The Bugle Dordogne - Jan 2018 by The Bugle

Crowdfunders buy historic château

In a world first, a group of thousands of pioneering strangers have saved an ancient château from demolition >> Page 9 November 2016 - Issue #85

Dordogne

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January 2018 - Issue 55 - FREE!

EU confirms expat rights post-Brexit An escaped tiger has been shot in central Paris - page 7

The British government and the EU have agreed a deal to grant reciprocal rights to both expats living in France and EU nationals living in the UK post-Brexit

the rights of more than three million EU citizens living in the UK, and over one million UK citizens in the EU,” she said. The agreement, which offers the protection to live, work and study, must now be ratified by the European and UK parliaments. Under the deal, the British government has stated that EU citizens who have been living in the UK for five years can benefit from “settled status”, meaning they would enjoy the same rights as British citizens. Any EU citizens who have been living in the UK for less than five years will be able to stay in the UK and also be granted “settled status” once they reach

>> continued on page 6

Noisy frogs cause legal battle - pg 3

Murdered British MP honoured - pg 7

Fans urged not to steal La Force - pg 11

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 15-17

ecember saw another turbulent m o n t h of Brexit negotiations, but 534 days after Britain voted to leave the EU, the rights of the 1.2 million British expats currently living in the European Union have finally been guaranteed as part of a late-night, lastminute agreement. UK Prime Minister Theresa May held a triumphant joint press conference with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, where she confirmed that British citizens in the EU and EU citizens in Britain could “go on living their lives as before”. “The deal we have struck will guarantee

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ell, it's that time of year again, w h e r e I wish everyone a Happy New Year and then predict that this is the year where it all turns around. To quote myself from January 2014: “I do think that the economic outlook is gradually improving and that this year will mark the start of a real financial turnaround for France - I am nothing if not an optimist!” Since writing that, France has been through at least one recession, Britain has left the EU and Trump has become the most powerful man in the world, so the only thing I got right was acknowledging my unbridled optimism! That said, I both never learn and also really do believe that 2018 will be a good year for France!! I didn't write about it in this month's paper, but a whole raft of positive figures have recently been released. The economy is growing strongly, house prices are rising (certainly in the more populated areas at least), unemployment is dropping and all forecasts are consistently

being revised upwards. All in all, the future's bright, the future's... hopefully not like Orange who don't seem to be able to get anything right (but more on that another time... Grrrr!!) I can already hear the doomsayers sharpening their pencils and logging into their email accounts: yes, the pound is weak which hurts those on a pension and yes, we all may be kicked out of the country and have our houses repossessed in 2019. But even on that front an important step was taken last month (see our front page article) and I genuinely don't think that France has any interest in making life difficult for the hundreds of thousands of Brits who call this country home. At the end of the day, if the economy does keep heading in its current direction, the average person will start to feel better off and less scared and it wouldn't surprise me to see a lot of the anti-immigrant, xenophobic chatter subside as a result. But like I said in 2014 (and most years for that matter if memory serves) I am a ridiculous optimist, so don't

listen to me!! It reminds me of a story my Dad used to tell me from his days as a season ticket holder at Chelsea (from before the time you had to mortgage your house to get a ticket and when winning was the exception not the rule). Every time the opposition touched the ball anywhere inside Chelsea's half, he would stand up and loudly proclaim to everyone within earshot: “Oh, here we go again. Watch this. Can't defend, this lot. Might as well give 'em the goal now.” Of course the vast majority of the time he was wrong, but the few occasions where he got to say “Told you so!” were enough to convince him that he was always right. So I guess what I'm saying, rather inelegantly, is that I suspect I'm a bit like that, but the other way round. I've proved (by being wrong every year) that I can't predict the future, so I'm going to keep saying it until I'm right... did I also mention I'm stubborn?! It is with a tinge of personal sadness that we have to say cheerio this month to Michelle Pierce, whose excellent column has been helping to keep our gardens looking fabulous since the beginning of 2011. She's not hanging up her trowel just yet, but other commitments mean that after 6 years of wise advice we will now have to fend for ourselves. Many thanks for everything Michelle and good luck!! Finally, I would like to wish all our readers a Happy

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New Year! I do think that the economic outlook is gradually improving and that this year will mark the start of a real financial turnaround for France - I am nothing if not an optimist! … where have I heard that before? Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

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INSIDE this edition

3-5 Local News

6-11 National News 12-14 French Life 15-17 Directory 18 Community 19-20 What’s On

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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Legal battle over noisy frogs Bumper truffle

fter a six-year legal battle, an appeal court has upheld a decision to force a Dordogne couple to drain their lake because of the noisy frogs that live in it. After numerous complaints by neighbours, the grenouilles have been judged unacceptably loud and the couple now face hefty legal costs and a fine of €150 per day if they fail to obey the court’s order. However, in a situation that can best be described as “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”, by complying with the demand to drain the lake Annie and Michel Pecheras could face two years in prison and a €150,000 fine for destroying the frogs, which are a protected species, along with seven other species of animal that also call the water home. The couple have plenty of people on their side, including a number of wildlife organisations, and have vowed to fight the latest ruling. One group has offered to

rent the lake for a nominal €1 and fight any complaints themselves. The director of another local nature group, Cistude Nature, is hoping to refer the case to French ecology minister Nicolas Hulot, to ask the State to make a final ruling on the issue. It could even be taken to the European courts if necessary. “We live on the edge of a forest and there are plenty of noises from boar and deer... why can’t the frogs sing also?” argued Michel Pecheras. “It’s a pond that

has been here for over 100 years. My grandparents used to bring their cows to drink the water here. There have always been ponds in the countryside, but now we are being punished if we destroy it, and punished if we do not.” “We will try hard to make sure the pond stays as it is; the Earth is the Earth, and we do not touch it,” added his wife Annie. A petition set up in support of the couple has so far gathered over 125,000 signatures. ■

t’s not a record, but it was a Christmas cracker! In early December the biggest truffle of the year was harvested in Gabillou, near Thenon. At almost one and a half kilos the giant tuber melanosporum was discovered by Prune, a border collie. The dog’s master and owner of the truffle farm, Eric Allégret, explained that the giant fungus came to light when Prune’s nose tracked the frozen monster in the five-hectare plot he owns. The highly prized black truffle is a Périgord speciality and grows mainly in association with oak trees, and is harvested in November and December. Despite a great deal of research, no reliable method of cultivating these

truffles has been discovered and it remains a private arrangement between the trees, the soil and the spores (see page 14 for more information on the secret sex lives of truffles). The local record for black truffles is 10.5 kg, but the average is more like 50 to 100g. Eric’s previous personal best was a truffle of 530g. Further afield, a truffle of 1.277 kg changed hands for an undisclosed sum in Sarlat in 2012. As for his annual harvest total, Eric laughingly says, like all truffle men: “Nobody will ever tell you that!” There’s a reason they call them black gold. The current going rate for Périgord black truffles is around €290 euros for 250g... just do the maths! ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

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Dordogne’s cannibal village December. France Culture radio broadcast a 2-part documentary on horrific events in a Dordogne village that took place in 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War after the well-prepared Prussian army had invaded France, confronting a military establishment dogged by turmoil, confusion and poor leadership. The war itself was fought hundreds of kilometres from Périgord, mainly in the north-east and around Paris. Soldiers were called up from across the country, however, and obeyed the call to arms as war was declared on 19th July 1870. The radio broadcast told of the dreadful acts that occurred in the pretty little Dordogne village of Hautefaye less than a month after the war’s outbreak. During the celebration of an annual village fair on 16th August, villagers were upset by news of the French army’s latest setbacks, and angered by comments apparently made by a local minor aristocrat about French progress in the war. There had been a lot of heavy and prolonged drinking and the outraged villagers set upon the aristocrat, Viscount Camille de Maillard de Lafaye, who was also the son of the

mayor of nearby Beaussac. He and his entourage hurriedly left the scene, unfortunately leaving behind his cousin, Alain de Monéys. The mob now turned its attention to the 32-year-old Alain. He was accused of being a Prussian spy and backer of the invasion. The baying mob howled that he was a traitor, that he had betrayed their beloved Emperor, their men at the front and their nation. The fact that none of this had a shred of truth carried no weight with the rabble, now fortified by more drink mistakenly supplied by the village priest. The mayor abdicated all responsibility for the villagers’ vile behaviour, declaring that they could eat him if they wanted! Alain de Monéys was beaten and kicked around the village, blinded and tortured horrifically for two hours and was finally hurled, still alive, onto a bonfire. Legend has it that some of the mob ate bread dipped in the fat dripping from his burning body; Hautefaye subsequently gained the title of “cannibal village”. More than 500 participants at the fair were interviewed and on 19th August 1870, gendarmes arrested fifty people, some as young as 14. Sentences passed at the court in Périgueux ranged from acquittal to death sentences. Prison terms varied from

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six years to life. The four sentenced to death were guillotined in Hautefaye in February 1871.

Hautefaye town square at the execution

For further reading on this grizzly moment in the department’s history, see Alain Corbin’s “Le Village des cannibales” and Jean Teulé’s book “Mangezle si vous voulez”, the title of which is taken from the mayor’s cry to the angry mob. Britain played no part in this conflict and the war is not much discussed in the UK, but issues it raised profoundly affected the nation later. One consequence of the surrender terms with Prussia was to have serious ramifications later for Britain. This was the loss of AlsaceLorraine to Prussia, which in turn was to have its effect on British history in 1914! ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

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First year for Lascaux 4 a huge success © sarlat-tourisme.com

n episode of Dordogne history, enshrouded in shame and mystery, was revealed to the nation at the end of

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t was only a year ago that the new, highly anticipated Lascaux 4 exhibition opened in Montignac, but there can be no doubt, twelve months on, of its amazing suc-

cess. The initiative was bold and something of a gamble. Would the new-look Lascaux pay its way and financially justify the huge investment? The answer is a resounding “OUI”! Andre Barbé, head of the site’s management group, Sémitour, revealed the good news in December. Lascaux 4 had almost half a million visitors in 2017; Lascaux 2 itself received 50,000 and the centre at Le Thot hosted a further 100,000 visitors. Meanwhile, the touring exhibition Lascaux 3 has moved on to China, opening in Shanghai in November where it has been receiving 3,000 visitors every day. ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Périgueux Christmas Market

gan slides, carriage rides, and winter warmers including old-fashioned roasted chestnuts. Fancy lights and natural fir branches created a North Pole ambiance and a vast light show projected onto the cathedral delighted the crowds of residents and out-oftowners. Sarlat offered similar treats set in the historic medieval heart, but the town also had a big ace up its sleeve. To declare the festival open, the city fathers had arranged for none other than Her Majesty the Queen to do the honours. Crowds were delighted when the charming “Her Majesty” lookalike did the biz and launched the “So British” fun-fest of food, drink, music, performances and the scores of other happenings and treats in the

ince the 1980s, France has paid increasingly more attention to the Christmas season of celebration. Christmas Day has traditionally been a family affair, closely linked to the story of the birth of Christ, with the more lavish celebrations reserved for New Year’s Eve. December 2017 once again saw the season of goodwill move up a gear, trending towards the indulgence bonanza that marks the season in Britain, but with some delightfully creative additions. Périgueux showed the way with its policy of getting its citizens to enjoy the streets of their city. As well as the annual chalet village of seasonal shops, warmly wrapped Périgourdins were able to enjoy an ice rink, tobog-

ancient streets. Bergerac offered free parking throughout December, pleasing hundreds of families visiting the illuminations, the Winter Circus Magic Show, live music, Santa Claus, Christmas Village... and there was even snow! Crowds at La Feuilleraie shopping centre near Trélissac turned up in their thousands at the commercial launch of the seasonal shopping binge. Some problems with traffic, parking and over-crowding were blamed on an excess of success of the promotion. Across the department every village was lit and decorated, and scores of Christmas markets were enjoyed despite the low temperatures. Indoors, internet shoppers thought Christmas had arrived early when Leclerc advertised a PS4 Playstation, normally 400 euros, for just €29.99! Sadly for many prospective purchasers it was a mistake, and the retailer was legally entitled not to supply goods with an incorrect description. Interestingly, the online magazine for French expats, lepetitjournal.com, predicted that presentation sets of alcoholic drinks would dominate the British gift list. Good heavens, what an idea indeed! ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

Dordogne goes big for Christmas First Périgueux tattoo show

érigueux hosted its first tattoo exhibition in midDecember, attracting ink aficionados from across the nation. As much a spectacle as a trade exhibition the 2-day event offered some cheeky entertainment, robust performers, a wide range of events and happy hour bars. Three thousand tattoo fans turned out at La Filature show venue to meet and swap ideas on skin decoration and to learn about the latest inking techniques. According to an Ifop (French Institute of Public Opinion) survey published in January last year, around 14% of French people have a tattoo, moving the practice out of the margins of society and firmly into the mainstream. Once associated with sailors, gang members and prisoners, tattoos are now more likely to be linked to young men and women from every strata of society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the survey revealed that the figure is highest amongst the 25-34 age group but at 50 years of age, the figure drops to 7% and fewer than 1% of over-65s sport a tattoo. ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Expat rights granted by EU post-Brexit >> continued from pg 1 five years’ residency. Expat benefits and healthcare rights will also continue under current rules. In turn, the EU has agreed in principle to grant identical, reciprocal rights to British citizens living in the EU. In further good news for the expat community in France, these rights will not only apply to those already living abroad, but to anyone relocating before Brexit Day – currently set as 29th March 2019. Some have predicted that this could now lead to a “Brexodus”, with Brits who have been considering a move abroad rushing to do so before the UK formally leaves the EU next year. It is not yet known what rights Brits moving to France after this date will have. The deal will almost certainly result in a return to residency cards, however. The agreement outlines a process

in which the UK and member states can, if they so choose, insist on residents applying to obtain “a status conferring the rights of residence as provided for by the Withdrawal Agreement and be issued with a residence document attesting to the existence of that right”. European Commission President JeanClaude Juncker went on to promise that any related administrative procedures would be “cheap and simple”. According to the text of the agreement, should France introduce a residency card scheme, Britons living here will have two years from the date of the UK’s withdrawal to start the application process without loss of any rights. “A proportionate approach will be taken to those who miss the deadline for application where there is a good reason,” the document adds. Whilst many are celebrating, others are less satisfied and a number

of important questions remain unanswered. The UK ambassador to France told a gathering of expats that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” and, when pressed as to what that meant, explained that there is nothing to say that these rights won’t be bartered at a later date in favour of, for example, trade concessions. The deal also avoids the question of expats’ rights to move and settle in other EU countries post-Brexit. In other words, will an expat living in France have the right to re-locate to Spain, Germany or Holland? In the small print of the agreement, the issue of freedom of movement was described as “outside the scope” of the initial negotiations, meaning the rights of Brits living in France to be able to move and work freely in other EU countries may depend on how trade negotiations go. Critics argue that if these rights are

not granted, expats will be effectively “landlocked” in their EU country of residency. “This is far worse than we were expecting and hoping for and leaves us as greater bargaining chips than before,” said Kalba Meadows from the RIFT group (Remain in France Together). “Continuing freedom of movement has been deemed ‘out of scope’ - and yet this is so important for so many of our members. This isn’t about the ability to visit friends in another country or pop over the border to do your shopping - many British people in France rely on freedom of movement for their livelihoods and without it they risk being unable to provide for their families.” Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister May was painting the deal as a huge success for Britain and several days later released a Christmas message to expats living in the EU. “From the very beginning of the UK’s negotiations to leave

the European Union I have been consistently clear that protecting the rights of both EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU was my first priority,” the message read. “I know that the referendum result has caused considerable anxiety for many of you and your families. That is why, at the beginning of the negotiating process, I made it clear that any deal guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK would be dependent on such an offer being reciprocated for our UK nationals in the remaining Member States. So I am delighted to announce that in concluding the first phase of the negotiations that is exactly what we have achieved.” Although the future remains uncertain for many expats in France, December’s agreement answers a number of important questions and offers a degree of security in the short term. ■

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Oxfam charity race starts from Rue Jo Cox

Tiger shot in Paris

hen Oxf a m ' s annual Tr a i l walker event begins in May, competitors will start the race in Avallon along Rue Jo Cox, named after the murdered British MP. The town in Burgundy recently decided to honour the MP, who was killed in 2016 aged just 41 by a man with farright connections in the run-up to the Brexit referendum. The sign on the street reads “Rue Jo Cox, Députée Britannique, Assassinée pour ses convictions” - “Rue Jo Cox, British MP, murdered for her convictions”. The Trailwalker challenge is held in nine countries and sees teams of four attempt to cover 100 kilometres in just 30 hours. During last year's event, 242 teams in France raised an impressive €439,034 for Oxfam, the charity where Jo Cox worked before embarking on a career in politics. “The charity race has been organised in our town for six years,” explained the town's deputy mayor Gérard Delorne. “As we had a

street that had come up to be named, and the race passed down it, we decided to name it after her because of her commitment to Oxfam and her strong values of defending the weak and oppressed, as well the circumstances of her death. The idea was initially the mayor's, and he convinced us all. Oxfam France were delighted that we chose to name the street after her. Some of the locals didn’t know her, but we explained who she was to the local paper and it was an emotional moment when we had the inauguration ceremony.” On 16th June 2016, the labour politician was outside a library where she was due to hold a constituency surgery when she was shot three times and stabbed multiple times by Thomas Mair, a man with links

to far-right groups. Witnesses at his trial state that he shouted “This is for Britain. Britain will always come first” as he attacked the staunchly pro-Europe politician. Thomas Mair was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a wholelife term, meaning he will never be released from prison. Jo Cox was the first serving MP to be murdered since the Conservative politician Ian Gow, who was killed by a Provisional IRA car bomb in July 1990. France has traditionally honoured figures who have died by naming streets after them or in some cases train stations. In receiving this honour, Jo Cox joins esteemed company including former war-time prime minister Winston Churchill who has had several streets in France named after him. ■

Vegan Camembert hits the shelves Cheese purists look away now... a company in the Lorraine region has launched a range of vegan Camembert! After struggling to find reasonably-priced vegan cheese in France, Anne Guth decided to make her own. A self-confessed cheese lover before becoming vegan, she began looking for a recipe that would create a convincing, tasty “cheese”, that also appeared visually similar to the real thing. The final product cannot officially be named “cheese”, however, because it is not made from milk, and is instead known as a “vegetable speciality”. “The most difficult thing was to create vegan cheeses that appear visually beautiful,” explained the entrepreneur, who uses puréed cashew nut, along with more traditional cultures. Whilst the final product does look very similar to the famous white wheels of Camembert de Normandie, the texture was harder to replicate. “There is no animal smell there at all. The texture is bizarre - it’s quite mousse-like,” said one blind taster. Along with the €10.90 Camembert, the company also now produces a vegan blue cheese (Le Bleu Lorrain) and garlic soft cheese (Le Petit Frais à l'Ail). ■ Your favourite one stop shop where you will find something for all the family within our 32000ft² sales floor.

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here is growing pressure on France to ban wild animals from circuses after an incident in Paris that saw a tiger wandering the streets of the capital. The 18-month-old female named Mevy roamed free near the France Télévisions buildings, forcing the transport authority RATP to halt traffic on the 3A tram line. The tiger, which escaped from the Bormann Moreno circus that had been parked in the city’s 15th arrondissement, was subsequently shot three times by its owner to prevent further danger to the public. Images of the bleeding animal circulated widely in the media and online and the incident led to immediate pressure on the government by animal rights groups. “What happened could have resulted in far more serious consequences,” said a spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. “These animals aren't getting what they need. They're depressed because they are trapped in tight spaces and forced to do the same movements every day. We are already seeing a change in society - people are starting to question the relationship between humans and animals. France must respond in the same way as other countries and ban animals from circuses altogether.” The organisation also directly tweeted Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, asking: “Will we have to wait for an even more serious incident to happen before you do some-

thing? Will the next carnage have to happen in a school? Tigers raised as slaves, dying as fugitives... we must stop this circus!” The political tide is with the protesters: animals are already banned from circuses in 13 member states of the EU and across France, 65 communes - including 17 with more than 20,000 inhabitants have already forbidden live circuses. In response to the incident, lawmakers in the city of Paris pledged to ban the use of wild animals, voting to support a motion proposed by its mayor and saying they were “unanimously committed to a city without wild animals in circuses”. The move was welcomed as a “small step forward” by animal welfare experts, who were also quick to highlight that a deadline had not been set and the final decision on any ban had been left to the government. The tiger's owner, Eric Bormann, claimed that he had “respected the safety protocol” and that the animal's cage had been cut open in a “malicious act”. He said that killing an animal he had raised from a baby had caused him “immense pain”. “We have a veranda with a pool and trees for the animals, and even if an animal were to escape from here, it should still remain enclosed - it’s basically a cage, in another cage. I have never seen an escape happen in the 40 years I have worked in Paris,” explained the owner. ■

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sales24@thebugle.eu Speed limit could be reduced to 80 km/h Toulouse latest city to introduce pollution stickers Fees : see website

oulouse has become the sixth city in France to enforce the use of Crit’Air pollution stickers. The “Pink City” joins Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Grenoble in requiring vehicles to display the stickers, which allow authorities to limit the number of cars on the roads in times of high pollution. The six different coloured Crit’Air stickers indicate the age and cleanliness of a vehicle, ranging from level 1 for clean vehicles to level 5 for the most polluting; there is also a green sticker for electric or hydrogen vehicles. Motorists whose vehicles do not have a sticker could face an on-the-spot fine of €68, but as was the case in other cities, authorities have said there will be an unspecified period of grace to allow those who have not yet ordered theirs to do so.

n the latest move to combat the number of deaths on the country’s roads, France could be about to implement plans to reduce the national speed limit on open roads from 90km/h to 80km/h. The government road safety group Le Comité interministériel de sécurité routière has yet to make an official decision on any change, but reports suggest it could be announced at the group’s next meeting this January. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has publicly stated that he would be in favour of the speed reduction, which would apply to roads that do not have a central barrier between the carriageways. “I am in favour of a reduction because two-thirds of accidents are concentrated on stretches of two-

way national and departmental roads that are currently limited to 90km/h,” Mr Philippe told a press conference. Road safety associations say that cutting the speed limit could save 400 lives a year, but motoring groups are opposed to the idea. In 2016, the number of road deaths in France rose for the third year in a row, with a total of 3,477 people killed. It is the first time since 1972 that the number killed on the country’s roads has risen for three years and the figures remain far above government targets. In 2014, President Hollande pledged to reduce the number of road deaths to fewer than 2,000 by 2020. Motorist group 40 Millions d’automobilistes called the plan

“a new threat to drivers” and launched an online petition asking the public to “say no” to the proposed change. “The whole idea is to make more money from drivers caught out for speeding,” said a spokesperson for the organisation. Chantal Perrichon, president of the campaign group Ligue contre la violence routière, disagrees: “Lowering the maximum speed limit is the most important factor in road safety, because excessive speed is the number one contributing factor to road deaths.” The decision follows a threeyear trial on sections of road in the Nièvre, Yonne and HauteSaône departments, although the results have not yet been released. ■

In the past, many larger cities have tried to reduce the volume of traffic during times of high pollution by only allowing cars on the roads that have an odd or even number plate. The new system is less arbitrary, and allows cities to gradually reduce the volume of vehicles using the numbered system, with the most polluting cars being the first to be banned. The stickers cost €4.18 and can be ordered through the government’s official website - www.certificat-air.gouv.fr which has an English language section. If you order a pollution sticker for your car, be aware that there are a number of third party sites that will offer to perform the application for you. Whilst the sticker you receive will be perfectly valid, all these companies do is route your request through the government’s site, but will charge you a hefty admin fee at the same time! ■

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Crowdfunded château

€100 million project for high-speed internet for all

I © Pierre Mairé (WikiCommons)

he Château de la MotheChandeniers has had many owners over the years. The thirteenth century former stronghold of the Bauçay family, lords of Loudun, was sacked twice by the English in the Middle Ages and devastated during the French Revolution. After passing through several notable families and being restored to its former glory, the building was destroyed by fire in 1932 and has gradually been overcome by vegetation ever since. Now, in what is being called a world first, the château has been bought by more than 18,000 complete strangers via the French crowdfunding website Dartagnans. With the historic building set to be destroyed by developers, locals joined forces to raise the money needed to save it. “The idea is not just about raising the money, but getting as many people as possible to participate in saving this magical, fairytale place,” said Dartagnans founder

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

Romain Delaume. “The more the merrier!” The thousands of joint owners each paid a minimum of €51 via the site and in return will receive a share in the company being set up to manage the project; as co-owners they will have a say in its development and be given the chance to be among its first visitors. As news of the pro-

ject went viral, the initial target of €500,000 - the amount required to purchase the site - was quickly reached and when crowdfunding was complete 18,612 contributors had pledged over €1.6 million! Organisers say the extra money will go towards first clearing the vegetation and making the site safe and then on restoring the castle. The

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New ofﬁce in Bergerac opening January 2018

ultimate aim is to open it up to the public as a selfsustaining tourist attraction. The goal is to reach 50,000 visitors by 2021 and 70,000 by 2022, with the château hosting a raft of events such as exhibitions and historical re-enactments. There are also plans to generate extra income from renting out the property to film and production companies. ■

t has been promised many times before, but this time the government does appear to be serious in its bid to provide high-speed internet across the whole of the country. Unveiling his “High Speed France” project in Cahors, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that €100 million has been put aside to make highspeed internet available to households in the most isolated parts of the country by 2022. A survey published by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir in September revealed a huge divide between France's rural and urban areas and claimed the government's internet project was failing miserably. The highest internet speeds are available to 90% of Parisians, but only 1% of residents in the Creuse and Dordogne departments. According to the organisation, 7.5 million households do not have “good internet access” defined as at least 8 Mbps - and a further 500,000 have no internet access at

all. This is at a time when more and more government services are only available online. The government has pledged to provide “good” internet access to every household by 2020, and “very high-speed access” - at least 30 Mbps – just two years later. France is lagging behind other European countries in high-speed internet accessibility, largely due to its size. Today, 95% of Dutch residents have access to speeds of 4 Mbps or more, with Switzerland, Denmark and Sweden achieving similar levels. During the same speech, Mr Philippe also said that he hoped to reach an agreement with mobile operators to improve the quality of their networks in rural areas. One source claimed the government may be prepared to cancel or postpone an auction of new frequencies in 2021 in return for billions of euros of investment in the internet infrastructure by the country's major networks. ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2018

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Drones used to target toxic May La Force be processionary caterpillars with you

round this time of year, you might notice large, white, candyfloss-like silk cocoons in pine trees. These cocoons often contain thousands of processionary caterpillars which gorge on the tree pines at night, returning to the cocoon during the day for extra warmth and to digest their food. In early spring, the fully developed caterpillars will climb down from the trees in large processions - hence the name - with each insect following the pheromone of the one in front in trains that can reach 50 metres in length! They will then dig themselves into the ground before developing into adult moths. These caterpillars do not only devastate the pine trees they feed on, but they are also toxic to humans and animals. Their backs are covered with tens of thousands of pointed bristles which contain a toxin. The bristles break off readily, become airborne and can cause dermatitis, rashes, severe itching, conjunctivitis and, if inhaled, severe damage to tongues, throat and lungs. Processionary caterpillars are best avoided! Their numbers are expected to increase over the coming years, however, as average temperatures rise across France and also due to recent bans on a number of pesticides, insect sprays and helicopter spraying. This has led scientists to investigate new ways of combatting this dan-

gerous pest and a trial has just begun in the southern city of Cannes using drones. The drones will pass over affected areas twice: firstly to identify the nests, and secondly to spray and destroy them. The trial will initially cover an area of 20 hectares and will use an organic insecticide - the bacteria bacillus thuringiensis. This insecticide will target only the nests and will destroy the caterpillars while they are still in the larvae stage, before they begin their descent from the trees. “This system allows us to spray in a more targeted way than the helicopter sprays that are no longer permitted,” explained Jean-Claude Martin, a research engineer at Inra (French National Institute for Agricultural Research). “The diffusers are positioned directly under the drone’s propellers,” continued Robert Bigel, director of Agrobio Tech, the company that will operate the drones. “The product is then sprayed directly onto the pine trees.” It is not the first time that unusual methods have been used to target these toxic caterpillars. During a 2016 trial, processionary caterpillar nests were shot with balls containing a pheromone fired from paintball guns. The environmentally safe pheromone wax creates a “sexual confusion” in the caterpillars that stops male moths from finding female mates, resulting in fewer eggs and fewer caterpillars. ■

Homeless man steals €300k

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olice are on the hunt for a homeless man, for whom Christmas came early when he discovered €300,000 in cash behind an unlocked door at Charles de Gaulle airport. The 50-year-old had been sleeping rough near the airport to the east of Paris for some time, but is now on the run with his bags of swag. It was around 17:30 when an alarm was tripped at the offices of Loomis, a company which handles cash deliveries to and from businesses around the country's largest airport. Border police were quickly on the scene and, after reviewing CCTV footage, they saw the homeless man scavenging through bins nearby. The video then shows him leaning against the door which, to his obvious surprise, flies open. He drops the bag he is carrying, enters the building and reappears seconds later with two bags of money

containing a whopping €300,000 in cash!! “This is indeed extremely lucky,” a source close to the investigation told journalists. “This homeless man has profited from a combination of circumstances to land himself a huge Christmas present.” Investigators quickly traced the bag the man was originally carrying, but it did not contain anything to help identify him. “Airport staff are familiar the man in question,” confirmed the source. “He has been hanging around the area for a while. There are between fifty and a hundred like him living at the airport, surviving largely by searching the garbage cans of the hotels in the area. But for now, he has not come back.” The press have described the incident as the perfect bank heist, performed with only two weapons: chance and cheek! ■

As Star Wars: The Last Jedi was unveiled to an expectant public in December, three towns across France were not looking forward to the latest wave of Jedi-mania... places where you really can feel la Force! Richard Robert, the fed up mayor of the commune of La Force in the Aude department, has had his town's sign stolen three times in the last 2 years - at a cost of €290 to replace on each occasion - and has urged fans of the film franchise to turn away from the Dark Side and leave his town in peace. The commune between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne is not alone: there are two other places called La Force in France, one in Dordogne and one in Saint-Priest-des-Champs in Puy-deDôme.

New Orleans twins with Orléans

As part of celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of its founding, New Orleans will this month be twinned with its French namesake Orléans. The announcement was made by outgoing New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu on a recent visit to the historic French city, and it is hoped the twinning will be made official on January 6, to coincide with the date of the birth in 1412 of Orléan's most famous daughter, Joan of Arc. La Nouvelle-Orléans (New Orleans), was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, and named after Philippe II, the Duke of Orléans who was Regent of the Kingdom of France at the time. Napoleon later sold Louisiana (New France) to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Mitch Landrieu, who is soon to stand down in favour of incoming mayor La Toya Cantrell, described Orléans as his hometown's “big sister” when the twinning was announced. ■

12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2018

Making Mum's Marmalade by Julia Watson

y mother never does anything by halves. One summer, she had three heart attacks in as many weeks. Then she was run over by a 40-ton truck. Which left me to make the marmalade. Not because she wasn’t capable. Quite the opposite. These various assaults upon her person shocked her into doing what she should have been doing these past several decades. Namely, eating right and a great deal less, exercising more (although any amount would have added to her previous Never), and generally paying attention to herself. Now she is a new woman, at least 15 kilos lighter and wishing she had had her neardeath experiences back when she was 40 so she could have got into all her slender new clothes when construction workers were still allowed to whistle. Marmalade making doesn't suit her unfettered fresh image. So it fell to me to produce the only coating the family thinks fit for morning toast (jams and jellies being firmly relegated to tea-time), unless we make allowances and go local, buying croissants for breakfast and authorising the purchase of a little apricot preserve. Conducting the marmalade process was a daunting prospect, one that conjured up a

kitchen full of the kind of paraphernalia I don't own and did not intend to buy, like jam thermometers, jelly bags that look like something slung under a cow, and a heavy copper pan. Tradition has it that only Seville oranges are appropriate, their tartness an astringent counterpoise to the quantities of sugar employed in the recipe. Stalls at the "couture" end of the markets experience may offer Valencia, or the soulfully exquisite blood oranges. What you can’t use under any circumstance is seedless oranges. It is the pectin in the seeds of the orange that will thicken the marmalade. Of course, you could always put your faith in the sugar that is sold specifically for preserves, which contains a thickening agent. Whatever you choose, what a breeze! Why wasn't I making marmalade eons ago? What was all the fuss about? It couldn't be simpler. So do try it yourself. If you are overawed by any prospect of cooking, it will make you feel an absolute "uber" chef. Plus it will leave you plenty of time to gallivant about the countryside with the wind through your hair, instead of heading for the Conserves aisle at your supermarket. You might bump into my mother. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

Marmalade - makes 1.5 kg

seeds, add the water with the sugar to the larger pan.

2 kilos Seville oranges Juice 2 lemons 1.5 kilos light brown sugar

Stir until the sugar is dissolved completely.

Scrub the oranges well to remove any wax coating or chemicals. Put them in a large saucepan and, pushing them down with your hand, cover them with 8 centimetres water. Let them float up then bubble away uncovered at a low boil for 2 hours until they are squishy. Scoop them out, reserving the water. Pour 475g of this water into a separate pan. Chop the oranges into the lengths and thickness you like, putting the seeds into the small water pan. Return the oranges to the larger pan with the lemon juice, adding the lemon seeds to those in the smaller pan. Boil little pan gently for about 10 minutes to extract the pectin. Then, straining out the

Boil until the mixture thickens. How long this takes depends on how many seeds you have included to release their pectin. You can play about dropping small teaspoonfuls onto a saucer chilled in the freezer and see if its skin wrinkles to the touch. But don't despair. It will happen once the whole brew turns a voluptuous deep amber. Just keep boiling away. I managed with only six very feeble-looking seeds. Sterilise storage jars by running them through a dishwasher cycle and use as soon as you can handle them. You can add a couple of centimetres of peeled and grated ginger at the end, or a glug of whisky. Or you can make with the same weight of ruby grapefruit. This marmalade makes excellent presents for enthusiasts, since marmalade is the one conserve French manufacturers don’t do properly.

The Grumpy Granny Guide - The Tour Guide

ot many of us have a clear idea about what goes on behind the scenes of our local tourist industry. What are the challenges, politics, expectations and disappointments experienced by those who work hard throughout the year to ensure that the incredible heritage of the region is preserved and shown to its best advantage? So while continuing to assess individual tourist sites, I have also been talking to key people whose livelihood depends on tourism and this month we focus on perhaps the most undervalued player of them all: THE TOUR GUIDE - “We play a decisive role in whether or not people enjoy their visit to a site but no one really thinks of us as true professionals.” That is the comment of Christine (not her real name), the senior guide at one of the Dordogne’s most prestigious sites. With more than 20 years of guiding under her belt and having had 300,000 visitors pass through her hands, she is certainly one of the area’s most experienced tour guides. Yet, despite the years, her enthusiasm is intact and she still loves the job. So, what makes a good guide and how does she see the job today and into the future? “The work of a guide is to explain the site to visitors but it is so much more than just standing up in front of a group and repeating the same facts and figures. It may seem straightforward but in fact it requires great skill to face an audience made up of people of different ages and backgrounds and to have just an hour to meet their expectations and ensure our message gets across. To be a good guide, you have to love people, perhaps even more than your subject, although if you are not also passionate about your site, how can you get anyone else interested? “When your audience is losing interest you have to be able to think on your feet and adapt what you’re saying to get their attention again. Making a quick assessment of what each group wants from you is essential; some want a serious in-depth explanation, others want you to keep things light and entertaining. “We all have to have huge reserves of patience and courtesy and take on tasks

we aren’t really paid to do. It all comes down to teamwork, which at peak times may involve giving a hand at the ticket office, ensuring the site is clean, standing in for missing colleagues and answering questions which have nothing to do with the site. We spend a lot of time picking up sweet wrappers and other rubbish and when our cleaners are overworked we give a hand in the toilets and public areas. I’ve often given first aid and been nursemaid to kids and dogs! It can be tedious answering the same questions every day and deflecting comments which are rude or inappropriate and when at peak periods we don’t have a proper lunch break, we all finish the day in a state of complete exhaustion.” Christine has seen big changes in the public’s expectations. “When I first started as a guide and we were addressing smaller groups and better informed visitors, we could really concentrate on explaining what the site had to offer. Today, and specifically in the high season, our audience expects more of a show and a very personal service. People often don’t seem to understand that we are site guides and not the local tourist office. I don’t mind answering questions but I just don’t have the time to help them plan their holiday! “Although most visitors are fantastic and friendly, increasingly they are more demanding and impatient, so if there is a wait of more than 15 minutes before the next visit, they just leave or ask us what they should do while they wait! They spend less and everyone wants a special rate. I can’t begin to count the number of people who get as far as the ticket office but then turn away when they see the price. A few years ago that was rare.” How does Christine see tourism developing in her sector over the next few years? “There are so many sites that tourism here is now very competitive with every site trying to find ways to attract visitors. The offers are overwhelming with new sites and activities every year and it is hard to make any real money, so all guides are under pressure from site owners and managers to ‘perform’ to keep up the numbers. Although they say tourist traffic has increased, it is scattered over so many

sites that a lot of the smaller ones probably won’t survive. That said, people are now better informed through the internet about what’s on offer and appreciate the smaller, less commercialised sites, maybe because they’re a little cheaper or not quite so crowded. But the problem in this area is that you have to pay for everything. Going to the seaside is free, but although you can hike or drive round the Périgord admiring the villages and the views, if you want to visit any site the cost of entrance fees plus a snack can be too high for many families. We have to understand that we are not just competing between ourselves but with all sorts of new exciting holiday options both in other regions of France and abroad.” And guiding today? “Well, full-time guides today are now definitely more professional and I am convinced that together with the person at the ticket office, we are the ones who make or break the reputation of a site; a good guide can make something complex, very clear but a poor guide can ruin a visit by being inaudible, incomprehensible or just plain dull. Sadly, the problem is that seasonal guides are still taken on for all sorts of non-professional reasons and too many in the summer are inexperienced, tire easily and find today’s public hard to deal with. Those guides who are lazy or relate poorly to the public, give everyone on a site a bad reputation. I often think our bosses are unaware of the vital interaction between guide and group and just how well-trained we need to be. Guides today should be trained not just on their knowledge of the site but also in PR. I know one summer guide who gets many of her facts wrong but she has a winning smile and loves the public and they love her back. Presentation is everything. “More time and money should be invested in training and paying for good guides because we are often underpaid as well as undervalued and shouldn’t have to be so reliant on tips.” Given a choice, would Christine choose this job again? “Despite the changes l really love my job and the public who on the whole are still wonderful and compensate for increasingly stressful working conditions.

But looking ahead I think things will be even tougher and it will take a lot of imagination and energy to attract and please our visitors and keep good guides motivated. So my answer is ‘probably not’. I don’t know if I would enjoy starting out now in the present highly competitive environment.” grumpygrannyguide@orange.fr This is part of a series of features devoted to the tourist experience in the Dordogne provided by grumpygranny-guides.com which highlights those sites which are comfortable and pleasant to visit and which offer a warm welcome.

Hard to know which tourist sites to visit? Grumpy Granny Guide

The Grumpy Granny Guide® will help you choose if you:

Need practial information Are with young children or a pushchair Are elderly Hate standing in the sun Tire easily and need to sit down Can’t manage any steps or stairs Are with your dog The Grumpy Granny website provides all the information you need to make the right choice for a comfortable experience in the Dordogne Visit us on:

www.GRUMPYGRANNY-GUIDES.com

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

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The wines of Bergerac

by Martin Walker ichard Doughty has heard all the jokes about a lucky break and landing on his feet. It is 29 years since he took a parachute jump over Bergerac, broke his leg badly and so lost his job with an oil exploration company. As a genial chap armed with self-confidence and great curiosity, he decided to start a new life in wine. Armed with three months redundancy money, a generous French unemployment and retraining package that was index-linked, he signed up for a year-long wine course attached to the great Sauternes vineyard of La Tour Blanche. He can now look back on an extraordinary, indeed revolutionary career in wine. A pioneer of organic and bio wines, he is now the President of France Vin Bio. He was one of a handful of idealistic and dynamic young winemakers in the years after 1990 who took the sleepy and little-known wines of Saussignac by the scruff of their bottle necks and hauled them into contention with the great liquoreux wines of Monbazillac, Loupiac and Sauternes. Along the way, they turned the Saussignac into one of the most organic winemaking districts in France. Now white-haired and limping a little as he strolls through his vines and looks at the peacock strutting through his garden, he’s still innovating. Richard is determined to produce great wines without colles, those additives which serve to clarify the wine and precipitate the tiny flecks of dead yeast, bacteria, crystals and vegetable matter which can make wine look cloudy. Colles can include a product of fish gelatin, powdered blood, casein (a milk protein) and a mineral called bentonite. But these additives can affect the taste of the wine. Perhaps the most harmless is the traditional Bordeaux method of adding the beaten whites of up to half a dozen eggs to each barrel. (This being France, the vast supply of egg yolks that ensued has inspired the production of that

traditional Bordeaux delicacy, the canelé.) Most organic winemakers are trying to reduce drastically the use of colles, and also cut the addition of sulfites which are used to prevent oxidation and undesirable bacteria. There is a huge debate over this because current American and European rules say the wine label should reveal the content of sulfites if they are more than ten parts per million. But some wines produce more sulphur dioxide than that during natural fermentation and thus deliver a high sulfite score. At the modest old farm which goes by the grand name of Château Richard, he seeks to eliminate all additives and produce wines that are as natural as possible, thus reflecting the grape and the terroir on which it is grown. And sometimes he gets into trouble with the authorities who monitor the appellation contrôlée rules for his purist ways. That’s why he calls his latest wines Osé, because he has dared to break with convention. “I was told you can’t make wines without sulfites, so I dared to do so,” he told me. “I wanted to try to do the malolactic fermentation in barrels, so I put some in four barrels and then forgot about them, and even forgot to put the bung in. I came across them some months later and thought I’d produced four barrels of vinegar. But no, the same wine that I had made in the big vat was fine, but I thought the wine in the barrel was better.” We then tasted some. His Richard Osé blanc sec is, quite simply, terrific, a complex, tasty and hugely generous and satisfying wine and I bought some bottles on the spot. I can’t recall tasting anything quite like it and at 12 euros a bottle, I recommend that anyone who loves wine should give it a try. His Cuvée Osée red was less to my taste, however, even after he had used the vacuum pump to remove some of the gassiness. I also liked his La Conviviale, a slightly sweetish vin moelleux at 8 euros that is charming, made mostly of sau-

vignon blanc and gris, with 10 per cent muscadelle. “Warning,” he says with a grin. “This glass is likely to be refilled when empty.” I know what he means, and understand why he calls it ‘a conversation wine, a terrace wine, a way of slowing down time and enjoying good company.’ What I admire about Richard is the enthusiasm with which he conveys his passion for wine. Although he’s close to seventy, he retains the eager curiosity about wine of a teenager. “I sell five different levels of Saussignac,” he says, speaking of the sweet white wine of the district. “They all come from just three hectares (7.5 acres) of vines, because you can get hugely different results from the same row of vines, depending on the weather and when you pick over the four or five weeks of harvest. Even when you carefully instruct your pickers over which grapes to select, it’s impossible to make a standard product.” The year 2013 was not a happy one for wine, except that the Cuvée Tradition he made that year is very good indeed. At 12 euros it is voluptuous and yet it manages to be both generous and elegant at the same time. His 2015 Grand Coup de Coeur at 35 euros, which he says is ‘made from totally shrivelled grapes,’ is tremendous, very sweet and opulent but also a lively wine whose taste endures in the mouth. It is only the fourth time in 29 years that he’s made it and he’s understandably proud of it. But the wines he keeps talking about are the ones he made without sulfites, the pure expression of vine and land that he always wanted to make since that parachute jump almost thirty years ago. ■ Martin Walker, author of the best-selling ‘Bruno, chief of police’ novels, is a Grand Consul de la Vinée de Bergerac. Formerly a journalist, he spent 25 years as foreign correspondent for The Guardian and then became editor-in-chief of United Press International. He and his wife Julia have had a home in the Périgord since 1999 and one of his great hobbies is visiting the vineyards of Bergerac.

New year financial planning review Blevins Franks

ere we are at the start of another year, when we tend to reflect on the previous 12 months and look ahead to what the coming year may bring. It is a good time to reflect on your financial planning and ensure it is up to date and designed to protect your long-term wealth for you and your family. Brexit

Perhaps the biggest concern for many British expatriates has been Brexit and the uncertainty over residence rights and healthcare. On 8th December 2017 the UK and EU presented a joint “progress report” which confirmed their commitment to maintaining existing rights for EU nationals settled in the UK and Britons in the EU. If you already have official permanent residence status in France, you can look forward to a secure future here. The rules for healthcare also remain the same as now. If you have not yet registered as tax resident, the clock is ticking. You need to look at obtaining official permanent residence ahead of the UK’s withdrawal date, scheduled for March 2019. Take specialist advice on how to benefit from the French tax rules to ensure you are in the best position to enjoy life in France. If you are still at the planning stages of moving to France, you may wish to accelerate your plans so you can become resident before March 2019.

Tax planning It is always a good idea to review your tax planning from time to time to confirm it is up to date. This is even more important with the significant French tax changes for 2018. While these are positive reforms, it is still worth looking at how you hold your assets to ensure you can benefit as much as possible. Take advice to ensure you are taking advantage of the tax planning opportunities available in France. The new global automatic exchange of information regime, implemented through the Common Reporting Standard, is well underway. 50 jurisdictions, including France and the UK, began collecting client data from January 2016 and made the first exchange by September 2017. Another 50 jurisdictions will start sharing by September 2018. Cross-border tax planning is complex, especially if you earn income in one country and live in another. Are you sure you are paying tax in the right place? Specialist advice can give you peace of mind as well as potentially save you tax. Savings and investments In November 2017 the Bank of England increased the UK interest rate for the first time in over ten years. It was by no means a seismic shift – just back to 0.5% from 0.25% – and has your bank increased the rate you are getting on your savings?

Keeping too much of your retirement savings in cash can be risky, if you are not earning enough to keep pace with inflation. Successful investing is about managing risk versus return and having a wellthought out strategy specifically based on your personal circumstances, time horizon, needs, aims and risk tolerance. You should obtain a clear and objective assessment of your appetite for risk, then match your profile to the optimum portfolio. Ensure you have adequate diversification, so you are not over-exposed to any given asset type, country, sector or company. You should then review your portfolio around once a year, because as asset prices rise and fall it can become unbalanced, and your circumstances may have changed. Pensions Today’s pension landscape is quite different from a few years ago. There are more choices than ever, but this means that great care must be taken to ensure you make the right decision for your objectives and to protect your retirement savings. Weigh up all your options, as well as the tax implications and opportunities in France, to establish the best course of action for you. Estate planning It is important to review your estate planning after moving to France, as both suc-

cession law and tax work very differently to the UK. How much succession tax your heirs will pay depends on the degree of relationship to you – it can be as high as 60% for distant and non-relatives – so take advice to see how you can reduce this liability for your heirs. France imposes forced heirship, which may prevent you dividing your estate as you wish. You can, however, use the EU succession regulation ‘Brussels IV’ to opt for the succession law of your country of nationality to apply, but must state this in your will. Take advice first to confirm if this is the right course of action for your family as it may have consequences you are not aware of. Reviewing your wealth management arrangement once a year should prove profitable and provide peace of mind. You should look at all the above areas together, as changes in one could affect the other, and establish holistic solutions that work for your personal situation. ■ Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com Web: www.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.

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2018

The secret sex life of truffles W

ith advances in science, we know more and more about the natural world and one of the most useful tools is DNA sequencing. When scientists completed a 5-year study into Tuber Melanosporum, what they found revealed some interesting facts about these socalled ‘black diamonds’. Black Périgord truffles, named after the region of the Dordogne where they are often found, actually grow right across France, especially in the south, as well as parts of Spain and Italy. The truffles grow on the roots of oak trees in a symbiotic relationship with that one particular type of tree. The truffle pays its way by providing the oak tree with nutrients that it would not otherwise have been able to access via its roots. However, like any other organism on the planet, the truffle’s sole purpose is to spread its spores and reproduce itself not an easy thing to do when you are buried underground. Truffles therefore release a battery of compounds and odours that are irresistible to a number of animals and insects. One of these is similar to androstenol, the sex pheromone present in boar saliva, and it drives sows crazy with lust. The truffle’s theory is that if it is dug up and eaten, then its spores will eventually be spread far and wide when the eager diners next relieve themselves. Many a truffle hunter has lost his prize to a drug-crazed sow, or even worse lost a finger trying to extricate the treasure! Although it may take scientists years to fully unravel the exact purpose of the 125 million units they now know are contained in truffle DNA, one saucy secret did emerge from the research: truffles too have a sex life. Long thought to reproduce asexually (i.e. without the involvement of another like-minded truffle), there are in fact two ‘sexes’ of truffle, or more accurately, two mating types. This is of significant interest to truffle growers and the project’s lead scientist, Dr Martin, suggests cultivators should inject the roots of their trees with both sexes of truffle spores when attempting to grow truffles. In

Tuber Melanosporum - the black Périgord truffle that way, their ‘offspring’ will benefit from the main purpose of sex, which is of course to generate new combinations of genes and fresh diversity. As is often the case, not everyone in the industry is happy with the team’s research. “On the one hand, they are always complaining we are not doing enough for them. On the other, they don’t want us to get the magic recipe to produce truffles by the tonne, because then the price would go down,” explained Dr Martin. Part of the black Périgord truffle’s aura, and presumably the primary reason behind its impressive price tag, is that it is notoriously difficult to grow and harvest. In fact, as one sceptic put it in 1852: “The most learned men have sought to ascertain the secret, and fancied they discovered the seed. Their promises, however, were vain, and no planting was ever followed by a harvest. This perhaps is all right, for as one of the great values of truffles is their dearness, perhaps they would be less highly esteemed if they were cheaper.” Growers will jealously guard the secrets of their particular

‘recipe’ for introducing truffle spores into their trees as well as the location of their truffle groves. There are also frequent reports of trained truffle dogs being stolen. Incidentally, one of the reasons dogs have taken over truffle detection duties from the more traditional pig is that if you are making a secret sojourn to your truffle wood to discreetly harvest your crop without alerting the locals, it is generally a mistake to show up walking a pig on a leash. In actual fact, as early as 1808, there had been successful attempts to cultivate truffles. People of the time had noted that truffles tended to be found in the roots of certain trees and one bright fellow from southern France by the name of Joseph Talon had the idea to sow some acorns from oak trees known to host truffles in their roots. The experiment was a success and years later, truffles were found around these new oaks. This technique proliferated and by the turn of the 20th century, France was producing 800 tonnes of truffles every year. Today, after 2 world wars, the loss of natural habitat and the suspected effects of global warming, France only

produces a few dozen tonnes annually. As the climate around the Mediterranean has changed, so too has truffle production, and scientists have been investigating whether it may be possible to grow truffles further north. In 2017, researchers from the University of Cambridge and Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd (MSL) finally produced a naturally occurring black Périgord truffle in Monmouthshire, South Wales after a nine-year project. The truffle was found growing within the root system of a Mediterranean oak tree that had been treated to encourage production. Further microscopic and genetic analysis confirmed that it was indeed a Périgord black truffle, and not the native and far less valuable - Burgundy truffle. “This is one of the best flavoured truffle species in the world and the potential for industry is huge,” said Dr Paul Thomas, part of the UK study team. “We planted the trees just to monitor their survival, but we never thought this Mediterranean species could actually grow in the UK - it’s an incredibly exciting development.”

The fact that recent research has shown that the black Périgord truffle has a different DNA sequence depending on where it grows will come as welcome news to France’s trufficulteurs, who are under increasing competition from cheap, Chinese imports. These are a slightly different variety of black truffle which, although much cheaper, are generally regarded as a poor culinary substitute. Some are so similar at first glance, however, that you need an expert and a microscope to tell them apart. The scientists claim that following the unlocking of the truffle’s genetic code, you may soon be able to tell if a particular black diamond has come from Périgord or Provence. The regional nature of the black truffle is not too dissimilar to that of wines with people of Périgord, Provence and other regions each claiming that their truffles are the best. Scientists hope to one day be able to develop genetic methods for identifying regional varieties of truffle which could in turn lead to official designations of origin similar to those that already protect local wines and cheeses in France. ■

Get in touch today to find out how we can put your business in front of 25,000 readers each month

SALES24@THEBUGLE.EU

05 55 41 17 76

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

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

WOOFERS RETREAT Holiday Home for Dogs

Home from Home Established 7 years Pet Sitting available 19510 Masseret Tel: 05 55 97 27 33 Mob: 06 61 05 06 13 debbie_shiralee@hotmail.co.uk siret 804 476 802 00017

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

Siret: 499 234 615 00015

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

05 55 41 17 76

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

MinouCats

JOHN SOWERSBY

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

Tel: 05 53 93 92 44

+44 (0)1377 538 639

motorptscharente@aol.com www.motorpartscharente.com

Blacksmiths

Dog grooming in your own home Fully trained and qualified in Knightsbridge London dog salon. 40 years full-time experience.

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys. Verbal & written reports. Structural calculations & drawings. Redevelopment ideas & solutions.

Ironwood Motif Artist Blacksmith Ferronnerie d’Art

www.ironwoodmotif.com

Tel: 05 55 78 62 28 Based near Marval (87440) covering ~30km radius

Facebook & Instagram: Ironwood Motif

Tel: 05 65 30 53 99 SIRET: 481 198 638 00019

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?

Tim Haw B.Eng C.Eng M.I.Struct.E

FR: 0033 (0)6 05 56 42 81 UK: 0044 (0)7448 466 662 Siret: 498 843 051 00018

Pergolas, staircases, railings, handrails, balustrades, balconies, gates, sculptures, outdoor structures & more. Simple or elaborate, intricate or uncomplicated, small or large, we can fabricate, forge and hand make ironwork customised to your needs.

Siret no. 832 850 929 00015

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

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

nicky@minoucats.fr www.minoucats.fr

Top Dog

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

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

ADVERTORIAL

Pensions – QROPS vs SIPPs

uite often people will say to me that they don’t have any money for me to help them with, but what about your pensions? Now you have moved abroad are they in the most taxefficient situation for you as an expat and can you really be sure that your existing pension fund will still be sufficiently funded to provide for your long-term retirement needs? It’s never too early, or too late, to discuss this and plan for the succession of your pension, if you indeed plan on leaving anything. There is a lot of misinformation being touted

around with regard to the differences between QROPS and SIPPs. Some of the most common questions that people are asking us relate to issues including: If I have a SIPP am I covered by the UK FCA and FSCS compensation scheme? If your French based financial adviser is directly registered with and regulated by the UK FCA, then this is correct, but it is very unlikely. This means you may have no right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service or to claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if things go wrong. I have been told I shouldn’t do a QROPS, I should do a SIPP. If I do a QROPS will I be subject to a 25% UK tax charge? Philip Hammond introduced

the OTC (Overseas Transfer Charge) effective from 9th March 2017, which means certain transfers to and from a QROPS will be liable to a 25% tax charge. If the QROPS is outside the area that the member lives in then the OTC applies, so if you live in the EEA and your pension provider is in the EEA i.e. Malta then you are not liable for this tax. Also this tax is not applicable after the relevant 5-year period has expired. So you may ask what’s the problem? Well, due to Brexit this is a grey area. If you move back to the UK within the 5-year period will this tax apply or not? It depends on whether the UK decides it will or won’t be a member of the EU or EEA. If the UK decides not to be a member of either then the OTC may apply (again a grey area, the UK could decide members moving back to the UK are

exempt).

SIPPs are subject to UK emergency tax on income payments, which can be as high as 45%? All SIPP income paid to you, including flexi-access drawdown is subject to UK income tax under PAYE, so if you don’t have a UK tax code, an emergency tax code will be applied by HMRC; this can be as high as 45%. To avoid this you simply need to complete the HMRC form SI 2009 number 226 application for relief at source from UK income tax and CLAIM to repayment of UK income tax. If I have a SIPP and die after 75, my SIPP will be subject to up to a 45% UK death tax, whereas if I have a QROPS this is not the case? This is currently true at the moment. The fund can be paid to

any beneficiary, but will be taxed at their UK marginal tax rate, as a lump sum, annuity or as a drawdown pension. The fund can be paid to a trust as a lump sum less a 45% tax charge. So, depending on age, it may be more appropriate to do a QROPS to avoid this potential tax for your beneficiaries.

If you would like to arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation, please contact me by email: Rosemary. sheppard@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70. Blacktower Financial Management has over 30 years’ experience helping expats to make sure that their money works for them. The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice

and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) through whom we have a registered branch and passport for financial services in France. License number 00805B.

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2018

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

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

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

Building Services Electricians Qualified Electrician From wire a plug to a full rewire + Property Services: Gite Preparation, Key Holding Painting, decorating, Grass Cutting, Strimming, etc

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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)

venti is not only used for ventilation/dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution? The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is. There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 Building Services General

PB INTERIORS Kitchen/Bathroom Fitter Interior Renovation/ Refurbishment

Services: Plasterboarding/Plastering • Specialist Wall Finishes (enduit décoratif) • Plumbing • Tiling • Laminate/Wood Flooring • 2nd Fix Carpentry (doors, architraves, etc.) Over 30 years UK experience Dordogne/Lot area. Contact Paul on:

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Email: pb.interiors24@gmail.com Siret 830 526 810 00015

- if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■ Units start from €490 TTC. Several ex-demonstration models available at reduced prices, call for details.

CHARKER DAVID

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

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

E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr

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

Building Services Painters/Decorators Simon Carter

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

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

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

Tel: 09 72 35 74 73

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Email: barwick.shaun@gmail.com @iret: 794 282 368 00016

siret: 792.130.932.00017

Robert Jones Electricité Générale

Building Services Plumbing & Heating

Fully insured, registered electrician with 13 years experience in France Full rewires, renovation, new builds, fuseboards, lighting, heating, A/C and heat pumps, kitchen/bathroom alterations. Reliable and professional service. Lot-et-Garonne.

Tel: 06 81 98 43 22 or email: info@agenelec.com Siret 811 719 285 00017

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

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

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:

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

Computers, Satellites & Web Design

est. 2007

Kitchens fitted and tiled Replacement doors and windows Parquet flooring Oak framed porches Plasterboard and Insulation

- Installation, from kitchen taps to full central heating systems - Breakdown / Replacement boilers - Emergency plumbing repairs - Full analysed testing

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M : 06 72 47 88 00 T: 05 53 20 64 02

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E : wellers@orange.fr

The Dordogne Chippy

Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm 1st Monday: Le Champsac Tuesday: Tremolat Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Daglan See our website for full details:

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

WEBSITE No6 DESIGN before

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06 38 75 32 97

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Stephen Wisedale Harlequin PLUMBING & Developments HEATING ENGINEER WiFi Anglais All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken.

Food & Drink

Eymet - every Tuesday Lauzun - 2nd, 4th & 5th Friday of the month Allemans du Dropt - every Saturday Winter (fortnightly) hours in effect soon. Check our website or Facebook for details

www.bombaybusserie.com 05 53 83 26 20 / 06 74 13 56 01

La Poutre

Bar & Restaurant

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

Solve your Internet, wireless and computer problems

French/International cuisine. Open Tue - Fri: 11am - 9pm (except Wed eve) Sat: 6pm - 10pm, Sun: 12pm - 3pm, For further details call Steve:

Extended wired and wireless networks for homes, gîtes and small businesses. VPN solutions. Windows and Mac OSX.

or email: steve.francis24@gmail.com or facebook: Beaupouyet La Poutre

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05 53 80 29 54 siret 537 415 903 00013

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Advertising with The Bugle Madame Has Other Plans

A humorous feel-good novel

ith 8 years’ experience delivering print advertising to an expat market, The Bugle represents one of the most cost-effective ways to let English speakers know about your business. An advert with The Bugle starts from just €13.50 HT per month – that’s less than 45 cents a day to put your business in front of 25,000 people each month. In the Dordogne we have more than 150 distribution points across the region and surrounding areas where readers can pick up a copy for free. We also distribute 2,500 copies through Bergerac Airport, which means that we are in the perfect position to target not only residents and secondhome owners, but also tourists and those new to the region. The Bugle is the only English language newspaper dedicated to the Dordogne - in fact, today, The Bugle is the only free English language newspaper in France and we are growing all the time. If you would like to discuss any of our advertising options further, why not give us a call today to find out more about the ways that we can help you grow your business.

Food & Drink

AUBERGE AUX DELICES DE LA TREILLE 24350 MONTAGRIER

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Gifts & Crafts Ivan Petley

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Tel: 05.55.80.29.98 Les Bregères, 23150 St-Martial-le-Mont alison.petley@wanadoo.fr

ulie-Jo Stark lives and writes in a little hamlet in the Dordogne, which is also the setting for “Madame has Other Plans”, the first in her series of novels entitled “Bonjour Paradise”. Nobody could have been as unaware of her inner strengths as Debbie herself, when she was awoken from her marital hibernation. Sadly, not by the hot kiss of a prince, but by Bob’s icecold revelation: Yes, there is someone else... and yes, she’s younger. After 37 years of marriage and still in a daze, Debbie gets into her car and heads for France. She’s propelled by an image: hollyhocks and turquoise window shutters, somewhere in the Dordogne.

T: 05 55 41 17 76 E: sales24@thebugle.eu W: www.thebugle.eu

Language Services Learn French in France Complete immersion in a local family with lessons, conversation workshops, visits and local activities in Périgord, all at your own pace. (total independence possible)

www.auclairduperigord.com +33 (0)6 41 37 02 50

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Pools & Spas

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with a native French speaker Why commute? Long distance learning is the answer! C’est simple, call Sophie...

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sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 Pest Control

Dave Roberts

Fibreglass Specialist Fibreglass swimming pool linings that can be applied over all finishes: tiles, marbelite, concrete, etc. Perfect for new pools, old pools, or pools leaking water Laminated on site, one piece and seam free For more information or a quote, contact Dave: +44 (0)1903 893 451 +44 (0)7825 916 573

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Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Central France Retail & Pest Control Commerce Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

bookstop

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FRENCH LESSONS

Just arrived, a bullet whistles past her head. A coincidence? And what about Muriel, her eccentric neighbour? What secret is she hiding? And a new love? At her age? Weak knees, that have nothing to do with arthritis? Tine from ‘lovelybooks’’ writes: “Julie-Jo Stark makes a very powerful debut with this humorous feel-good novel. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started it. I loved the - sometimes quirky - characters. I felt with Debbie every minute. A delightful, uplifting story full of French flair. Particularly the descriptions of the ‘savoirvivre’ and the culinary delights which were so tempting that I wanted to

09 51 45 57 49

Enjoy a relaxing read in the tea room or riverside garden bookstop24@gmail.com facebook.com/bookstop24

Support

SOS Help

anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up!

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

www.soshelpline.org

Transport, Removals & Storage

Smart Moves For a fully insured, careful service

FORTNIGHTLY SERVICES TO FRANCE FULL OR PART LOADS WELCOME WE COLLECT FROM ALL AREAS OF THE UK AND DELIVER TO ALL AREAS OF FRANCE Please CALL or EMAIL Stephen

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

+44 (0)1253 725 414

www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk

get straight into my car and head for France. A great sense of humour. An absolute joy to read.” Amazon 2017, ”Madame Has Other Plans”, Julie-Jo Stark, 170 pages ■

MICHAELS MOVERS Removals

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

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

Man & Van Transport

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

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 For more information on advertising in the Bugle Business Directory, give us a call or send us an email: sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

18 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2018

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €13.50/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 25,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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

6-Month Contract €108

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€18/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€24/month)

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€27/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€36/month)

€144 €162 €216

12-Month Contract

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

€162

(€13.50/month)

€216

(€18/month)

Small Directory Ad 46mm x 46mm

€243

(Actual Size)

30 words max

(€20.25/month)

€324

(€27/month)

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

Bobcat - born 01/05/2017

Monday Beynac Duras Le Fleix Les Eyzies Ste-Alvère

Tuesday

Bobcat’s name is officially Mikey, however here he has been known affectionately as Bobcat since the day he arrived. This boy hasn’t a mean bone in his body. He plays gently with the younger kittens and respectfully walks among the older boys and girls. He is affectionate and likes to be around humans but also likes adventures in the wild outside, in other words he is the perfect family pet, he can even live with dogs! Bobcat is fully vaccinated and castrated and has a passport – he was so good when we took his passport photo, no hint of a grin. How did he know? If you would like to meet him or get more details please contact: Jenny Brahma Tel: 05 53 89 59 35 / 07 81 27 86 51 Email: Jennatphoenix@gmail.com Dept. 47 Savignac-de-Duras

www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Beaumont du Périgord Bergerac (bio market) Brantôme Cénac-et-Saint-Julien Lanouaille Le Bugue Mareuil Neuvic Ribérac Salignac Eyvigues Thenon Trémolat

Wednesday Bergerac Gardonne Hautefort Jumilhac-le-Grand La Tour Blanche Montpon-Ménestérol Montignac Périgueux Piégut Pluviers Razac

Market Days Sarlat Siorac-en-Périgord Vélines

Thursday

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

Friday Bergerac Brantôme Cubjac Le Buisson Ribérac Sarlat Vergt

Saturday

Agonac Beaumont du Périgord Belvès Bergerac Lalinde La Roche Chalais Le Bugue

UPCOMING AQUITAINE CHURCH SERVICES

The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine covers the Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Condom (Gers). All services are held in English. For further details, please see our website: www.churchinaquitaine.org or contact Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith, +33 (0) 607 04 07 77 chapaq.office@gmail.com

SUNDAY 07 JANUARY 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Worship – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 The Gathering Meeting – Condom, Le Mouret 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 16:00 Evensong – Bertric Burée

Montignac Mussidan Neuvic Nontron Périgueux Razac Sarlat Sigoulès St Aulaye Ste-Foy-la-Grande Thiviers Verteillac Villefranche du Périgord

Sunday

Bergerac Couze St Front Daglan Gardonne Issigeac Pontours Pressignac-Vicq Rouffignac Sarlat Sorges St Cyprien St Génies St Pardoux la Rivière See www.jours-de-marche.fr for more information

Saturday 20 January 15:00 Christian Unity Service – Ribérac Hospital Chapel SUNDAY 21 JANUARY 10:30 Family Service – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion – Chancelade 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Morning Worship – Limeuil 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Monteton 10:30 Morning Worship – St Antoine de Ficalba (2, rue Philippe, chez Evan MacKenzie) 15:00 French-Madagascan Holy Communion - Bordeaux Tuesday 23 January 20:30 Christian Unity Service – Castelmoron, Lot et Garonne (47260)

Wednesday 10 January 11:00 BCP Holy Communion – Bertric Burée

Wednesday 24 January **Time TBA Christian Unity Service – Limeuil

SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Limeuil 10:30 BCP Morning Prayer - Monteton 10:30 Family Service - Négrondes

Thursday 25 January 11:00 Holy Communion – Condom

Thursday 18 January 10:30 BCP Holy Communion – Limeuil

SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 All Age Worship – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion - Monteton 10:30 Holy Communion – Négrondes

WHAT’S ON ♦ 19

JANUARY 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

WHAT’S

in January Art Exhibition: Three Different Views 2nd - 31st January Café des Arts, Eymet

Exhibition of the work of three local artists: Jane Harris, Sandra Skelton and Jenny McKenzie.

Barber Shop Quartet Saturday 20th January at 20:30 Espace culturel, Eymet

Performance by a cappella group Barber Shop Quartet: Marie-Cécile Héraud, France Turjman, Bruno Buijtenhuijs et Xavier Vilsek. A show full of humour in a jazz style with barbershop harmonies. Tickets: €12 *****

Opera: Tosca Saturday 27th January at 18:25 Salle Eugène Le Roy, Le Bugue

Retransmission of a live performance of Tosca by The Metropolitan Opera of New York, directed by Sir David McVicar. Tickets: €15

*****

Concert: Les Cordes d’Argent Monday 15th January at 20:30 Salle Eugène Le Roy, Le Bugue Concert by the St Petersburg traditional Russian orchestra Les Cordes d’Argent, with the participation of the Ensemble Choral du Bugue. Tickets: €10; free for Under 12s

Music in the Dordogne sponsored by ARCADES Join us for concerts in the air conditioned new hall in Le Buisson, mostly of classical music, with top class French, English, Russian and other international performers. Concert tickets cost €15 including wine in the interval. All events are organised by volunteers and serve also as a meeting ground for the French and international communities of the Dordogne, including ACIP and La Tulipe.

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

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

Sunday 14th January at 4 pm

Piano Recital by Delphine Bardin

*****

Exhibition: Belles parmi les roses 16th January - 10th February Espace culturel, Montpon-Ménestérol

Programme: Carl-Philippe Emmanuel Bach Sonata in D M W 4965 (H 177); Haydn Sonatas in Bb Hob XVI:18, in E min. Hob XVI: 34 and in C Hob XVI: 50; Ravel Menuet in the name of Haydn; Haydn Sonata in D Hob XVI: 51

Sunday 4th February at 4 pm Piano Recital of Cuban Pianist Olga Valiente Raluy

Exhibition of pottery and enamels by the association La Poterie en liberté. *****

Concert: September Drift Friday 19th January at 21:00 Espace Nelson Mandela, Montignac Concert by talented trio September Drift with a performance of jazz, swing and Brazilian music. Tickets: €10; €8; €5

First half of programme is presented by the percussion students from the Departmental Conservatoire Programme: Garcia-Caturla Berceuse Campesina; George Gershwin Three Preludes; Ponce Intermezzo and Mexican Dances; Ginastera Milonga and Pequeña Danza du ballet « Estancia »; Lorenzo-Fernandez Suite Brésilienne No.2, Ponteio (Prélude), Moda (Song) and Caterête (Dance); Guevara El espantapajaros Fiesta; Ruiz Tu presencia and Merengue; Lecuona Danses Cubaines, A la Antigua, La Comparsa and En tres por cuatro

20 ♦ WHAT’S ON