crafts, gifts, entertainment for the children. 8h-18h.

Thu 1st to Sat 3rd Dec LA SOUTERRAINE Sex please, we’re sixty! “Sex please, we’re Sixty” is the latest offering by CastawaysDrama, aimed at amusing theatregoers with a sense of humour! This promises to be an evening of hilarious entertainment, garnished with a hint of naughtiness and a dollop of sauce. Set in Rose Cottage B&B, Mrs Stancliffe reluctantly accepts that her lecherous but ageing neighbour, “Budthe-Stud” Davis, is good for business. Bud is more than interested when three lady guests arrive, all hoping to find romance, and all suffering menopausal symptoms! Luckily, Mrs S.’s gentleman caller, Henry, has invented the “Venusia” pill to counteract them, but there’s a mixup with Bud’s Viagra... And what does Manuel have to do with it all? “Sex please, we’re sixty”, written by Michael Parker & Susan Parker, directed by Margau Wright and performed in English, is a venture into yet a new genre for CastawaysDrama, namely farce, and brings together seven of our best actors to produce great acting and hilarity. Our indispensable and talented behind-the-scenes team have built an original and unusual set and come up with great costumes, lighting and music, not to mention a bar that opens at 7 pm. We hope you will have as much fun in the audience as we’ve had at rehearsals. Great entertainment to start the festive season! 1-3 December 2016, L’Ancienne Mairie, place Docteur Emile Parrain, La Souterraine (disabled access) Evenings: 7.30 pm, 1 & 2 December; Matinées: 2.30 pm, 2 & 3 December. Tickets: 10 Euros (10 for the price of 9) from tickets@castawaysdrama.org, or call Steve on 07 69 00 28 01. For further info visit www.castawaysdrama.org

Sat 3rd Dec BOUSSAC Marché de Noël Christmas market for the Téléthon in the place de l'Hôtel de Ville, starting at 10h until 18h. AIPB will be manning a cake stall selling our celebrated cakes and marmalade. First come first served with all profits going to the Téléthon.

Fri 2nd to Sat 31st Dec LIMOGES Christmas Market 50 artisans & producers will be exhibiting in little wooden chalets around the place de la République. 11h-19h (20h on Fri & Sat). Children can have their photo taken with Father Christmas and an ice rink will be installed. Visit noelalimoges.fr for more information.

Sun 4th Dec LE DORAT Christmas Market 10h-18h.

Sat 3rd Dec CHÉRONNAC Concert for the Téléthon After our very successful concert for the Téléthon last year which raised over 900 euros, we are hoping to raise even more this year. We are having a concert at the Salle des Fêtes featuring our wonderful group Rockbottom and to start with our very versatile Steve Black. The concert will start at 7 pm. There will be a bar and home-made pasties, Scotch eggs and hotdogs available. The best bit is that entry is free! Please come along and enjoy a great evening of music and dancing knowing that you will be supporting this very worthwhile cause. Sat 3rd Dec SAINT-SORNINLEULAC Christmas Market Organised by the Association des Parents d'Elèves. This is really one not to be missed with both French & English artisans participating. Look forward to seeing you there. Sat 3rd to Sun 4th Dec SAINTEFEYRE Marché de Noël - Parc Animalier Les Loups de Chabrières Christmas market at the wolf park. Come and do a spot of Christmas shopping: crafts, regional produce... Entertainment for the children. Free entry to the park. From 10h. Contact: Tel 05 55 81 23 23 www.loups-chabrieres.com

Sun 4th Dec LUSSAC-LESEGLISES Christmas Charity Sale At Tina and Jane's Barn - 5, La Trigalle, 87360 Lussac-les-Eglises from 1-5 pm. There will be mulled wine and mince pies, a tombola and raffle and stalls Fri 2nd to Sat 24th Dec selling bits for Christmas, and craft MONTLUÇON goods, plus a cake stall. Christmas Market All in aid of CSH-V (Cancer Support Place Jean Jaurès. Sun-Thu 14h-19h; Haute-Vienne) and Twilight Chiens Fri-Sat 11h-21h. elderly dogs home. The ice rink will stay in place until If anyone has any donations for the 31/12. raffle or tombola these would be very

welcome. For more information tel 05 comité d'animation to be held in the 55 60 69 23. church at St-Sornin-Leulac starting at 18h. A selection of Christmas carols/ Sun 4th Dec ROYERE-DE- songs & readings in both English & VASSIVIÈRE French, to be followed by minced pies Christmas Market & mulled wine. 9h-18h. Salle polyvalente. Please come along to support & get yourselves into the Christmas spirit. All Sun 4th Dec SAINT-LAURENT- are welcome. SUR-GORRE Christmas Market & Brocante/Vide- Sun 11th Dec BOSMIE L'AIGUILLE greniers Marché de Noël et Foire à l'Orange 9h-18h. Organised by the Comité des fêtes et le Comité de Jumelage de BosmieSun 4th Dec SAINT-LÉGER- l'Aiguille. Gourmet produce, crafts, MAGNAZEIX sales of Spanish produce from the region Christmas Market of Pédralba (oranges, clementines, olive Salle socio-éducative. 10h-17h. oil...) Salle Georges Bizet from 9h-18h. Free entry. Fri 9th Dec BOUSSAC AIPB - Chants de Noël Sun 11th Dec BUSSIÈRE-DUNOISE Carol service in the church Ste Anne, Christmas Market & vide ta chambre Boussac (23600). Starts at 19h30 and Craft & local produce Christmas market features carols and readings in English organised by the association Canailles and French, followed by free festive et Canailloux. Salle des fêtes. 10h-18h. refreshments in the Maison Paroissiale. Free entry. Alan Nichol will pipe all visitors into Cost for exhibiting/selling is only 2 euro and out of the church. All donations per metre. Reservations required. For go to our charities and everyone is more info email nadegehem@hotmail. welcome to come and start Christmas com or tel 09 81 60 38 71 or 06 20 56 with us. 61 53. For more info contact 05 55 65 70 06 or 05 55 65 03 69, see our Facebook Page Sun 11th Dec CHÂTEAUPONSAC or website www.aipbboussac.fr. Christmas Market Gymnase. 9h-18h. Fri 9th to Sat 24th Dec LIMOGES Christmas Market Sun 11th Dec GOUZON 110 artisans and producers. 9h30-19h Christmas Market (Fri & Sat til 20h). Place de la Motte. Salle polyvalente. Visit noelalimoges.fr for more info. Sun 11th Dec GUÉRET Sat 10th Dec BOURGANEUF Traditional English Carol Service Marché de Noël Service in English will be holding a Christmas Market organised by the traditional English Christmas Carol Association Rencontres Franco- Service on Sunday 11th December at 3 Britanniques which will be held in pm in the Église Évangélique, 9b place the Hall Polyvalent in Bourganeuf Bonnyaud, Guéret. This will be in place from 8.30 am till 5 pm. From the of our usual monthly Service. Entry start of the event our ever popular is free, and there will be refreshments English Breakfast will be on sale. It is afterwards. All are welcome. being prepared by Sophie Hicks from Contact Jim and Pat Scott for further “Boucherie à La Ferme” in the Corrèze details: tel 05 55 67 54 78 or email scott. (www.boucheriealaferme.com). james@neuf.fr It’s fine to turn up on the day and breakfast when you arrive but it is helpful for us to Sun 11th Dec LA CROISILLE-SURknow how many people are coming. Last BRIANCE year we served 150 customers! So, to Chansons de Noel (Christmas Carol reserve a breakfast please visit the front Concert) page of our website www.francobrit. Annual event taking place at the church com or contact the Office de Tourisme at in La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130) at Bourganeuf (05 55 64 12 20). There is no 5 pm. The concert, with songs in both payment in advance. English and French, will be followed by After breakfast visitors can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. Organised browsing the wide range of market stalls by the association Briance, Langues et - foodstuffs, artisan beer, silk-screen Cultures. prints, jewellery, sculptures, clothing, toys... and all at a range of prices for Sun 11th Dec NEXON those large or small Christmas gifts. Christmas Market At lunchtime we will be serving a range All day. Place Annie Fratellini. of snacks and hand-held food and this can be accompanied by either artisan Sun 11th Dec ROCHECHOUART beer or wine. Our Association will be French/English Family Carol Evening providing tea and coffee throughout the At Saint-Sauveur church (Rochechouart day and, in the afternoon, traditional church) at 6 pm. All are welcome. Free mince pies will be on sale. Finally, of charge. Free wine, mince pies and we will be entertained by Les Amis other Christmas food afterwards. Chanteurs de St-Amand at 3 pm. So please come along; there will be a lot Sun 11th Dec SAINT-VAURY to see, taste and enjoy! Christmas Market More details about the Association may Gymnase de Saint-Vaury. All day. be found at: www.francobrit.com Sun 11th Dec VALLIÈRE Sat 10th Dec CHÂLUS Christmas Market Christmas Market Sale of local crafts and produce. Salle From 10h. polyvalente. 9h-18h. Sat 10th Dec DARNAC Christmas Market Following on from the success of last year’s Christmas Market, Le Tambour Cassé will be holding their 2nd Christmas Market on 10th December. The market will take place in the restaurant from 10am - 4pm at Le Tambour Cassé, 8 Place Saint Jean, 87320 Darnac. Drinks and snacks will be available from the bar throughout the day. Stall holders are advised to contact the bar directly to reserve a table as soon as possible on 09 66 80 32 41 or via their website www.brokendrum.fr. Tables are 5 euros and stall holders will receive a coffee/tea and cake on the day. Sat 10th to Sun 11th Dec LA CELLEDUNOISE Christmas Market 10h-18h. Salle des Loisirs. Sat 10th Dec SAINT-JUNIEN Christmas Market Place Lacôte. 9h30-18h.

Sun 11th Dec VILLEFAVARD Concert: Franck, Poulenc, Strohl Concert by cellist Edgar Moreau and the pianist David Kadouch at the Ferme de Villefavard at 4 pm. For the past five years cellist Edgar Moreau has been acclaimed as the most exciting and sensitive young French musician. He is currently recording his first CD with virtuoso pianist David Kadouch for the prestigious Warner’s Erato label at the Ferme de Villefavard. In addition to the key concertos for cello and piano by César Franck and Francis Poulenc, they will perform works by Rita Strohl, an early 20th century forgotten French composer of lyrical, symphonic and chamber music. Most of her compositions have never been published, and her dramatic sonata, Titus and Berenice, will be a world first recording. Tickets: €10-€15; Free for Under 16s. To reserve tel 05 55 60 29 32 or email info@fermedevillefavard.com For more information visit www. fermedevillefavard.com or call Maëva Turcius (English speaking).

Sat 10th Dec SAINT-SORNINLEULAC Fri 16th Dec AUZANCES 'Let the People Sing' Christmas Market Christmas Concert organised by Le 10-19h. Salle des fêtes.

Fri 16th Dec BALLEDENT Traditional Christmas Market At Café Chez Isa, Balledent (87290), from 17h onwards. Stalls include wine, cheese, local honey, home-made jam, madeleines, macarons, English home-made chocolates and cakes, blown glass, body pamper products... Father Christmas will be there for children and there are pizzas and aligot to take away or consume in the café. For further information: Isa on 06 23 63 00 23 Fri 16th to Sat 17th Dec FELLETIN Christmas Market Gymnase municipal. 10h-18h. Fri 16th Dec VALLIÈRE Lectures et chants pour Noël Readings and carols for Christmas in French and in English. Église de Vallière. 18h. Sat 17th Dec BELLAC Christmas Market In the streets of Bellac from 16h-22h. Sat 17th Dec BOUSSAC Christmas Market From 10h. Sat 17th Dec CLUGNAT Christmas Market From 17h. Sat 17th Dec DUN-LE-PALESTEL Christmas Market Gymnase. 10h-18h. Sat 17th Dec EVAUX-LES-BAINS Christmas Market All day. Place de l'hôtel de ville. Sat 17th Dec EYMOUTIERS Christmas Market All day. Sat 17th to Thu 22nd Dec GUÉRET Christmas Market 9h30-19h (late opening til 21h on the 21st). Sat 17th to Sun 18th Dec SOUSPARSAT La Maison du Père Noël As night falls in an enchanted setting meet Father Christmas with his sleigh and visit his house (17h45-19h). Arrive early for easy parking as this is always very popular. Sun 18th Dec DUN-LE-PALESTEL Christmas Concert This Christmas Concert has now become a tradition. All funds collected go the Children’s department at Guéret Hospital. Organised by the association ‘Entente Cordiale’, it will include performances by the choir ‘Vocalise’ and ‘La Paillole du Pays Dunois’ (a traditional music group.) This year we will be also joined by the young harpist Amaelle Savary. Come along and listen to the lovely music and sing Christmas carols in English and French in the church in Dun-le-Palestel at 5 pm. Entente Cordiale will be providing mulled wine and minced pies after the concert. Come and immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas! Sun 18th Dec MAGNAC-LAVAL Christmas Market Espace du Rocher. 10h-18h. Tue 20th to Fri 23rd Dec SOUSPARSAT La Maison du Père Noël As night falls in an enchanted setting meet Father Christmas with his sleigh and visit his house (17h45-19h). Arrive early for easy parking as this is always very popular. Fri 23rd Dec AUBUSSON Christmas Market Parvis de l'hôtel de ville, salle de le bourse du travail, Grande Rue & Rue Vieille from 10h-19h. Fri 23rd Dec LA SOUTERRAINE Christmas Market 14th Christmas market with over 150 exhibitors, the perfect opportunity to find those last-minute Christmas gifts. 10h-18h. Fri 23rd Dec SAINT-LÉONARDDE-NOBLAT Christmas Market Town centre from 14h.

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