The Bugle Limousin - Mar 2016 by The Bugle

€500 notes could soon be a thing of the past In a bid to crack down on money laundering, the largest euro denomination could soon be phased >> Page 11 out across the eurozone

Limousin March 2016 - Issue #77

Know your ognons from your oignons? The French public has reacted angrily to the news that the spelling of 2,400 words is to be changed in all textbooks from the next school year. Gone is the "i" in "oignon" as well as the circumflex from a host of other words. by the Conseil supérieur de la langue française (High Council of the French Language). Since 1990, although the “revised spelling list” was not obligatory, dictionaries were advised to carry both old and new spellings, and schools were instructed to use the new versions but accept both as correct. In 2008, advice from the education ministry suggested the new spelling rules should become “the reference” to be used, but it appears few people took notice. In November 2015, the changes were mentioned again in another ministry document about “texts following the spelling changes... approved by the Académie française and published in the French Republic Official Journal on 6 December 1990”. Again, the news went unremarked. Most English speakers will have first been introduced to

>> continued on page 7

NEWS - Housing market back on track?

Figures just released show a sharp increase in the number of property transactions in 2015, however the rise is less than elsewhere in France >> Page 3

NEWS - 'Lazy' French work most overtime

Contrary to popular belief, the average French worker does more overtime than almost anyone else >> Page 9

Bilingual - The patron saint of Ireland

We take a bilingual look at the story behind Saint Patrick and look at whether or not he did actually drive all the snakes from Ireland >> Page 15 © Konstantin Yuganov

he circumflex is dead, long live the circumflex. From the next school year, the circonflexe will no longer appear in a host of French words... but it is also OK to keep using it! The move is part of a raft of changes aimed at simplifying 2,400 words in the French language. In the English-speaking world, the furore would no doubt be clumsily known as “circumflex-gate”, but in a digital, post-Charlie Hebdo France, the public's anger has taken the form of the hashtag #JeSuisCirconflexe. What is perhaps most confusing about the current controversy is that the changes were first approved by the notoriously fussy Académie française way back in 1990 - and even then the Academy was just ratifying a reform put forward

INSIDE > > >

The Bugle Business Directory

The region is gearing up for the 2016 Ostensions, a festival held every 7 years and recognised by UNESCO >> Page 31

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

8 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 19-26

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

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o it is finally official. After securing the deal that he believes will be enough to win, David Cameron has announced that the country will vote in a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the EU on Thursday 23rd June. The news broke in the days leading up to print and as so much more will be known over the coming weeks we have not covered it in this edition, although I think it is safe to say that it is a topic of great interest for British expats. And to be fair, I imagine that it will be big news in France as well. The issue has already

generated plenty of correspondence from readers who feel strongly about whether we should stay in Europe and/ or should be allowed, as British expats, to vote in the referendum. Interestingly I've yet to have anything from anyone who feels we should leave the EU. I try to remain impartial in this paper, but I think this is one issue where I can lay my cards on the table and say that I very much hope that my countrymen and women vote not to leave, a view that I suspect is held by most Brits living abroad. Who can vote, how we can vote and what

will happen in the event of a Brexit are all areas that will become clearer in the near future. One positive note is that the campaign will be relatively short - June does not feel so far away. You only had to look at the stock and currency markets to see that they do not like uncertainty and a long, drawn out campaign would have been terrible news in my opinion. The pound plummeted against the euro when the referendum announcement was made and that is something that many expats will feel straight away. Whichever way the vote goes, at least we will know where we stand in June. One interesting story I came across this month was the proposal to introduce an “S” sticker for cars to indicate that the driver is elderly, much in the same way that an “A” currently signals a driver who has recently passed their

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test. I touched upon the issue of rural isolation and the elderly in last month's editorial and whilst I do think that it is important to maintain your independence for as long as possible, it is also true to say that occasionally the very old drive less well now than they might have done when they first passed their test. Many's the time I have cursed the driver in front, only to discover on overtaking them that they were probably born as the Model T Ford first hit the dealerships. I guess that's one consequence of living in the department with the most 100-year-olds in France! I think a sticker to indicate elderly drivers is a very sensible idea and I hope it catches on. Apparently it already exists in the UK, but I must confess that I have never seen one... or at least, I've never noticed! It was also nice to be able to put in a bit

of positive news about the housing market (see page 3). Whilst prices may not exactly be be going up, nor are they going down and the number of sales has increased dramatically. There are many, many properties for sale across the Limousin, but with increased demand, the supply will presumably dwindle eventually and some of us may even finally see some reward for our DIY efforts... here's hoping! Until next month! Steve Editor

Martindale,

CONTACT us Tel: 05.55.41.17.76 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions@thebugle.eu

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INSIDE this edition

3-6 Local News 7-12 National News 13 French Life 14 Practical 15 Bilingual 16-17 Classifieds 18 Games 19-26 Directory 27-30 Community 31-32 What’s On

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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Property market shows Mezières bypass signs of improvement open at last

fter many years of stagnation, there has been positive news in the local property market, with provisional figures suggesting a significant increase in activity in 2015, particularly in and around Limoges. Although official statistics are not due to be released by the Observatoire de l'Immobilier du Limousin until the end of March, the Fédération nationale des agents immobiliers (Fnaim) has unveiled its own figures suggesting that the number of transactions increased by almost 11% locally in 2015 compared to the previous year. The strong numbers, despite falling below the national average of 16%, are still very encouraging news for those in the property business. The country has not seen an increase in activity on this scale since the boom of the early 2000s. Much of the increase is being put down to relatively low house prices and historically low interest rates, with overseas buyers also being attracted by the weak euro. In Limoges, the market re-

covery was confirmed by real estate agencies on the ground. “The market is doing well, we had a busy start to 2015 and the end of last year was also good,” said Fabien Lodey, head of the Century 21 agency on boulevard Victor Hugo. “In Limoges, prices are still very affordable and, even if the recovery is slower here than in other regions, there are plenty of people who want to become homeowners and are taking advantage. The market could be better but we must remain positive.” “Last year was much bet-

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ter for us, especially the last quarter which proved very dynamic,” said Olivier Schiapparelli, head of the Orpi agency on boulevard Carnot. “We are seeing a higher number of projects, people are less anxious. Prices were being squeezed, but have now stopped falling.” At less than €2,000 per square metre, Limoges is still one of the cheapest cities in France in which to live, along with Poitiers and Clermont-Ferrand, but the positive state of the property market will be good news to many across the region. ■

fter a long 13-year wait, the Mezièressur-Issoire bypass has finally opened. The 3.5 kilometre stretch of road cost €11 million and will help to ease traffic congestion on a notoriously busy bottleneck of the D951 between Bellac and Confolens in western Haute-Vienne. Before the new road was opened an estimated 4,800 vehicles passed through the town centre each day, 1,500 of which were heavy goods vehicles. Despite the stretch being a 50 kph zone, the dangers of crossing such a busy road, along with the associated noise, made many residents' lives a misery. “You know, it's a huge relief. It was a nightmare,” one resident told Le Populaire newspaper. “I've lived in Mezières for thirty years and I always thought of the children crossing that road every day to get to school. I feel very personally affected by the bypass and today is an important day.” In the presence of local officials, just seconds after it was officially opened, the first vehicles took the exit from the town's new roundabout and

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headed down the pristine tarmac. The former mayor of Mezières and current mayor of the recently formed commune of Val d'Issoire, Pascal Godrie, hailed the opening as “a symbolic moment”. “So many meetings, letters and discussions to overcome so many hurdles, but now it's finished, our bypass is finally here!” he said with obvious joy. Now that the town is quieter and more importantly, safer, officials were keen to stress that it must work to remain a vibrant destination. “This bypass was necessary, but now we must continue to support the commune. Thinking about local businesses, I hope that tourists will continue to stop in the town centre,” said one resident, expressing many people's fears. With another major infrastructure project complete funded entirely by the department - questions were soon being asked about the future of the RN147 and its planned widening to a dual carriageway. Some funding has been secured and a date of 2020 has been announced, but the project has yet to be finalised. ■

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Commission set up for Speed restriction Les Enfants de la Creuse on A20 a success

n 2014, France finally admitted responsibility for its role in the scandal that saw 1,615 children taken from their homes on the island of Réunion and sent to live in rural France. Many of these children were brought to the Limousin, in particular the Creuse department and a large number still live here today. The are often referred to as “Les Enfants de la Creuse”. France's National Assembly voted resoundingly to adopt a resolution that finally recognized the country's “moral responsibility” for these “stolen children”, denouncing their “forced migration” from the island in the Indian Ocean and describing their fate as “irreparable”. In the latest chapter of the scandal, the minister for overseas departments George PauLangevin has created a commission that will spend the next two years “shining a light on the history” of these children and “helping the victims

to trace their origins”. More specifically, the commission will “deepen understanding about the Children of the Creuse and contribute to the recognition of their story” and “establish a clear picture of people concerned and their demographic situation today”. It will also “hear from related associations and allow children to reconstruct their personal history” and “offer actions and measures to promote the individual and collective consciousness around this issue”. In the 1960s, birth rates and unemployment were booming in the French overseas territory of Réunion, and at the same time a mass exodus was taking place from rural France towards the country's cities. This was noted by Michel Debré, a former Gaullist minister who was then an MP for Réunion. It was his job to manage “the demographic problem in the overseas departments, by encouraging

and developing the promotion of mass immigration toward mainland France”, according to documents obtained by AFP news agency. Debré hit upon the idea of sending children deemed “wards of the State” in Réunion to be adopted by families in France. However, many of these children were not orphans or “wards of the State”, but more often they came from poor, illiterate families who couldn’t resist the offer of a brighter future for their children in mainland France. Although promised a better life, many children suffered from the sudden and brutal shock of leaving a warm, tropical setting for rural life in central France. Further, the educational opportunities promised were not systematically applied and the children’s futures depended largely on which family they ended up with. The forced repatriations ran from 1963 up until 1982. ■

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ess than a year after it was introduced, the 90 kph restriction on the stretch of the A20 that passes Limoges has been hailed as a success. It may only be a few kilometres (between junctions 32 and 34 to be precise) and a 20 kph reduction in speed is not going to greatly affect journey times, but the changes have made this notorious stretch of motorway significantly safer for motorists. An accident black spot, drivers have long complained of poor surfaces, short slip roads hidden by tight bends and variable speed limits; two years ago there were 215 accidents. According to information from the traffic police, one particularly bad corner saw 35 accidents in 2014, but only 20 in 2015. Around the Chastaing tunnel, there were 82 accidents in 2014, a number that had dropped to 68 in 2015 and of this number half occurred before March when the reduced speed limit was first implemented. Despite the new restrictions, some drivers feel that the authorities should have gone even further. “I think 90 is still too fast at certain

points. Exit 33 is really dangerous... 70 would be better,” said one driver. “This restriction is a measure which we supported and we welcome the fact that it is being respected,” said Jean-Marie Clédat, departmental head of the Road Safety Association. “Around Limoges, the motorway is used by all types of people, such as people leaving work and those travelling between the north and south of the city. In that respect, you can look at it as a kind of ring road, and it is particularly tricky in places. Limiting the speed is therefore a step in the right direction.” ■

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pen Gardens/Jardins Ouverts is now in its fourth year. For those people who are unaware of the concept, this is a project which encourages owners to open their garden to members of the public who pay an annual subscription (currently €10) which entitles them to visit as many of the gardens as they wish throughout the year. A large proportion of funds raised are then donated to French charitable organisations, the rest is retained for the running of the association. If the idea sounds familiar, it is probably because you will already have heard of the National Garden Scheme which has been running successfully in the UK since 1927 and has raised many millions for charitable purposes. What you may not know is that there is no similar scheme in France, which is a great shame – there are few nicer ways to pass a day than by viewing beautiful gardens in the knowledge that you are also contributing to charitable causes.

Actually, it would be more accurate to say that there was no such scheme, because a trial in 2013 organised by 4 gardeners living in the Creuse opened their garden for 1 day and raised €300 and the Open Gardens/Jar-

dins Ouverts project was born. Just 2 years later, 75 gardens in 13 départements took part by “opening their garden gates” at different times during the year and raised over €13,000. Not all of this money came from annual subscriptions; additional income was also raised from the sale of refreshments and/ or plants, although this is entirely at the owner’s discretion. The main beneficiary since we started has been an association based in Chamonix and run by the first French woman to summit Everest. This organisation is called appropriately A Chacun son Everest and runs activities for children suffering with, or in remission from, cancer and we made a donation of €5,250 to this charity in 2015. This will continue to be our principle beneficiary for the foreseeable future but, due to the unexpected rise in income last year, we were also able to make 4 other donations totalling €2,500. And so to 2016: this year we hope to double the number of gardens to 150 and raise €25,000. We also fully expect that the scheme will spread to other départements and initial signs, even at this early stage in the year, demonstrate that this will happen. Garden owners from Finistère in the north-west to the Var in south-east are signing up and the speed of development suggests that this will be a national initiative within 5 years. As Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts has expanded, it became necessary to look for volunteer coordinators to help us find gardens at a local level and, at the time of writing, we now have over 40 coordinators spread across France helping find garden owners who are willing to participate. This is not an onerous task; some spend as little as a couple of hours a month, whilst others are happy to commit more time. If you think that this is something which may be of interest but are concerned about the time commitment, please contact us and we will be more than happy to give you a call to talk through this or any other concerns you may have (see contact details below). If this doesn’t appeal, how about opening your garden on 1 or more days a year. The pleasure of doing so is enormous and visi-

Open Gardens going from strength to strength

tors are, without exception, hugely appreciative. It is fair to say that those participating gardeners who were initially worried, have found the whole experience to be thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. Yes, it is tiring to be on call throughout the day, answering questions about the name of a plant or where you obtained that rather special shrub, but the pleasure of meeting new friends, watching entranced visitors and receiving plaudits for your roses/pond/lawn care cannot be understated. The fact that those less fortunate than ourselves will be receiving the benefit of your efforts makes it even more worth while. Gardeners are a modest breed and most of the comments we receive are along the lines of “My garden couldn’t possibly be good enough”. We don’t have prescriptive criteria; we simply ask that your garden has at least 30 minutes of interest and, even if it doesn’t, you may be able to team up with a neighbour. A lot of areas now have coordinators who will visit you to talk over your potential involvement. As with the coordinators, if you want to discuss this with someone, please get in touch; we will be delighted to hear from you.

Finally, if you can do neither of the above, you can still enjoy Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts by being a visitor. An annual card costs €10 (€11 via our website due to the increased costs). The only other thing you’ll pay for are refreshments, should you so decide. One of the most important things about Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts is that it should be fun for everyone, in no matter what capacity you are involved and the fact that you are helping raise money for charitable concerns makes it even more satisfying. ■ Website: www.opengardens.eu Contact for coordinators in the Dordogne: Kevin Weedon: kevinweedon@orange.fr Contact for coordinators in the Charente, Haute-Vienne & Creuse: We have several coordinators in the above areas. In the first instance (and for any other enquiries), please contact: Mick Moat: mick@opengardens.eu 05 55 63 43 12

6 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

he Creuse is once again without a Michelin starred restaurant, following the decision of head chef David Boyer to leave the kitchens of the Château de la Cazine near Noth, just outside La Souterraine. The château was taken over by British company Barrasford and Bird in 2011 and, after extensive work to the main building, reopened in 2012 as a 4-star hotel and restaurant, with chef David Boyer at the helm. Under his guidance, it gained its Michelin star just 2 years later. After retaining its star in the 2015 version of the famous food guide, it has now been officially announced that the restaurant will not feature in the 2016 edition. The news will have come as no shock given that David Boyer hung up his chef's hat in December and informed the guide of his decision to leave.

Creuse's loss may well be Haute-Vienne's gain, however, as the celebrated chef has taken over the reins at the Lauryvan restaurant in St-Junien, the kitchen where he undertook his apprenticeship 19 years ago. Although Boyer has come full circle, he has travelled far and wide in between and his CV is an impressive one. Among other achievements, he was made head commis chef at the 3-star Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris at just 20, was chef de partie at l'Amphitryon in Limoges and worked in numerous other Michelinstarred restaurants across France before gaining his first star at the Château de la Cazine. “From the table dressing and the layout of the room to the paint on the walls, we have overhauled everything along with Laurent Breuil who is now my partner,” explained David Boyer, speaking at the Lauryvan

restaurant. For his part, Laurent Breuil concedes that the arrival of such a celebrated chef presents its own challenge for the business: “The whole team must meet the standards of our new leader; we all have to raise our ambitions a few notches.” Boyer has surrounded himself with some of his former colleagues from the Château de la Cazine and has made no secret of the fact that he hopes the inspectors from the famous red book will be paying his new restaurant a visit in the very near future. The chef's new business partner is well aware of the pressure this expectation brings. “Certainly, such a distinction is a bonus for a restaurant, but also for the surrounding area. The presence of a starred restaurant provides a huge boost for local tourism,” said Laurent Breuil. ■

Château de la Cazine loses its star

A new series following intrepid expats as they chase a dream life in the sun and set up new businesses abroad has hit the airwaves in the UK. “A New Life in the Sun” features a wide range of business owners at different stages of their move; those about to move, or those who may already be in Europe and about to embark on a new and exciting chapter of their lives. This could be a new premises, venture or expansion. Just how easy is it to start a new life, and is the grass really greener on the other side? Tune in to Channel 4 at 4 pm GMT Monday to Friday from 22nd February. The series will run for 5 weeks. ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

>> continued from pg 1 the circumflex (^) accent at school as the hateau on château (the pointy little circumflex hat that sits on top of certain vowels), but anyone learning French at school from now on will find spelling tests a whole lot easier! The changes will result in the circonflexe becoming optional (and not taught in schools) above the letters “i” or “u” on any word where it does not change the meaning or the pronunciation. So maîtresse (mistress) will become maitresse, and coût (cost) can be now be written cout. The presence of a circumflex is a throwback to the roots that the French language has in Latin and usually signifies that an “s” would previously have been present. You can often see the root in the English equivalent, as with the above words for mistress and cost. Other than that, as one BBC article put it, the circumflex just “hangs around on words such as être, looking cool, but not really doing much”. Other changes to the French language will see the removal of redundant hyphens - porte-

monnaie becoming portemonnaie (purse), extra-terrestres becoming extraterrestres and week-end becoming weekend – and include the removal of the “ph” in nénuphar (waterlily), which becomes nénufar. From the beginning of the next school year, the curriculum has pronounced the 1990 changes as the new standard for teaching spelling and the text books will now, for the first time, reflect this. The circumflex is “one of the main causes of errors and its usage is random”, said a website setting out the changes. Although the proposed reforms have been around for a while, it seems to have been a recent news feature on TF1 highlighting the fact that schoolchildren would now be taught to spell onion as ognon rather than oignon, that really got the public's juices flowing and it is safe to say that the changes have not proved popular. The UNI teachers’ union launched a petition, warning that it will “result in the veritable dumbing down of the French language to make it resemble phonetic or even phone text writing”. Bruno

Le Maire, a centre-Right MP from the Republicans party, wrote: “Spelling is the face of words. To renounce spelling is to disfigure our language!” One angry French speaker even put their computer's circumflex key up for auction on eBay, with a starting price of 99 centimes. “It will only confuse teachers and pupils even more,” deplored the well-known French literary critic Bernard Pivot. “And further confusion will spring from the fact that pupils will be taught one thing at school and will read another in novels. Who will they trust more: their manuals or Balzac?” The growing fury forced the education ministry to reassure the public that the circumflex was not disappearing altogether, and that even though school textbooks would be standardised to contain the new spellings, pupils using either would still be given full marks. “It’s just that the publishers of schoolbooks have got together and decided to apply the reforms as of the next school year,” the education ministry said. Pierre Favre, school headmas-

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ter and president of the National Schools Union, said he hoped “wisdom would prevail”. “What makes this subject so controversial is that people are passionate about it. To change spelling touches on their childhood, reminds them of the pain, the effort, the successes needed to learn the rules and triumph. The circumflex accents are a kind of trophy,” Favre added. There were more moderate voices speaking out, however. Edouard Trouillez, a lexicographer, said he was convinced that the circumflex with “no semantic value” will

“stop being used” in the long term. One website cited Michel Masson, a French professor who compiled a report on the proposed changes a decade ago, who branded defenders of the linguistic status quo philistines: “They should be reminded that French spelling is a recent invention, and above all that it has undergone successive reforms - no less than eight - so that to oppose any new reform is to trample on tradition, to mutilate France.” One thing is for certain, traditionalists will not be giving up their circumflex without a fight! ■

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he British may famously be a nation of beer drinkers, but it would appear that those of us with a penchant for a pint were right to move here as a French beer has just been unveiled as the best in the world! The farm brewery of Rivière d'Ain was awarded top prize at the recent 2016 World Beer Idol contest. The jury blind tested hundreds of beers from all over the world before declaring the small brewery's Red Beer the overall champion. Master brewer Patrice Pobel creates his award-winning beers at his farm near Geneva in eastern France, where he has been

French beer best in world France24 - French Connections

growing all his own barley for over 10 years. And he is no stranger to success: in 2015 his beers amassed an impressive 16 medals and the farm brewery is frequently called upon by renowned world competitions. “I thank all my team for the remarkable work they have done each and every day,” said the proud brewer. “I would also like to thank my French compatriots and competitors. Each brewer plays a role in the rebirth of French beers; if we are experiencing this exciting era for French beer, it is through the work of all these brewers.” ■

rance 24 has recently launched a new show called ‘French connections’, a quirky, insider’s guide to understanding France and the French. From the sublime to the ridiculous, Florence Villeminot offers viewers from around the globe an original take on the French people and their traditions. For instance, in light of the recent wave of strikes across the country, she asks whether striking is in the French genes. And what are the French rules of etiquette, from how to say “Bonne année” to the do’s and don’ts of doing “la bise”? “Laïcité” (secularism) is one of the pillars of the French Republic, but what does it really mean? Every week, France 24 debunks the clichés and tries to deconstruct persistent myths about French culture. All programmes are available on demand for free on France 24’s website, as well as on its Youtube channel. ■ www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/french-connections www.youtube.com/user/france24english

Boots delivering to France

ne thing that many expats miss when moving abroad are their favourite and trusted brands from “back home”. Fortunately for many of us, more and more high street names are now offering overseas delivery and it has never been easier to buy the British products we know and trust and have them delivered to France. One household name that has moved into this overseas market is Boots, which today has over 26,000 items available for home

delivery to 23 European countries, including France, via its international website www.international.boots.com. The website, which is an extension of boots.com is aimed at British expatriates living overseas and therefore the language used is British English and the currency is Sterling. Customers shopping at international.boots. com are also eligible to join the Boots Advantage Card loyalty programme, which allows members to collect points with every purchase made that can then be redeemed for purchase on almost all products available online. Home delivery to a French address takes 7 days and costs £9.99. ■

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Murderer pardoned French work the most overtime

resident François Hollande has pardoned a woman who was serving a ten year prison sentence for murdering her abusive husband. “In the face of an exceptional human situation, the president wanted to make it possible for Jacqueline Sauvage to return to her family as soon as possible,” the presidency said in a statement. His decision to free Sauvage has been widely praised in France. Sauvage’s case had become a cause célèbre in France, with more than 400,000 people signing a petition demanding her release; she was married for 47 years to Norbert Marot, a violent alcoholic who she said raped and beat her and her three daughters and also abused her son. On 10th September 2012, the day after her son hanged himself, Sauvage shot her husband three times in the back with a rifle. She was found guilty of murder and sentenced to ten years in prison in October 2014, which was upheld on appeal in Decem-

ber 2015 when the State rejected her plea of selfdefence. The state prosecutor said at the time that she should have shown a proportionate response and that firing three shots into her husband's back was inadmissible as selfdefence. In French law, for an act to be considered self-defence, it must be seen as proportional and in direct response to an act of aggression. “We were afraid of him, he terrified us,” one of her daughters told the court during the original trial. Another of her daughters, raped at the age of 16, described her father’s death as a “relief”. The rare pardon granted by Hollande does not quash her conviction, but rather amounts to a reduction of Sauvage’s sentence and means that the 68-yearold is free to leave prison in mid-April. By then, she will have spent more than three years behind bars. The gesture came just two days after the president met with Sauvage’s three daughters and her lawyers. Pardons, which were re-

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instated by Napoleon, are very rare in France and during his 2012 presidential campaign Hollande distanced himself from such actions, describing them as belonging to “a different concept of power”. He has granted only one previous pardon, when he freed convicted bank robber Philippe El Shennawy - who had spent 38 years behind bars - in 2014. The move to release Sauvage had very few critics and was particularly welcomed by feminist groups. When Sauvage was first sentenced, the activist group Osez le Feminisme (Dare To Be Feminist) called for the definition of self-defence to be extended in cases of “female victims of violence”. Ségolène Royal, the environment minister, hailed what she called “the right decision”. “This woman has already spent three years in prison. It’s hell; she’s already been through hell her entire life,” she said, adding that there were “around 20 other women in prison for the same reasons”. ■

hen people poke f u n at the French, it is often the “punishing” 35-hour working week that is targeted. The previous mark of 39 hours was reduced by Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's government in 2000 and the 35-hour week has been used ever since by critics around the world as proof of the average French worker's “laziness”. In reality, the 35hour week is more complicated than it first appears and most people do work longer hours. In fact, a recent study has revealed that the French put in more overtime than many other countries. The survey revealed that 27 per cent of French workers do more than 15 hours of overtime each week, compared to a global average of

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14 per cent. A further 63 per cent say that they put in between 1 and 12 extra hours in the average week. The idea behind the 35-hour week was that it would reduce unemployment at a time when employees were working long hours whilst many were unemployed. In reality, France's relatively inflexible labour laws meant that employers did not subsequently recruit in any significant numbers and there is now mounting pressure to increase the working week to 39 hours. Companies currently have to pay between 10 and 50 per cent extra per hour if they want employees to work more than 35 hours a week. In a sign that the government's position is shifting, Prime Minister Manuel Valls recently announced that,

“Exemptions to the legal duration of working time at 35 hours are no longer a violation of the law”. This effectively gives employers the right to renegotiate longer hours and lower overtime pay with staff, whilst still keeping the 35hour week enshrined in French law. The progressive and business-friendly economy minister, Emmanuel Macron, wants the government to go even further and scrap a current legal requirement to pay overtime of at least 10 per cent more than the standard pay rate, a move that would effectively end the 35hour week. The former Rothschild banker introduced a wide-ranging package of reforms in 2015, known as the loi Macron, aimed at kickstarting the economy. ■

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500 euro note to be phased out?

ou may never have been lucky enough to see one and now you may never get the chance as the 500 euro note could soon be a thing of the past. It has long been known that such a high denomination note would attract the eye of forgers and the criminal underclass. Indeed, if you have ever been in possession of a 500 euro note, you will know that many businesses are reluctant to take one. Britain, for example, has banned banks and exchange offices from issuing 500 euro notes over crime fears. Now, following a report by the European Anti-Fraud Office, EU president Mario Draghi has indicated that he is preparing to follow its suggestions and outlaw the

note. “There is a pervasive and increasing conviction in the world of public opinion that high denomination banknotes are used for criminal purposes... It's in this context that we are considering action,” he said. In a report last year, Europol said cash was still the “instrument of choice” for terrorists and 500 euro notes were in high demand, though they are not popular for everyday transactions. “The 500 euro note alone accounts for over 30% of the value of all banknotes in circulation, despite it not being a common means of payment,” the report said. You can see the appeal to criminals and money launderers: €1 million in 500 euro notes weighs just 2kg!

With the developed world relying less and less on cash, many of the big euro notes are believed to be held outside the eurozone in regions where many still prefer cash to bank accounts. When euro notes and coins began to circulate in 2002, Germany was among the main supporters of having a 500 euro banknote to match the value of its 1,000 mark note, and cater to the Germans' traditional preference for cash over electronic money. France, where the biggest franc note was worth just €76, argued against the 500 euro denomination. Should the 500 euro note be phased out, however, those seeking an alternative may not need to look far: the Swiss offer a 1,000 franc bill worth around €910. ■

France introduces first dummy radars

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s recent figures revealed that the number of road deaths in France rose again in 2015, the government has unveiled its latest weapon in the battle for road safety - dummy speed cameras. Until now, France has taken an admirably honest approach to speed cameras; they tell you one is coming up, then they tell you the current speed before you finally reach the camera itself. If you get flashed by a fixed camera in France, you really only have yourself to blame. But with road deaths rising for the second year in a row, the

government has announced that it will be installing as many as 10,000 new dummy radars in the near future, as well as a further 500 fixed radars. The dummy radars will operate in groups on stretches of roads with poor safety records. The active camera will be moved at random between these radars, meaning that drivers will not know which one is currently working. This system will not be too unfamiliar for those used to driving on British roads. The first area to be covered was a 37 km stretch of the D939 near Calais. Despite already having two radars, this area has

seen 6 deaths and 28 serious injuries in the last five years. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said that this was the first zone de contrôles leurres - or “luring” zone - to be set up, but that he wanted 10,000 dummy sites along roads across the country over the coming years. Following a huge government clampdown on road safety, deaths fell steadily for 12 straight years until 2013, but have risen slightly in both 2014 and 2015. Last year, 3,464 people lost theirs lives in road accidents. Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve put this increase down to more people using their

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cars instead of public transport following the Thalys and Paris terror attacks and said he still believed it was possible to bring the number of road deaths in France below the 2,000 mark by 2020. “That's still our goal and it's realistic,” he said. “We need strong and ambitious measures. Three things are central: tough checks, awareness from an early age and a relentless fight against drug- and drink-driving.” Drivers' group 40 Millions d'Automobilistes has described the new measures as “repressive” and launched a campaign site lobbying against them at legrandraslebol.com ■

End of fixed phone lines France's telecoms operator Orange has indicated that the fixed telephone line could be a thing of the past in as little as five years. The news follows a regular pattern in recent times of France moving away from analogue technologies and migrating towards digital alternatives. From 2021, in certain areas to begin with, you will need to have a box between the wall and your phone in order to make a call, in the same way that certain phones today can be connected directly to your Livebox or router. This has led some to questions about what will happen during power cuts as all current routers on the market also require a power source. How will you use the emergency phone in a lift that has become stuck after a power failure? The same goes for surveillance systems and payment terminals, many of which currently use traditional telephone lines. ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes) has indicated that it will not oppose Orange's plans, but current rules do require a minimum of 5 years notice before any changes to the fixed telephone network. While, at this stage, no specific dates have been given by Orange, it looks likely that planning will begin shortly. ■

12 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

to open a second venue was refused. He believes the size of the loan very reasonable given that his turnover for last year was €300,000 - his best ever and triple that of his first year in 2008. “This is not just a kebab shop. My restaurant is in the Michelin guide and film stars come in here,” Mr Callet said. “A lot of bankers who turned me down know me. They come in here. I have never had financial problems and yet I find myself in this situation. Bankers are not doing their job. That’s why we have so many businesses in France who have to resort to crowd funding.” Since his sign made news across the world, Mr Callet said he has been approached by other banks in France, as well as lenders in Belgium, England, Russia and even the Embassy of Qatar. He has also received a personal apology from one bank director. “He came to the restaurant this morning and was visibly very put out,” he said. Presumably he didn't stay for lunch! ■

No more curvy croissants for Tesco

here has been general amusement in France that Tesco has decided to only sell straight croissants from now on as the crescent shaped variety - the form from which the pastry takes its name - is apparently too hard for Brits to butter! Harry Jones, Tesco’s chief croissant buyer, said: “After demand for crescent shaped croissants started falling, we spoke to our customers and nearly 75% of them told us that they preferred straight ones. At the heart of the move away from curved croissants is the spreadability factor. The majority of shoppers

find it easier to spread jam, or their preferred filling, on a straighter shape with a single sweeping motion. With the crescent shaped croissants, it’s more fiddly and most people can take up to three attempts to achieve perfect coverage, which increases the potential for accidents involving sticky fingers and tables.” The story was picked up by French media and most could not resist having a jab at those north of the Channel, with one person tweeting: “We need to teach the English that you don't butter croissants in the first place...” The owner of a French bakery in London viewed

the change with scepticism. Michelle Wade, whose Maison Bertaux in Soho is a top destination for croissant connoisseurs, said the pastries ought to be curved until the tips touch. “They never look like that at Tesco,” she said, adding that hers “are beautifully curved”. “But, mind you, the thing is that croissants always come out a lot of different shapes because they are hand rolled. Anyway it’s good for us because it makes our products more original.” Sainsbury’s and Waitrose confirmed they sold both curved and straight croissants, and had no plans to discontinue either type. “The easiest

baker whose life was saved by a homeless man has found a heart-warming way to say thank you... by selling him his bakery for the price of a croissant! In December of last year, at around 7 o'clock in the morning, Michel Flamant was overcome by carbon monoxide that had been leaking from a faulty oven and collapsed on the floor of his bakery. By chance, homeless man Jérôme Aucan was passing by, saw the baker and dragged him from the premises before calling the emergency services. “That day, I believe that the good Lord was looking after me,” Mr Flamant said after the event. “This man used to beg in front of the shop, so from time to time, he came in for a coffee or a croissant and a chat. That day, he saw me in trouble, he came down, and then he saw that I was not there at all. Even the firemen told me 'another ten minutes, you were a goner'. In thanks, I offered him a little work and I realised that he just wanted to escape from his misery.” The hero of the piece was modest about his actions: “I happened to be there, I just did what I had to do.” The good will did not end there; whilst spending 2 weeks in hospital recovering from his near-death experience, fellow bakers rallied round to ensure that his business remained open. Now back to health, and with retirement already a year overdue, Mr Flamant has decided to sell his bakery to the homeless man for the symbolic price of €1, as well as helping with the deposit to find an apartment and finally get him off the streets. The baker intends to make the most of his own second chance, telling journalists: “My motorhome is waiting to leave on vacation! I think Jérôme deserves to be given a chance.” ■

he owner of a restaurant featured in the Michelin guide has hit the headlines by banning bankers from his restaurant... unless they pay a €70,000 entrance fee! This figure is significant as his anger stems from being refused a loan for the same amount. The blackboard outside his restaurant, Les Ecuries de Richelieu, in an upmarket suburb of Paris, reads: “Dogs welcome, bankers banned (unless they pay an entry fee of €70,000).” “As soon as I see a banker that I recognise I won’t let them enter my restaurant. They have treated me like a dog, so I have denied them access,” he said. “I’m not going to police the doors but the people concerned know who they are.” He described his act as one of desperation at the “permanent sabotage of the economic fabric of France”. Alexandre Callet said he felt “humiliated” when his request for a business loan

Man sells Restaurant owner bans bankers bakery for a croissant

way to enjoy a curved croissant is to do it the French way - by dunking it into a dollop of jam,” a Waitrose spokeswoman said. ■

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

In the garden - jobs for March

by Michelle Pierce

e should all be grateful for the recent rain, which has made the drought we were heading for move further away... but in typical gardener's fashion, I'm not!! Now I want to get out there, and not be soaked every five minutes. I need to be getting to those early weeds and dealing with them. I want to be spreading mulch and manure. I'd like to be getting a move on! Oh well, enough moaning. March around here really is the month that the gardening year starts. On fine days the old folks can be seen out with tractors and rotavators and generally getting out in the muck. So, lots to do but beware - the cold has probably not said its final word so keep fleece and other protection solutions to hand. From February the shops have been full of the summer flowering bulbs and tubers. So tempting! But don't leave them hanging around too long. Especially if you've bought a withered root of some kind of poor perennial. It's probably crying

out for rehydration, so please water it well before potting up in a roomy container and then planting out later after the frosts have finished. Also in the greenhouse, sow your summer flowers - zinnia, osteospermum, ageratum, cosmos, sunflowers, salvias, stocks, cleome, annual dahlias, sweet peas (you can also sow direct where you plan to grow them), linaria, etc. Pot up your dahlias, gladioli, begonias and keep them somewhere frost free. Under the staging in the greenhouse is good, or a warmish room in the house. They don't necessarily need light until they start to sprout. Potatoes, however, are best chitted in light conditions, so the new shoots aren't too spindly. Depending on the heat of the ground, and the variety, plant from mid March. Don't plant in the same place as last year, and remember that early varieties tend to attract fewer 'Doryphores' or Colorado beetle. If you suffer from these little blighters, sow a line of annual flax all round your veg

patch. It works well as a deterrent, and the blue flowers look beautiful, as well as attracting insects. Don't forget to plant a few in big containers (or an old black dustbin) in the greenhouse so that you can enjoy early new potatoes! Plant onion sets, shallots and garlic if you haven't already. If your ground is waterlogged or clay, plant them on little ridges for improved drainage, or you could choose to plant some in individual modules in the greenhouse, then pop them out into place later. It could be a good idea to do some like that, anyway, to have a few as early salad onions. Watch your rhubarb plants growing - you should be able to harvest the stems of early varieties this month, but don't if it's a new plant that you have only recently planted. Clean and look after the soft fruit patch, and give the strawberry plants a light feed. Many things can be direct sown now - radish, spinach, peas, broad beans, some varieties of lettuce, land cress, mus-

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tards, chicories, spring onions, bunching onions, chards, early turnips, leeks, kale, kohl rabi, calabrese. Then there are the sun lovers - which should be sown in a heated propagator - tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, melons, peppers, etc. You should be able to have the first of your pickings this month, whether it be rhubarb, sorrel, dandelions, mint, chives, garlic chives, some leaves, mustards, or flowers for pick-

ing for the house. How lovely to feel the garden will start to be productive again. Lots of other things to do that I haven't mentioned, but most of all, go by the weather in your neck of the woods and enjoy getting outside. Good gardening! ■ PS Don't forget to pick the new growth of young nettles, and comfrey, to make nettle or comfrey tea.

14 ♦ PRACTICAL

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Getting the best from an Assurance-Vie - Blevins Franks

ou came to France to enjoy life and relax - not to worry about your finances. If you are approaching, or already enjoying, retirement you will want to protect the value of your wealth and the income it creates, both for yourself and your beneficiaries in future. What is tax efficient in the UK, such as ISAs, PEPs and Premium Bonds, is not tax efficient in France, and the income from such investments is taxable in full. Even the gains on disposals of shares/funds within such wrappers are taxable. Tax in France can be high. It is vital to understand the finer points of French taxation to legitimately lower your overall tax liability, especially in the face of tightened international tax regulation. Tax advantages One very useful arrangement in France is the assurance-vie. It is a specialised form of life assurance, which allows you to hold a wide range of investment assets and is highly tax-efficient for residents of France. Assurance-vie provides various tax advantages. If you do not take any withdrawals, there is no income or capital gains tax to pay, regardless of how much

the capital has grown or how much interest has been earned within the policy. When you make a withdrawal, it is taxed very favourably because only the ‘growth’ element of the amount withdrawn is taxable. Used properly, they can help reduce income tax, wealth tax and succession tax, but you really need to take advice from an expert who understands the intricacies of French tax to make the best choice for you. We often come across UK nationals who have assurance-vie policies that do not provide all the tax benefits that may otherwise be available. How assurances-vie vary There are many different types of assurance-vie: you may have them as life policies, endowments or insurance bonds. They can be based in various jurisdictions, and both the type of product and jurisdiction can make a difference to the advantages they offer. For example, the longer you own the policy, the less tax you pay. Once you have held the policy over four years you can choose to pay tax at a fixed rate of 15% instead of the income tax rates up to 45%. After eight years this tax is just 7.5%, and the first €4,600 (€9,200 for a couple) of growth withdrawn is tax free.

(15.5% social charges are always also payable.) However, this only applies to EU policies, and so not to the Isle of Man and Channel Island policies. You could also have difficulties getting the necessary information for your tax return from non-EU arrangements. And with succession tax, if an assurance-vie is properly set up, each beneficiary can receive €152,500 tax-free allowance on distributions from your policy. They also only pay 20% tax on the excess (rising to 31.25% for amounts over €700,000). However, these savings are only possible if your policy lets you nominate beneficiaries. Many policies domiciled in the Isle of Man, the UK and Ireland do not offer this, so your heirs could pay significantly more tax. Further, with UK policies, you pay tax within the funds that cannot be reclaimed and, again, you could also have problems getting the information needed for your tax return. There are other benefits to holding an assurance-vie. Since you can hold a wide range of investments within it, you can combine your tax and investment planning in one exercise. If your capital is spread out over various investments you can bring it all under one roof.

It can also help with your estate planning. The value of assurance-vie contracts falls outside French succession law, and so enables you to leave assets to the beneficiaries of your choice. This can also help you avoid probate. It is essential that you get the right advice before getting an assurance-vie. Many UK advisers do not have the necessary in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the French tax regime. You should take advice from an adviser who lives locally and so has in-depth and personal experience of the French tax regime, and who can provide holistic advice on taxation, tax mitigation, estate planning and investment management. You should check if your existing arrangements are set up in the most efficient manner to gain the full tax and succession benefits, and make sure they are fully compliant in France. If not, you risk missing out on considerable tax advantages. ■ Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices, which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

BILINGUAL ♦ 15

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

FRENCH LESSONS WITH A NATIVE FRENCH SPEAKER Individual/Group lessons, all levels - Skype lessons via the INTERNET also available

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Lessons in La Souterraine & Dun-le-Palestel (23) OTHER SERVICES: Accompanying and interpreting - house purchase, arranging new utilities, car registration, healthcare, liaison with French administration, etc... I am always looking for new students in the English Library in La Souterraine! Sophie Arsac -

05 55 89 15 74 - scarolinea@yahoo.fr

St Patrick - the patron saint of Ireland

aint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and Irish people around the world celebrate his saint’s day on 17th March every year. It is a public holiday in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Who was Saint Patrick?

St. Patrick was born in Britain in the late 4th century to a wealthy Christian family. When he was 16, a raiding party from Ireland attacked his father’s estate. Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland, which at the time was a land of paganism. Patrick spent six years as a slave, working as a shepherd and during this time he learned Gaelic, the Irish language, and also became a devout Christian. After six years, Patrick heard a voice telling him it was time to escape, so he travelled south for 200 miles until he reached the Irish coast where he found a ship prepared to take him back to Britain. He travelled around Europe and studied religion under Saint Germain, the bishop of Auxerre in France. Patrick then became a priest and

returned to Ireland to teach Christianity to the people. The significance of Shamrocks

However, this legend is probably a metaphor for driving the pagans out of Ireland and converting them to Christianity - snakes were often

aint Patrick est le saint patron de l’Irlande. Les Irlandais célèbrent la Saint Patrick tous les 17 mars,

In order to make the people understand the idea of the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Saint Patrick used a shamrock. Shamrocks are native to Ireland and they were already a sacred plant because they represented the arrival of spring. Patrick showed that the three leaves of a shamrock were all on one stem, in the same way that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit make up one God. Shamrocks have been associated with Saint Patrick ever since. Why March 17th? After nearly 30 years in Ireland converting the people to Christianity, Patrick died on 17th March 461 A.D. Legends of Saint Patrick The most famous legend about Saint Patrick is that he drove snakes and all venomous creatures from Ireland by banging a drum. If any poisonous creatures ever returned to Ireland, they would instantly die.

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associated with pagan worship. In fact, there have probably never been any snakes in Ireland! ■

dans le monde entier. C’est un jour férié à la fois en République d’Irlande et en Irlande du Nord.

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

BAGGED FIREWOOD 20kg stackable sacks 5€ each 20cm lengths of dry, seasoned Oak & Beech 15 kg sacks of smaller pieces also available Collect or delivered (price by distance) Will bring into the house Creuse and surrounding areas Available all year round

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Qui était Saint Patrick? Issu d’une riche famille chrétienne, St Patrick est né en Grande Bretagne à la fin du 4ème siècle. Alors qu’il a 16 ans, des pillards irlandais attaquent le domaine de son père. Patrick est kidnappé et emmené en Irlande, à l’époque terre païenne. Devenu esclave, Patrick est berger pendant six ans. Il apprend le gaélique irlandais et devient un fervent chrétien. Au terme de ces six années, Patrick entend une voix qui lui dit qu’il est temps de s’échapper. Il parcourt 320 kilomètres en direction de la côte sud de l’Irlande et embarque sur un navire pour se rendre en GrandeBretagne. Puis il voyage dans toute l’Europe et étudie la théologie avec Saint Germain, évêque d’Auxerre en France. Patrick devient alors prêtre et retourne en Irlande pour enseigner le christianisme au peuple. La signification des Trèfles Irlandais (Shamrocks) Pour expliquer le concept de la Sainte Trinité – le Père, le Fils et l’Esprit Saint – Saint Patrick utilise un trèfle.

Plante indigène, le trèfle irlandais ou «shamrock» était déjà une plante sacrée car il représentait l’arrivée du printemps. Patrick explique que les trois feuilles d’un trèfle se tiennent sur une seule tige, tout comme le Père, le Fils et l’Esprit Saint font un Dieu unique. Depuis les trèfles Irlandais ont toujours été associés à Saint Patrick. Pourquoi le 17 mars? Après avoir passé 30 ans sur le sol irlandais à évangéliser le peuple, Patrick meurt le 17 mars 461 apr. J.-C. Les légendes de Saint Patrick Parmi les légendes sur Saint Patrick, la plus célèbre raconte comment il fit fuir du sol irlandais tous les serpents et créatures venimeuses en jouant du tambour. Toute créature malveillante qui regagnerait le sol irlandais mourrait sur le champ. Cependant il s’agit probablement d’une métaphore qui représente l’éviction du paganisme et la conversion au Christianisme – les serpents étaient souvent associés à un culte païen. En fait, il n’y a probablement jamais eu de serpents en Irlande! ■

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16 ♦ CLASSIFIEDS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

The Bugle CLASSIFIEDS are brought to you in association with WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM ANIMALS & PETS

Free

good

home

Due to family illness I am looking for a new loving home for my 2 girls, 1 companion only. They come as a pair and will not separate. French saddle horse or if preferred Selle Francais Section A. Mare Bay 14 years. Anglo Arab. Mare Chestnut 24 years (age is just a number). Both are approx 15/15.2 and have lovely kind temperaments, with no nasty habits. French registered and passports. Any offer of homes will be checked. Contact for more details and photos. Email: jackieadcock@ hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: Little cream fluffy dog 2 yrs old, good with other

dogs and children. Due to unforeseen circumstances having to re home her. She is lovely natured and is very loving and affectionate. Good on a lead and she is a lhasa apso. €100.00 Email: leanneb504@gmail.com HELP for Balou Balou

was born in 2007, is a Shepherd cross and currently lives at the SPA Cognac. He is an adorable big dog (about 40 kg), very sociable, with basic education (sits on command, gives a paw, is clean) and is chipped and vaccinated. He is OK with female dogs (male dogs & cats - to test). Balou is a big teddy bear who just wants to jump into a car as soon as he gets out of his box, he thinks we are coming to take him home. He doesn't

want to stay at the Refuge! This lovely boy needs to find a family quickly. Contact Annie (volunteer) for more information and photos. Email: annidolfi@ laposte.net Can you help us save the lives of several cats? Kittens and adults. All have been sterilised. Time is running out. They are in urgent need of a safe home. Tel: 02 54 38 81 76

BUILDING MATERIALS FOR SALE: Fragram industrial pillar drill 5 speed large chuck in perfect working order stands about 2mts any demo welcome. (Guéret, 23). €250.00ono Tel: 05 55 61 19 81 FOR SALE: Receveur à carreler (tray for wet room) 160x90x5cm. Cost 170 euros. Brico Depot. New, still in wrapper. (Guéret, 23). €80.00 Tel: 05 55 61 19 81

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Large village house to renovate with attached Double barn to convert with 7785m² garden rear garden - €29,000 - DPE non requis located in peaceful setting - €34,000 - DPE non requis

Renovated 1850’s cottage with barns, garden & panoramic views - €79,900 - DPE F410 & A5

6 hectare established fishing lake with surrounding woodland and meadow - €98,000 - DPE non requis

8 bedroom house & walled garden in the centre of a vibrant village - €99,600 - DPE non requis

Beautiful chateau and gardens on the edge of a busy French market town - €218,500 - DPE F358 & G99

15 Bis Place St Jacques - 23300 LA SOUTERRAINE Tel: 05 55 63 13 87 - info@ieafrance.com

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FOR SALE: Shower door New, still in box. Part obscure pattern. Cost 170 Euros at Brico Depot. (Guéret, 23). €60.00 Tel: 05 55 61 19 81 FOR SALE: 1/2" JCB Industrial router €50.00 Tel: 05 55 76 09 82 after 6pm FOR SALE: Roof tiles Marseille type, interlocking. 200 - 300 tiles. 45 euros the lot. 87500 area. €45.00 Tel: 05 55 58 06 40 FOR SALE: 2nd hand slate roof tiles Dimension 30cm x 22cm. Approximately 5750. 23 cents per tile, any amount can be bought. Tel: 05 55 69 75 67 Email: rofesteven@ yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Almo electric motor Written

needs. €140.00 Tel: 05 55 66 92 85 Email: l o u i s e - b a r n a r d @ s k y. com FOR SALE: Light wood table Measures 105 cm x 105 cm but will extend to 135 cm x 105 cm. €60.00 Tel: 05 55 41 10 28 FOR SALE: Furniture Sliding doors 77x38x80 with one shelf inside 15 euros. Chest of drawers 90x44x90 15 euros. IKEA Bunk beds 102x200x180 or left as 2 singles headboard height 107. No mattresses 45 euros. Chair 65x75x70 10 euros. Electra tumble dryer 20 euros. Agilo bath shower screen 74x138 fixing on left hand side 20 euros. Contact for photos. 87400. Tel: 05 55 37 68 38 Email: daisthomas01@yahoo. co.uk

GENERAL guaranteed Almo electric motor 0.75kw, 6 amp mono, speed 1350/ min, pulley 37/59 mm with belt. Price new about €200. Light use only. €50.00 Tel: 05 55 60 43 96 Email: slee. christopher@orange.fr

FURNITURE FOR SALE: Various beds Single bed mattress and divan base. Hardly used. 25euros. 2 pine single bed headboards. 10euros each. Single mattress. Good condition. 15euros. Tel: 05 55 76 10 36 FOR SALE: Various IKEA extendable dining table seats 10 extended; Carved south Asian rosewood 4 panel screen with brass insert; Two Indonesian cane arm chairs suitable for porch or sun lounge. Tel: 02 54 62 01 87 Email: mike. crevant@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Solid wood table and 4 comfortable chairs 90cm sq by 79cm

high, maybe oak, not sure. Surplus to our

FOR SALE: Brand new still boxed and sealed Light/fan Three speed settings. €15.00 Tel: 05 55 76 09 82 after 6pm Email: valhindmarch@ hotmail.fr Four tickets for the Irish Celtic Generations spectacle At Zenith on the 22nd March are available at cost 50 euros. Tel: 05 55 50 47 75 Email: Dhpickles@ googlemail.com FOR SALE: BOIS DE CHAUFFAGE 3m3, seasoned, can deliver FOC for areas 87 or 24. €120.00 Tel Ant: 05 55 05 09 60 /mob 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: Computer: HP pavilion 17 Notebook PC 17-e073sf - brand new, never used. €300.00 Tel: 05 55 69 21 98 FOR SALE: Camera tripod With ergonomic joystick head 'Manfrotto' - brand new, never used. €60.00 Tel: 05 55 69 21 98 FOR SALE: Small Enamel Wood Burner

Complete with flue. B u s s i è r e - G a l a n t . €100.00 Tel: 05 55 05 09 60 / 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: Herald Hunter 8kw wood burner Good condition. Buyer collects (16150). €250.00 Tel: 05 45 29 05 73 FOR SALE: Oak Barrels Various sizes. €25 each. BussièreGalant. Tel: 05 55 05 09 60 / 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: Antique Wood Trailer Excellent

condition, would make fantastic garden ornament, can deliver. Reasonable offers considered. BussièreGalant. Tel: 05 55 05 09 60 / 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: Musical instruments 12 string electric solid body stratocaster style guitar. Black with white finger plate. As new condition. Bag and stand included 140 euros; Amplifier and effects machine, both in good condition 60 euros; Classical guitar, new strings, good tone. Average condition 35 euro; Stella piano accordion with case. 15 white keys. 16 bass buttons. Very good condition. Ideal for beginner or younger player as not too big and heavy. 150 euros. Tel: 05 55 76 10 36 FOR SALE: Beautiful western saddle Soft comfortable fully tooled leather. Not new. 16 inch. Wooden oxbow stirrups. 475 euros; German military saddle. First World War. Marked 1918 and with maker’s initials and owner’s name. Strips down completely. Good condition for its age. Interesting research project. 150 euros. Tel: 05 55 76 10 36 FOR SALE: Men's Bike LeJeune VTT. €30.00 Tel: 05 55 76 10 36 FOR SALE: Large selection of antique and

CLASSIFIEDS ♦ 17

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

How to place a Classified Advert To place a classified advert, please email:

notices@thebugle.eu

BY THE 20th with the details you would like include. Your advert will appear online and in the next print edition of The Bugle. Classified adverts are currently free for all small items (less than €500). For more expensive items and photos a small fee applies: ● Items more than €500 are charged at €5 per month ● Photos are charged at €2.50 per month vintage items suitable for brocante/car boot. Items from 5euros 30euros. Tel: 05 55 76 10 36 FOR SALE: Lapeyre oak opening window 120x140cm. (Bujaleuf/ St Julien le Petit area). €95.00 Tel: 05 55 69 49 28 FOR SALE: Large dolls house kit Part assembled two floors, basement to be added, all windows, doors, etc. still to be added. Then the finishes to be applied. Cost 300 euros we will accept 200 ONO. €200.00ono Tel: 02 54 61 01 87 Email: mike.crevant@hormail. com FOR SALE: Archos tablet 10" with case €70.00 Tel: 05 55 70 99 61 FOR SALE: Lakeland Plastic Electric Vegetable, Herb and Fruit Dryer Five tray model. Excellent condition. Ideal for making your own dried fruit and vegetables and preserving your home grown herbs. €25.00 Tel: 05 45 85 38 37 FOR SALE: Stovetop Kettle Smoker Nordic Ware product - excellent condition. Great for hot smoking Fish, Poultry and Meat (such as pork ribs). €50.00 Tel: 05 45 85 38 37 FOR SALE: Static Satellite dish with mounting bracket

B u s s i è r e - P o i t e v i n e area. €10.00 Tel Chris 05 55 68 08 42 Email: buryfrogman@gmail. com FOR SALE: Nexpro 2500 HDMI Satellite receiver for powered dishes Searches and locks on to any available satellite. Cost £168, brand new, never used, will sell for 100Eu. If not connected to a powered dish acts as a normal Satellite receiver. BussièrePoitevine area. €100.00 Tel Chris 05 55 68 08 42 Email: buryfrogman@ gmail.com FOR SALE: Baby Items Cot 66x125x96 bought from John Lewis, no mattress 20 euros. Bike chair for children Copilot 15 euros. Car chair 3 stage up to 8yrs old 15 euros. Contact for photos. 87400. Tel: 05 55 37 68 38 Email: daisthomas01@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Road line paint I have a 5 litre can of Dulux/ICI Road line paint in white which I no longer need. It is virtually full and in superb condition (just needs stirring which I will do before you use). This can currently cost about £105 in England for the full can (before transport). If you have car parking or road marking to do make me a crazy offer and save yourself an

absolute fortune. Full usage instructions available on the Dulux website. Tel: 05 55 60 43 96 Email: slee. christopher@orange.fr FOR SALE: Cuisinière Rosières Good working order. Near Confolens. €170.00ono Tel: 05 45 29 69 95 FOR SALE: Cast iron grills & flue liner 2 cast iron fancy grills 90cm x 32.5cm for a door, excellent condition 20 euros. 5 metres used flue liner size 20 cm diameter, good condition 50 euros. Tel: 05 55 76 09 82 Email: valhindmarch@ hotmail.fr

VEHICLES / PARTS FOR SALE: Tow a Van Box Trailer with roller shutter door Very good condition. Contact for more information. €750.00 Tel: 05 55 69 75 67 Email: rofesteven@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: 2001 Citroen Relay Diesel Tipper UK log book but

registered with DVLA as permanent export. To be sold as site vehicle, will tip 1 ton easily. A few small holes in

tipper body but in full working order. Offers. Bussière-Galant. Tel: 05 55 05 09 60 / 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: SWIFT CHALLENGER 2 BERTH CARAVAN FOR SPARES OR REPAIR Good aluminium chassis by Syspal Ltd. Overall length 6.25m. Overall width 2.13m. Interior ideal for camper conversion. Located in 03380. Please email for further information. €250.00 Email: haynes. peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Remorques Franc single axle 345kg road trailer 264m2, full electrics and cover in excellent condition. B u s s i è r e - G a l a n t . €425.00ono Tel: 07 50 44 76 27 FOR SALE: Hobby Prestige caravan model 560 UF 4 berth 2004 Length 7.5m,

width 2.5m, weight 1600 kg. Single axle, French registered, European sockets, right hand side entry door. Seating area, kitchen with gas hob, sink, LG microwave, Thetford refrigerator. Bedroom area with fixed twin beds. Chemical toilet/ shower cubicle. Motor mover, water heater, television aerial, new tyres. No water leaks or condensation. Good clean condition but slight surface damage on outside right hand side at rear and gas fire not working. Used regularly for touring but would also be suitable for static use. Near Azérables dept 23. €4,000.00 Email: amanda.tatt@gmail. com FOR SALE: Mercedes Benz SLK 280 2007, crashed 2010, 21,000

Mobile Home for Rent 8-person mobile home on the 4-star Bonne Anse Plage campsite at La Palmyre, 17570 Les Mathes Call Karen for prices and more information:

Email: lasout@live.com Tel: 09 66 03 52 89 km only, engine never revved over 3500, 7 speed autobox switchable to 6 gear manual, black leather, full Elec. pack, seats, CD changer, Radio etc, 3 alloys/tyres. Breaking for spares or whole car 2000Eu. Buyer removes/dismantles. Tel: Chris 05 55 68 08 42, mob 07 85 63 97 45 Email: buryfrogman@ gmail.com FOR SALE: Mercedes LHD C Class Esprit Estate Diesel which is suspected to have head gasket problem as taking water. Body work clean for age. Possible exchange for tractor attachements, ride on mower, child's motorbike e.g. pw80, or €500. Contact for photos. 87400. Tel: 05 55 37 68 38 Email: daisthomas01@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Rear seats for Renault Espace mark 2 and 3 Make me

a silly offer to clear. Tel: 05 55 60 43 96 Email: slee.christopher@ orange.fr

WHITE GOODS

FOR SALE: Chest freezer 750×650×850cm. Never been used. It cost €536 new and we will accept €220. €220.00 Tel: 05 55 70 99 61

WANTED WANTED: Perrusson Ecuisses S & L terracotta tiles 40cm

x 25cm. Please see photos. Please contact Peter by email. Email: haynes.peter@yahoo. co.uk WANTED: Small siton lawnmower with key ignition Coussac Bonneval (87500). Contact Kathryn. Email: gaia_girl@live. com WANTED: Rotavator Small petrol rotavator for home use. Based in Creuse (23). Tel: 05 55 51 19 67 WANTED: URGENT Isolated house to rent or buy. No near neighbours and no traffic. Consider anything in regions Centre or Limousin. Tel: 02 54 38 81 76

PERMANENT LETS

Argenton-sur-Creuse (36): 2 bed house with small private garden - €420 pcm Argenton-sur-Creuse (36): 1 bed small ground floor flat - €256 pcm St-Gaultier (36): 2 bed house with courtyard - €365 pcm Le Grand-Bourg (23): Small 1/2 bed house with garden at 20m - €295 pcm All in very good state of repairs, pets welcome. 1 month deposit.

06 73 37 45 01

18 ♦ LANGUAGE & GAMES

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

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

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

Crossword Clues and answers (page 30) in English

Across:

Down:

7. High level of proficience in spoken language (6) 8. Global cosmetics brand (6) 9. Coated in sugary paste (4) 10. List of signatures for or against (8) 11. Ceaseless (11) 14. Sceptic (11) 18. Ocean separating Australia from Antarctica (8) 19. South-Pacific Island (4) 20. Term used by South-Americans to describe a white man (6) 21. Hydrocarbon added to gasoline (6)

1. Extended mass of ice (7) 2. Unwanted garden plant (4) 3. Basic food item e.g. bread, rice, potato (6) 4. Delighted (6) 5. A false show of e.g. friendship (8) 6. City in northern Vietnam (5) 12. Giving off (8) 13. Host city of the 2008 Olympic Games (7) 15. From Brittany (6) 16. English Capital City (6) 17. Belongs to you (5) 19. French party (4)

SEARCHWORDOKU © - by Anthony Parson Complete the alphabetical Sudoku grid to the left using only the letters already shown, then use the result wordsearch grid to find: An alcoholic drink

How does it work...? Complete the Sudoku grid in the usual manner, using only the 9 letters already shown. Once complete, you will be left with a 9x9 wordsearch grid, in which to find the final piece of the puzzle. See the completed example to the right, the clue for which is "An English county". Be careful not to jump to conclusions, as with the letters available, the answer could be SURREY, SUSSEX, ESSEX, or as it turns out in this case... SOMERSET.

Solution on page 30

SUDOKU - EASY

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

The solutions to this month’s sudokus can be found on page 30

SUDOKU - HARD

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Animals & Pets Antiques/Brocantes Auto Services Building Services Architects/Surveyors Carpenters/Joiners Electricians Fosses Septiques General Groundworks Painters/Decorators

Animals & Pets

Plasterers Plumbers Roofing Sandblasting >> pg 19-20 Chimney Sweeps Computers/Satellites >> pg 20 Food & Drink >> pg 20 Garden Services >> pg 20 >> pg 20-22 Gifts & Crafts Handholding Services >> pg 22 Health & Beauty >> pg 22

>> pg 19 >> pg 19 >> pg 19

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

REGISTERED FARRIER MARECHAL FERRANT NOW TAKING ON NEW CLIENTS CHRIS SELWYN Dip WCF REGISTERED FARRIER ▪ OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE ▪ ALL DISCIPLINES AND REMEDIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN ▪ RELIABLE, HONEST SERVICE ▪ CONTACT TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND AREA ▪ BASED IN 87 BUT WILL TRAVEL ▪ REFERENCES AVAILABLE

TEL: 06 30 96 02 02

E: info@englishfarrierinfrance.com W: www.englishfarrierinfrance.com siret: 799 169 479 00018

NEW YEAR NEW CAREER! Dog Grooming Courses www.dog-grooming-course.net Siret: 499 234 615 00015

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Champlong Chatterie

Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats

>> pg 22 >> pg 22 >> pg 22-23 >> pg 23 >> pg 23 >> pg 23 >> pg 23-24 >> pg 24 >> pg 24 >> pg 24 >> pg 24

Valhalla dog holidays

House Clearance Insurance & Finance Language Services Pest Control Property Sales Retail & Commerce Transport/Removals /Storage General

Auto Services

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

leaberry24@yahoo.co.uk

RING BILL! Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad pg 21

JUNCT 22 off A20, Arnac la Poste

Alison & Ray

LCS 23 Autos

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

Car and Van Sales European Transport

champlongchatterie@me.com www.champlongchatterie.com

06 23 29 24 70 - see pg 17

SIRET: 520 896 671 00010

Cats and Dogs Boarding Kennels

Purpose built kennels - dept 16. 45 years animal care experience. Fully insured and vet approved. Individual kennels plus family pens. Walking off lead 4 times a day.

LA BRAUDERIE BROCANTE

Antiques and Junk Shop

Michael and Wendy Aldrich

Lovely French finds from the Limousin Open most days 4 La Brauderie, 23160 St-Germain-Beaupré

05 45 66 14 62

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

catsanddogs2009@hotmail.co.uk Siret: 494 030 919 00018

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

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

Mon - Sat: 9.00 - 7.00

Contact Dave Grant: 05 55 67 58 87

www.the-orchard.eu siret: 504 584 228 00010

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

>> pg 26 >> pg 26

Building Services Architects/ Surveyors

05 55 80 42 47

Antiques/ Brocantes

>> pg 25 >> pg 25 >> pg 25 >> pg 25 >> pg 25 >> pg 25-26

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

bennett63andrew@aol.com

06 17 49 11 72 siret: 815 114 772 00016

MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

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

+44 (0)1377 255470 +44 (0)7830 170761 motorptscharente@aol.com www.motorpartscharente.com

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? New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Septic tanks

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

Concrete

concrete ﬂoors, concrete terraces, concrete retaining walls, openings, underﬂoor heating, insulation, steps.

Renovation

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

trading 7 years

see our portfolio at www.LCE23.com

05.55.80.83.30

Building Services

registered and insured for all work we do

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Building Services

Architects/ Surveyors

RICS Chartered Surveyor

35+ years experience, fully insured - pre-purchase house surveys - digital floor plans - project monitoring

www.surveys-in-france.org

Tel: 06 43 86 73 27 CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

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

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

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

Building Services Carpenters/ Joiners

Electricians SALAMANDRE

électricité Keith SLOPER

Tel: 05 55 64 94 20 Mob: 07 86 38 09 61 * Qualified electrician * All types of electrical works carried out * Free estimates * Fault finding * Consuel certification arranged * Temporary and permanent EDF supplies arranged * Departments 23 and 87 No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Wood Work INSTALLATION23 SHUTTERS/DOORS, STAIRCASES, etc. MADE TO MEASURE

IN SOFTWOODS OR LOCAL HARD WOODS SIMPLE ORDERING / 10 DAY TURNAROUND Please explore our website for more info: www.scrollart.co.uk Oradour Sur Vayres (87150) - siren 752 051 482

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg2

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

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

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

ALBION BUILDING SURVEYORS

05 55 14 12 43

Pink Electrique

- Electricity - Plumbing - Air conditioning and heat pump - Small renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) Dutch and English spoken Creuse / Puy-de-Dôme E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

Mob. 06 40 56 96 12 Tel. 05 55 67 57 64 Siret: 753 054 030 00014

Lumiere Service et Energie Steven Rofe 20+ Years experience

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

BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

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

Tel: 09 72 35 74 73

Email: barwick.shaun@gmail.com

sales@LCE23.com

Building Services Fosses Septiques

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

General Builder For all your building requirements 14 years building in France Based north 87 / south 36

Mob (FR): 07 83 01 33 53 Email: teddyalfy@gmail.com siren: 477 961 940

LES VIDANGES LIMOUSINES ▪ Emptying septic tanks ▪ Unblocking pipes ▪ Cleaning wells ▪ Group rates available between neighbours Call David - 24/24 7/7

All Renovations and Constructions Roofs constructed & repaired Attic conversions & velux fitted Chimney repairs Kitchen & Bathroom fitting Tiling Dry Lining All work fully insured Free Quotation

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

Steve Johns

Fosse Septique Specialist

TEL : 05 55 69 24 82

E-mail : sdscouverture@gmail.com

20+ years experience All aspects covered:

Siret No: 524 866 621 00013

Paperwork and permissions arranged Installations (full/part) Upgrades (to current regs) Inspections

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Digger and dumper hire

Groundworks, foundations, driveways, etc.

Building & Renovation services Free devis and site visit

05.55.64.11.73

We guarantee to beat any like for like quote ! siret: 514 556 208 00015

Building Services

@iret: 794 282 368 00016

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Entreprise Burt

KWIKSTAGE Scaffold Hire DIY or Full Scaffold Service See our website or phone for details

05 55 89 69 46

General

www.entreprisehines.com robert.hines@orange.fr SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

Plant Sales

Mini diggers, backhoe loaders, site dumpers, etc. Groundworks, site clearance and gardening services Very competitive prices Delivered Call Ant: 05 55 05 09 60 Mob: 07 50 44 76 27 siret: en cours

La Coterie Entreprise Approved septic tank installer

05.55.80.83.30

www.lce23.com See our main ad above

Dave Cardwell - Builder

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad - pg 15

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

We also supply KWIKSTAGE scaffold for hire - either DIY or full scaffold service provided. siret: 503 169 237 00016

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 21

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Les Fromentaux - From Farm to Fork If you like delicious and carefully sourced local produce, we have some good news for you!

n the countryside outside Celon, near Argenton-sur-Creuse, you’ll find Les Fromentaux. Here, Sue and James Manning (originally from Shropshire) are farming 200 hectares with Limousin cattle, as well as sheep, chickens, ducks and geese. The Mannings are extremely proud of their farming methods, and take care of the animals in every respect. Sue explains “The system here is simple, we grow, harvest and feed what we have grown here on our farm - it really is ‘From Farm to Fork!’ We feed hay, silage, maize silage, straw, wheat, and protein pellets. We also plant feed in the field to grow turnips and forage rape. This allows

upvc-solutions uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories Available in white or oak woodgrain. Visit our website for more information.

www.upvc-solutions.webs.com email: muckalt@orange.fr siret: 503 133 159 00015

Paul Goldsmith Interior Renovations Registered for 8 years in France

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

e: lasout@live.com

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

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

• house/barn/garden clearances • dechetterie runs • rubbish removal • cash paid for scrap • general labouring service • mini digger - with/without driver • Vehicle with 1.5 tonne crane

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

us to continue to feed the cattle and sheep outside and these crops have very high protein content. The poultry need a high protein diet too, and they are outside in the day (ruining my garden!) most of the time, and shut in at night away from Mr Fox”. Last month the Mannings launched their new website www.earllesfromentaux.com with prices for all of the meat available direct from the new Farm Shop. Beef, veal and free range poultry is available to buy all year around, lamb from May, plus turkey and goose around Christmas. The cuts of lamb are fully prepared and ready to be frozen, and all meat can be vacuum packed. Sue has recently launched a catering service and offers a range of prepared meals, all using meat from the farm. The range includes a variety of pies and pastries, quiche, as well as sausage rolls, bacon, sausages and scotch eggs. If you are planning an event, she offers a flexible choice of menus, plus a large mobile oven that can be hired for outdoor events. If you are in the area of Saint-Marcel or

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 7

Masonry & More

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

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

28 years qualified experience

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

05 55 81 31 85 (contrôle technique)

SIRET: 494 617 798 00017

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

Celon, the Mannings attend the monthly markets (Saint-Marcel 1st Sunday, Celon 2nd Sunday) where you can ask them about their farm and also try some of their dry cured bacon, sausages and hams. You are welcome to call in at the farm anytime, but it is advisable to telephone beforehand. The Farm Shop is open Friday afternoons and all day Saturday. ■

24-36kg 4kg Rosbif, 500g Filet, 5kg Bifteck, 700g Rumsteck, 5kg Entrecôte, 5kg Bourguignon, 4kg Braisé, 6kg Pot au feu, 1kg Jarret

EARL Les Fromentaux 10 Route de Vilenne, 36200 Celon Telephone: 02 54 25 34 73 Email. contact@earllesfromentaux.com Online. www.earllesfromentaux.com

T J Renovations

Veal - 13.30€/kg

5-8kg 1kg Rôti, 2kg Escalopes, 1kg Côte, 2kg Blanquette

Lamb (May to November) Duck (1.5kg to 4.5kg) - 7.10€/kg Chicken (1.5kg to 3.5kg) - 6.90€/kg Bacon - 11€/kg Sausages - 8€/kg

Your advert here

30 years experience in building trade

Full refurbishments undertaken • Stone/Brickwork • Patios • Repointing • Studwork • General Repairs & Maintenance All areas in the Limousin covered Contact Tim

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 2

GODSON

Email: tjrenovations96@yahoo.fr

05 55 41 17 76

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

JONES ENTREPRISE

Stephen Cullinane & Son

French Lily

Siret: 750 068 116 00011

Carpenter Builder

From the foundations to the roof Established 9 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 9

email: jones23entreprise@orange.fr

Scaffolding Hire

Quality Workmanship Since 1986

Portfolio available to view at www.jonesentreprise.com

Jeff Jones: 05 55 62 46 21 Mob: 06 38 25 74 62

Steve Johns Assainissement

fosse-septique23.com

05.55.64.11.73 - see pg 11

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

06 42 73 83 37 siret: 795 207 067 00013

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Monte Sarginson Harlequin House Renovations Construction Developments Inside & Out & Property Services

La Noneix

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

All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken. Harlequin Developments are a Distributor and Installer for Solarventi, solar dehumidifying and ventilating products.

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

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

SIRET: 501 144 596 00019

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

Experience in Roofing, Tiling Floors & Walls, Plumbing, Fitting Kitchens & Bathrooms, Stonework & Rendering, Painting & Decorating

Tel: 05 55 63 88 70 Mob: 06 21 34 18 20 Siret no 507 516 748 00013

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE

no job too small - very competitive rates 30 Years’ Experience Joiner Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Flooring & General 2nd Fix Finishing, Joinery & Decking Emergency Lock Services Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 (Home) 07 87 38 58 88 (Mobile) mgchristie2013@gmail.com

Siret: 802 265 728

■ Services ■ Brakes ■ MOT Prep

12-18kg 2kg Rosbif, 350g Filet, 3kg Bifteck, 400g Rumsteck, 2kg Entrecôte, 2,5kg Bourguignon, 1,5kg Braisé, 3kg Pot au feu, 500g Jarret

siret: 810 322 123 00011

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Registered Car Mechanic

7-8kg 1kg Rosbif, 1.5kg Bifteck, 1 kg Entrecôte, 1.5kg Bourguignon, 500g Braisé, 1.5kg Pot au feu, 500g Jarret

web: www.builderinthecreuse.co.uk

05 55 61 93 07

RING BILL!

Limousin Beef - 10.90€/kg

05 55 61 16 30 / 06 85 37 04 35

General building Renovation & maintenance Reliable, good quality work 30 years exp Based central 23 - will travel Martin Sprague

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

Pricelist 2016

22 ♦ DIRECTORY

Building Services

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Double D

Building Services

Plumber/Electrician

Groundworks

Plasterers

High Ground Development

Chris

Installation, servicing & maintenance of all types of boiler: wood, gas, fuel, pellet... Solar panels installed and maintained. Underfloor heating, bathrooms, kitchens, etc... General electric works up to full house rewire. Will travel.

Benjamin Jourdan

Renovations & Home Improvements

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

General

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

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

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

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments

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

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

05 55 60 29 50 / 06 04 13 30 57 email: davis-davis@sfr.fr

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

Double D

sales@thebugle.eu Renovations & Home Improvements 05 55 41 17 76 05 55 65 00 29 - pg 15

www.maxhuggett.com

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

See Main Ad below

Property Maintenance Services

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

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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

m: 06 29 97 50 16 siret: 517 848 826 00023

Martin Walters

Plumber

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

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

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

Building Services

christopher.willis@orange.fr Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

GLEN VINEY

siret no: 495 067 829 00020

T: 05 55 69 37 64 M: 06 80 92 23 82

05.55.78.62.29

john.bonella@gmail.com

www.helplomberie.com e: benjaminjourdan@hotmail.com

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

Paul Jones Renovation

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

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

Mini-Digger with driver

the Plasterer

SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

• 10yr Décennale Assurance • Full house/barn renovation • Plasterboarding walls and ceilings • Tape and Jointing • Kitchen Installation • Roofing works • Carpentry • Patios/Decking

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance

see main ad - pg 7

Siret: 498 203 652 00017

Experienced and fully registered artisan, offering a high quality finish and service

Max Huggett

www.hgdev.co.uk andy@hgdev.co.uk

PLASTERER

Painters/ Decorators

Quality Plasterwork, Internal & External

CALL KATH Painting and Decorating

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

Tel 02 54 24 84 62 Siret 522 804 723 00016

Your advert here

Tel: 06 45 18 86 10

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

Interior and Exterior

Le Plâtrier du Limousin

Colour Consultations

The friendly & reliable plasterer

Room Re-designs Kathleen Willis

10 year guarantee. Covering depts. 23 & 87. Call Stuart on:

05 55 63 53 06

kathleen.willis@orange.fr siret 802 262 35200015

05 55 41 17 76

05 55 80 92 91

info@platrierlimousin.fr Siret: 534 396 908 00012

Simon Carter

Painter & Decorator

Building Services

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK experience, now based in Haute-Vienne. Specialist services: Interior & exterior painting & decorating, wallpapering, plastering. FREE QUOTES

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

Building Services Roofing MUMFORD TOITURE

Plumbers H20 CREUSE

Heating & Plumbing engineer

05 55 63 89 23 see pg 8

Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

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

06 78 60 96 16

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

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

with Driver for Hire

Landscaping, ditching, land clearance etc. Also general Garden Maintenance John Bonella

87440 Marval

05 55 78 62 29

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

john.bonella@gmail.com

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 23

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Le Viaduc Bar-Restaurant Le Bourg, 87250 Folles

Menu du Jour - 4 courses + wine for €12.90 Full à la carte menu - locally brewed beers - regular events Opening times - Tue-Sun: 10h-14h30. Wed-Thu 18h-21h. Fri-Sun: 18h-22h. Closed Mon & Tue evening.

www.le-viaduc-bar-folles.com

Chimney Sweeps

PMC BATIMENT Roofing Specialists

www.pmcbatiment.fr see main ad below

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

libre.antenne87@gmail.com Fast dependable service Based Séreilhac (87)

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

siret: 353 613 227 00035

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

Mob: 06 42 38 54 22 Tel: 02 54 30 11 20

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72

Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr siret: 509 180 410 00011

Siren: 502 409 949

TOUTE SWEEP

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Chimney Sweep Service

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

Building Services

Contact Barry Manning

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

barry@toutesweep.com

Sandblasting

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

Sand and Blast

Computers & Satellites

SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

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:

Creusetec

Your advert here

Satellite Systems

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience.

ZIN

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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Food & Drink

I specialise in designing and building professional websites for individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Prices start at only €249

for a personal website including free domain name and first year hosting. Call Stuart now on 06 37 82 56 67 to discuss your requirements. www.lhommedelecosse.com stuart@lhommedelecosse.com mobile: 06 37 82 56 67 Siret: 79470615000016

GOODWIN SATELLITE

Le Champsac

B&B Restaurant Bar Tabac & Salle des Fêtes

Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr

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

TOOWAY BROADBAND Approved Supplier

05 55 09 15 73

siret no 798 364 600 00014

Mobile Curry Take Away For menus and venues:

www.mandyscurry2go.com Follow us on facebook e : mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

m : 07 70 39 12 23

Parties 20+ & events catered for siret: 498 199 306 00016

Petticoat Lane 5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99 Visit: www.petticoatlaneshop.com E-mail: sales@petticoatlaneshop.com English groceries, Fresh British Beef & Steaks (to order only), Gammon Steak, Bacon, Sausage & Cheddar Cheese. Wide range of frozen items including vegetarian. Traditional English beers, Sherries & Wine. Cards for all occasions. Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am – 6pm

Try Something Different

Chez Jacques

www.lechampsac.com

Marsac (23) • Cosy atmosphere • Speciality Crêpes • Large burger menu • Around 50 single malt whiskeys • Selection of bottled British ales • Book corner, pool table • Fish & chip night (2nd Fri each month) • Curry nights

12, Rue des Fontaines, 87230 Champsac

closed Wednesdays

good food! good company! good night out! open all year regular events private parties

Dept 23 & surrounding areas

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 23 40 18 64

Mandys-curry-2-go

Visit us and compare our prices

SALES & INSTALLATION OF ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS & AERIALS. FAULT FINDING.

martin@creusetec.com http://www.creusetec.com pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr www.pmcbatiment.fr

05 55 41 17 76

WordPress Business Solutions and Website Designs

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

CONTACT : PAUL CHARLESWORTH TEL : 06 28 28 04 63

Your advert here

L'homme de l'ecosse

05 55 66 60 21

SIRET: 510 117 328 00011

leviaduc-bar-folles@hotmail.fr

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

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

05 55 41 17 76

see main ad - pg 12

UK & French Satellite TV

SIRET: 812 727 253 00013

05 55 78 72 98

Formerly Electrosat

bobby@sandandblast.com steve@sandandblast.com

Y TR

www.bigdishsat.com

Sat-Elec

www.sandandblast.com

TI-

Big Dish Satellite

siret: 453 067 910 00019

05 55 76 31 59 / 06 77 40 95 92

For all your TV and satellite installations and repairs (Sky TV, Internet etc.) Call Patrice:

06.79.07.91.56

Eurl Réno-Gén

S MO

05 55 10 96 03

lechampsac@orange.fr

LES CERISIERS

Restaurant/Tea Room Brocante/Crafting Items Re-opens Easter Weekend Fri 25, Sat 26, Sun 27 & Mon 28, 11 - 6pm Thereafter: Wed - Sun, 11 - 6pm We now have BOOKS, BOOKS and more BOOKS...!! Novels, Cookery, Gardening etc., etc. 33 Rte Nationale, 36300 Ciron email: lescerisiers36@gmail.com

05 87 40 02 83

British Corner Shop

British food, delivered worldwide www.britishcornershop.co.uk see main ad - pg 4

Le Viaduc - Bar/Restaurant

www.le-viaduc-bar-folles.com Le Bourg, 87250 Folles see main advert above

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

Wanted Experienced shopfitters Experienced shopfitters required for installs all across France.

Home Chef Traiteur

www.traiteur-limousin.com

Joiners, electricians and labourers also required.

Cocktails

thierry-le-costoec@traiteur-limousin.com

Email: contact@reactive-resource.com

Event Catering

La Saunière (23000) 07 71 61 95 49

24 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk

Food & Drink

BEEF and LAMB

Le Creusois

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

Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

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

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Restaurant du soir by reservation. Our menu changes monthly. Special occasions and parties welcome. Fish and chips and mushy peas €11,50 the last Friday of each month. For more information:

Sue and Rob Manning

GARDEN SERVICES Paul Brown

All gardening work: Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge Trimming General Maintenance

EARL Les Fromentaux

Tel: 02 54 25 34 73

10 Route de Vilenne, 36200 Celon

Dept 23 & Surrounding Areas

Tel: 05 55 89 57 40 brownpaul006@gmail.com Siret: 483 059 242 00030

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

see main ad above

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

sales@thebugle.eu

• Tree Surgery • Garden Clearance • Strimming • Pruning

05 55 41 17 76

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

Garden Services

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com 2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix.

T.A.D. 23 (Travaux d'Accès Difficiles) All aspects of garden maintenance

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

Gifts & Crafts

Restaurant AUX CEPES LA veytiZoU, 87130

Tel: 05 55 69 33 38 see main ad - pg 7

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

05 55 41 17 76

26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Artisan art for your garden

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com www.atelierdartdujardin.net

siret: 530 840 958 00017

Handholding Services

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

05 55 62 50 38 Mon Chic Cottage Le Dorat, 87210

Tel: 05 87 77 95 59 Rent sales space for your crafts Paint workshops NEW Little Greene Paint Company high quality wallpaper & paints Jacket Potatoes, Cream Teas & Home-Made Cakes www.monchiccottage.com Tue-Fri 10h-16h / Sun 10h-13h

The Exchange Rochechouart

SECOND HAND BOOK SHOP. GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS, CARDS, CANDLES AND HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS 500+ DVD's now in stock

Jonathan Critchley jcritch.7@gmail.com siret: 792 285 025 00013

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05.55.89.15.74 - pg 15

Holla!

It's our business to shout about yours

www.hollainfrance.com see main ad below

Health & Beauty

Tue 2.30pm - 5pm Thu, Fri 9:15-12 & 2:30-5pm Sat 9 - 12

05 55 78 19 24

www.theexchangerochechouart.com 9 rue Dr Charles Poitevin SIRET 484 479 480 00010

Sherrie et Steve Jardiniers

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker

All general

Gardening Undertaken

Your advert here

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

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

'ROUSSIS MAID'

M: 06 58 72 03 43

APRONS HAND-CRAFTED CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Siret No: 811 161 835 00001

Quality product at affordable prices. Customized, if required, especially for you. Available blank or with either English or French greetings.

E: sherrieetstevejardiniers@gmail.com

La Jardinerie St-Léger-Magnazeix 05 55 68 73 76 - see pg 13

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

Tel: 06 86 89 81 02 siret 528 539 448

Très Jolie

Ladies fashion accessories Mail order available or ﬁnd me at a local market

(see Notice Board for more details) Paula Robinson Granulés du Limousin

05 55 78 62 29 06 04 08 29 53

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

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

Tel: 05.55.80.29.88 Les Bregères, 23150 St-Martial-le-Mont alison.petley@wanadoo.fr

Très Jolie

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

Foot clinic for your chiropody needs 4 km from Auzances 10 years private practice in UK

07 71 18 01 39 tina56790@gmail.com siret: 801 941 022 00015

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

DIRECTORY ♦ 25

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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-

House Clearance

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

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth management advisers

- if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■ Units start from €630 TTC. Several ex-demonstration models available at reduced prices, call for details.

Pest Control

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

HiFX

Beaux Villages Immobilier www.beauxvillages.com

Freephone: 08 05 69 23 23

www.hifx.co.uk debarrasser87 www.ferraille87.com see main ad - pg 15

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Insurance & Finance

Language Services

see main ad - pg 7

on Internet Central France Houses www.housesoninternet.com Pest Control +31 (0)1 15 82 35 53 Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com Email: info@applicateur3d.com Curative and preventative

Ecole de Langue 86, Rue Nationale, 36400 La Châtre

All your language needs under one roof!

02 54 31 12 55

www.ecole-de-langue.net

TONY FARRELL INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

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

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

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

Cendrillon - Bourganeuf Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 3

Leggett Immobilier

La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental

05 53 56 62 54

SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

Property Sales

www.leggettfrance.com see main ad - pg 14

Agence Marche Limousin Bilingual Estate Agency www.ieafrance.com see main ad - pg 16

Retail & Commerce

Sympathetic French Tuition

Tel: 09 73 13 62 10

See our Display Ad - pg 3

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

Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE - Speaking and Understanding for life in France - Relaxed but purposeful - Confidence-building Free taster class (3hrs) Funding possible if in/seeking work

Agence Newton

www.agencenewton.com 00 33 (0)5 55 27 51 14 see main ad - pg 9

International money transfer

House Clearance Specialists

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

Email: homer.jennifer@gmail.com 87120 Eymoutiers

French lessons & handholding services 05.55.89.15.74 - pg 15

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Kitchens France

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

£9,995

CALL 0044 1424 853 764 www.ParkHolidays.com/beauportsales

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

All our spas are manufactured to the highest standards & have full manufacturers warranty. These spas have relatively low power requirements & are very economical. Prices start from €3,750. Models seat 2 to 7 people. For more information on our range check out our website:

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

Deadline for all advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month's edition. sales@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 French Lily

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

Chez Amanda Depot Vente des Vêtements

HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE UK

Sophie Arsac

Limousin Spas

Finest quality bespoke kitchens

www.kitchensfrance.com see main ad - pg 2

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com 05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 6

Dress agency and gallery, specialising in designer and high quality pre-owned clothes for women and children, together with accessories, footwear, jewellery, gift items, and hand made furniture. 8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

26 ♦ DIRECTORY

DSD Removals & Storage

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

www.buggscarhire.com see pg 12

The Removal Experts France ↔ UK

Moulin de Tintin Furniture, interiors & gifts

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

with 13.5 m Load capacity 3

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

+44 (0)1274 724 545

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

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

Central France Storage

Eco Entrepot Get down The Shed

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 8

vendéepools

www.vendeepools.com 06 31 17 25 60 see main ad - pg 5

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Transport, Removals & Storage

International Removals see main ad - pg 13

Email: lasout@live.com siret: 494 123 847 00019

Man & Van Transport

UK: 0333 022 0359 FR: 05 55 71 73 87

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

Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

www.transitionremovals.com see main ad - pg 9

ToftyTransport LWB HITOP TRANSIT 10m

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

09 82 12 69 73 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

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

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

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15 Siret : 532 526 001 00013

Cash paid for scrap

LCS 23 Autos

All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

or see our ad - pg 17

siret 532 981 198 00015

European Vehicle Transport Visit: www.lcs23.com

E.P.S.

Easy Parking & Storage Secure indoor/outdoor parking and furniture storage facilities. Based in St-Junien, just 20 mins from Limoges. Competitive rates. Park, drop off and pick up service to Limoges airport.

Mob: 06 40 19 07 36 Tel: 09 86 27 14 14

Tel: 05 55 37 45 35 Mob: 06 74 21 47 71

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

Email: info@easy-park-storage.com Web: www.easy-park-storage.com

05 55 41 17 76

General

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

The Man With A Van

tel Steve: 05 55 64 83 58 mob: 07 80 38 56 63 siret 518 323 357 00013

Removals

Siret 530 213 644 00012

email: tofty55@hotmail.com

Bourganeuf (23400)

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 24

www.frenchvanman.eu

+ BOX TRAILER 4.5m3 + CAR TRANSPORTER TRAILER FOR CARS, TRACTORS, MINI DIGGERS, DUMPERS, CARAVANS, BOATS UP TO 5 MTRS SPAIN/PORTUGAL/HOLLAND/GERMANY/UK

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk

Tel: 09 66 03 52 89

Please call Mick for further info

LOCAL OR LONG DISTANCE

Watson European

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

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

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

MICHAELS MOVERS UK ↔ France ↔ UK

MAN + VAN Peugeot Boxer

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

Siret No : 523 955 151 00015

Retail & Commerce

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

BAGGED FIREWOOD T: 06 74 66 45 26

E: boisensac@orange.fr see main ad - pg 15

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

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

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

6-Month Contract €84

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€14/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€18.75/month)

€112.50 €126

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€21/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€28/month)

€168

12-Month Contract €134.40

(€11.20/month)

€180

(€15/month)

€201.60

(€16.80/month)

€268.80

(€22.40/month)

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

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

30 words max

COMMUNITY ♦ 27

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Mon Chic Cottage

NEW Premises at 21 Place Charles de Gaulle, Le Dorat Home Decor & Gifts Tea, coffee & home-made scones / cakes Official Stockist & Workshop for Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan & Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Decorative Paint Workshops To learn the basis of using Chalk Paint™ & ask questions, join us on a workshop. All materials included. To book contact Jay. Opening hours: Tue-Fri, 10h-16h & Sun, 10h-13h. Workshops on Mon by appointment only.

05 87 77 95 59

info@monchiccottage.com www.monchiccottage.com

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

2km from Chénérailles & the Château Villemonteix

The Salon de Thé will be open for the Summer from Easter Sunday Restaurant du soir by reservation. Fish and chips and mushy peas 11,50 euros the last Friday of each month.

Bugle Notice Board Aigurande

New @ Le Pub - SUNDAY BRUNCH

Here is a huge thank you to all our wonderful and loyal customers for all your support over seven wonderful years. You have made JJ's a huge part of our lives and Jon and I give you all our heartfelt thanks for making those years so memorable and filled with joy and laughter. We are still in the area, but on the other side of the counter! Once again thank you for everything and our very best wishes to you all.

Jon and Jacky

tres.jolie1@orange.fr

LCS23 Autos

We are now making weekly runs to and from the UK with our LWB van, car trailer and car transporter. If you need anything transporting, from cars, vans, motorbikes and tractors through to household items and DIY goods, get in touch for more information.

www.lcs23.com

05 55 80 34 52 / 06 23 29 24 70

lechampsac@orange.fr www.lechampsac.com 05 55 78 53 50

Sunday 6th & 20th March – Panazol

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

05 55 78 62 29 / 06 04 08 29 53

Sunday 20 March - 11am to 4pm Indoor Easter and Spring Fair

This month we will be at the following market:

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Mail order available, email for more details. Most items now stocked at the 'Coeur et Etoile', St-Mathieu

Come and join us at Le Champsac and try something off our regular bar menu. We would like to tempt you to... homemade curries, large menu available, served with all the trimmings; our speciality French menu; or one of our popular burgers; maybe the pasta menu... and loads more to choose from, available all day everyday.

Petticoat Lane

sales@petticoatlaneshop.com http://www.petticoatlaneshop.com/

Items arriving daily, please see my facebook page 'Tres Jolie Milhaguet' to see what's new.

12 rue des Fontaines, Champsac 87230

For more information, please contact:

e-mail: lepub@orange.fr tel: 06 73 37 45 01

Every Wednesday - Piégut Market

Le Champsac

Don't forget to check out our website for up-to-date information

Now in stock Easter eggs plus Mother’s Day cards (UK - 6th March)

Fashion Accessories Where to find me this month:

jonathanpiddock@orange.fr

For those of you who still haven't heard, with great regret, we have sold JJ's due to health and family commitments. We wish the lovely new owners Frank, Anna, Vicky and Roy every success in their new venture.

Bucks Fizz, a Full English & coffee ... all for just €10 !!

Très Jolie

05 55 83 02 77 \ 06 30 90 58 90

To all our wonderful customers Chez JJ's Cafe Bar

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

Le Pub

"Official Transporter of The Bugle" Now offering monthly return UK trips Based Nr Aubusson, Dept. 23

JJ’s Café Bar

For more information

58, rue d’Orjon, Argenton-sur-Creuse

MAN + VAN

Roussis Maid

Find us at the following weekly markets: Piégut (Wednesdays - from 9th March) Brantôme (Fridays - from end of March) and at the following monthly markets: Chasseneuil - 22nd March Aigre - 2nd April For further details or to order cards, please e-mail: ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

Managing Editor: Editor-in-Chief: Registered Address:

Steve Martindale Steve Martindale Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois

SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Monthly circulation: 14,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

Mandys-curry-2-go www.mandyscurry2go.com Dates for the coming month

Weather permitting see updates on Website & Facebook Gouzon, Chilled orders only! 3.30pm, (place de l'Eglise) - Wednesday 2nd Boussac, (place de l'Hôtel de Ville) - Wednesday 2nd (6pm) Aubusson, (place Maurice Dayras) - Thursday 3rd (6pm) Le Grand-Bourg, (place du marché) - Friday 4th (5.45pm-7.15pm only) Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 4th (from 8.15pm) Bourganeuf, (place Martin Nadaud) - Wednesday 9th (5.45pm) Peyrat-le-Château, (place du Champ de Foire) - Thursday 10th (5.45pm) Dun-le-Palestel, Venue now finished, but you can order chilled collection, please contact us for details. Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 19th (5.30pm)

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

Directeur: Rédacteur-en-chef: Siège:

Steve Martindale Steve Martindale Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois

SIRET: Imprimé par:

514 989 748 00017 Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac

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

28 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities Noah's Ark Noah’s Ark is a French registered charity run by Cindy and Lauren Maasik who have spent the last five years rescuing animals and caring for them on their farm near Saint-Mathieu. A warm welcome awaits you at their shop and tea rooms in Rochechouart, with home-made cakes, tarts, and quiches followed by plenty of tea or coffee. For more info visit www.noahsark.fr or Facebook: Noah's Ark Tea Rooms and Brocante, 6, Rue de Poitevin, Rochechuart. Open Tues - Sat 10h-17h. Tel: 05 87 41 26 16. Farm visits for animal adoption are welcome at La Ferme, Les Dognons, 87440 Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire. Tel: 05 55 70 64 76. Email info@noahsark. com Phoenix Association Phoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the everincreasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France. Phoenix does not have a 'rescue centre' as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South-West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate. Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fund-raising and donations to cover the very high re-homing and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www. phoenixasso.com and www.facebook. com/PhoenixAssociationFrance Church Notices Anglican Holy Communion Services are now being conducted by Rev Robert Leone at 2:30 pm on the 1st Sunday of each month at the French Protestant Church, Place du Temple, Thiat (87) near Le Dorat (87) and Montmorillon (86) until the Anglican church is ready for use. For more information email: revrobertleone@gmail.com Monthly Worship in English If your journey of life has brought you here to France, why neglect your journey of faith? We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3pm. Where? At the Temple in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – we are part of the Parish of the Basse-Marche of the Eglise Protestante Unie de France. The Temple is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/ coffee and cake – and a chance to chat. If you want to know more contact Rev Derek Lawson on 05 55 68 53 03 or Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86. English-speaking church services Guéret Come as you are... This is an invitation to join us at our CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service you are welcome at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Eglise Evangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Guéret, 23000. We welcome all who want to join a group of English-speaking Christians for a time of worship and learning together. Children are very welcome. For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott.james@neuf.fr or Ian & Becky Jefferies on 05 55 61 10 23 / email ians. puffin@gmail.com Christians together in Limousin La

Souterraine Area We hold a time of fellowship and Bible study every Tuesday afternoon. Barbara and Cedric look forward to welcoming you. Tel: 05 55 71 09 04 The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet midway between Crozant and Eguzon. Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am. Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62 Fitness & Fun Drawing and painting classes At Saint-Junien with the CAPCC (art club). All levels welcome, every Monday and Thursday, English and French spoken, friendly atmosphere, materials provided by the club. 45€ / half-term. Contact: lindsaycox@club-internet.fr for brochure with full details. Keepfit (Bonjour La Forme) Held at Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs in the Salle Polyvalente: Mon evening at 19.45-20.45 for cardiac and muscle exercises; Thurs afternoon at 15.0016.00 for gentle exersises. All are welcome to join us. Contact Jeanette 09 62 58 49 03 (Eng) or Catherine 05 55 66 67 30 (Fr) for more info. Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong classes organised by the ACAMIES (association culturelle d'arts martiaux internes et d'exercices de santé). Wed: Jarnages, 18h30-20h, Salle Polyvalente. Thu: Bétête, 19h-20h30, Domaine de Tournessac. Individual classes, courses, massage & treatments also available. Contact: 06 48 00 02 07 http://acamies.e-monsite.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks! Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit. Our “monitrice” is English and will happily provide bilingual instructions. We meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Pontarion Town Hall, for a one-hour workout. Come for a free trial, or call 05 55 64 98 87 or 06 32 42 95 68 for more details. Indoor Bowling at Oradour-surVayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play. If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it - it's free. If you require further information or directions to our venue please contact me - Email: OradourBowling@gmx.com or telephone: 05 55 08 41 75 Zumba! Regular zumba classes across depts 36, 18 & northern 23. For more info tel 06 58 37 17 04 - email evezumba36@ gmail.com and for details of classes visit www.zumbazumba.fr Indoor Short-mat Bowling at Cussac 87150....and now Outdoor too! As the premier bowls club in the HauteVienne, we are going from strength to strength with members seeking us out and travelling great distances to continue their love of bowls or simply to 'try us out'. Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game, just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears! We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can

be played. Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl! Our regular sessions indoors are Wednesday evening at 8pm and Thursday Mornings at 10am. Outdoor sessions will be arranged as the spring arrives so keep in touch. Serious bowlers and beginners are welcome club bowls are available for use. For further information contact cussacbowlsclub@gmail.com or telephone 05 55 78 66 45. Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www.spaequilibre.yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson. Chinese gym 17h-18h15 & 18h1519h30 and karate 19h30-21h. For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53 Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and a half. For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20. Gym Bien-être Would you like to be more supple? Come to our gym class on Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am, where we do gentle exercises to help all our muscles and joints. The classes are held in Rochechouart in the Capitole building, upstairs. Our group is part of a National Federation of Gymnastics. For information contact Pauline at pauline.maskell@sfr.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other likeminded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www.dechencholing.org Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Getting out in the garden is one of life's pleasures for many people and there's a lot of satisfaction in seeing seeds and plants thrive and grow under your care. Our Association has a different, garden related topic each month and you are very welcome to come and join us in learning more about growing plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees in this region. We also have visits to other gardens and an Annual Show in September. We meet on the third Thursday of each month (excl Feb) in the Mairie at St-Amand-le-Petit (between Eymoutiers and Peyrat-leChâteau). Meetings start at 2.30 pm and visit timings will be advised. For more information contact Carolyn or Antonia at pjlimousin@gmail.com http://jardiniers-du-limousin.webs.com Agenda for 2016: 17 March - Slide Show on the flowers of the Scilly Isles and Cornwall; 15 April - Container gardening; 19 May - Herbs for health; 16 June - Visit to Chamberet arboreteum; 21 July - Gardening by the moon and how to produce your own seed; 18 August - Summer lunch – venue to be advised; 04 September - SUNDAY 4th Annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Annual Show; 20 October - AGM followed by All about Pumpkins; 17 November - Visit to Moulin Got, paper manufacturers; 15 December - Gardeners' Question Time and Christmas Party.

Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac. We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. This year the President is Véronique Granet and the Vice President is Michelle Pierce. For further information contact Michelle on 05 45 89 36 54 / unjardinenfrance@ gmail.com Agenda for 2016: 14/03 Gardens for kids; 11/04 Making bouquets; 09/05 Decorative veg gardens; 13/06 Berries; 11/07 Taking cuttings; 12/09 Saffron; 10/10 Helpful tips; 14/11 Forest gardens; 12/12 AGM. Aux Plantes, etc. We are an association of independent, ethically-minded and passionate plant producers. Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It’s not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you! Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants. For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or visit: www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Les Jardins de Sirius Based in Pressignac, Charente, we are a small association of people who are keen on gardening. As well as finding plants an endless source of interest, we believe that the simple fact of gardening has numerous positive benefits for health, stress, social interaction - in other words, our daily lives - and we’d like to encourage this aspect. We run flower workshops on the first Saturday afternoon of the month. If you’d like to get involved, have more info on the association or become a member, please contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@ gmail.com Integration Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-sur-Gartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community. The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, when various activities take place, all aimed at promoting a friendly and welcoming ambiance. Through these activities, which include visits, talks, entertainment and much more, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle. For more details or to join please contact the President, Bernadette Ruffenach, on 05 55 76 11 19. Les Franglais de Banize (23120) French and English people meet every Wednesday at 2-3 pm in the mairie in Banize to share English and French language and lots of laughter. We all learn from each other, in both languages and about aspects of both cultures. In general the English try to speak in French and vice versa. As far as possible! The meetings have been going on for seven years now but new arrivals are always welcome. For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60. Connect87 CONNECT is a group for English speakers of any nationality in the area of St-Yrieix-la-Perche. Our Objective is to help people make friends and

exchange information. We hold fun events and a Monthly Coffee Morning on the First Friday of every month at Espace Ferraud, rue du Docteur Lemoyne, St-Yrieix-la-Perche. We are a non profit making group and we are run by volunteers, there are no membership fees. For Further information visit our website www.connect87.info or contact Nikki Evans at nikkifleurie@ gmail.com or on 05 53 55 09 83. French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/Haute-Vienne border. We are accompanied by a retired French schoolteacher and a current French teacher of English. Discussion is informal, loosely based on everyday topics, including some grammar plus general discussion. We need a few more people to help keep it vibrant and to cater for inevitable absences. The only cost is yearly membership of the local Association, about €20, which brings with it other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Peter Metcalfe at petergmet@ gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-leChâteau Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-leChâteau and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters. We will also do our best to help you with practical matters such as language problems, payment of bills, hiring workmen, etc. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-lechateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@ orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-le-Château Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-laPerche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Held at five different levels, all with the same native French teacher, so it is easy to move from one class to another if you feel out of place. Level 1 (beginners) - Mon 10h30-12h; Level 2 - Thur 10h30-12h; Level 3 Tue 10h30-12h; Level 4 - Sat 10h-12h; Level 5 (top) - Weds 14h30-16h30. All courses are held in Familles Rurales' premises at 1 rue de la Piscine (former swimming pool), 87500 StYrieix-la-Perche. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, or Mark GRIEVES (English-speaking president) tel 06 76 64 89 94 will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. International Apero Reseau Due to unforeseen circumstances we no longer meet at Les Picards, Aubusson. Meetings are continuing Saturdays 11.30 am at various cafes in Aubusson. Due to the ambulant nature of our meetings, should you like to join us, please contact Catherine on 06 86 17 80 88 or email Jan at jansenior@ yahoo.co.uk for location updates. We continue to meet to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers. We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages. Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We are a friendly club based in Rochechouart and our aim is to promote good relations amongst

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the local French-speaking and Englishspeaking community. We offer courses of tuition in English and French as well as organising social and cultural events including visits to places of interest. For further information please visit our website www.learningtogether.moonfruit. com, email us at learningtogether87@ gmail.com or telephone our President Alan Bretman on 05 55 49 08 75. We look forward to hearing from you. The Melting Pot Members of the Ambassador's Club of the Welcome en Limousin Association. We are a group of around 70 members, both French and British, who meet with the aim of sharing things and trying to integrate with the French community. We meet every week at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac, on a Wednesday morning from 10am 12noon, except for the first Wednesday, when we meet in the evening at 8pm. We hold information meetings, plant swaps, BBQ's, games nights, visits and have guest speakers about topics relevant to living in France. Contact: www.meltingpot-limousin.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) CLE is a not-for-profit organisation whose members form a valuable resource for the exchange of news, views, ideas and information. We lobby and work with key organisations to help protect our members' best interests, particularly when Government or other proposals threaten to impact the well-being of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year, plus social activities including coach trips, activity days and charity events. Our special interest groups include a Fishing Group, a Pudding Club and Gourmet Club which holds regular lunches at some of the region's better restaurants where we negotiate set menus a cut above the typical 'plat du jour' but still reasonably priced – all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Tel: Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 Libraries & Books Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisillesur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of second-hand books (both English and French) from 9am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac. All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-sur-Briance and St-Méard RPI). La Souterraine English Library and Information Centre Located in the historic Porte de Puy Charraud, at 10 rue de Portail, La Souterraine, we are a lively, well-stocked English language library with almost 10,000 books and media available to borrow. We have an attractive cafe which serves tea, coffee and a range of homemade cakes. There is also a regularly changing display of works by local artists and an interesting brocante area on the ground floor. The Library offers classes in French for English speakers with a professional teacher and also organises Anglo-French conversation groups in association with the Municipal Library in La Souterraine. There are also a number of thriving special interest groups, such as the Gardening Group, Camera Club, Friendship Group, etc. We also provide support & assistance in bureaucratic and administrative matters for both existing British residents as well as newcomers to the area. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most welcome. We are open from 09.30 until 12.30, Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat. For more info tel 05 55 89 57 62 during opening hours or visit www. englishlibrary.fr The English Library, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 5 yrs, is situated in the Route des Rateries, beside the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee, whilst you browse through our collection of around 7,500 books, DVDs and talking books. Our opening hours are Thursdays, 10h00 – 16h00 and Saturdays 10h00 – 12h30. Also, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10h00 – 12h00, you are invited to join us

for our Club Franglais, which welcomes people from all nationalities, to chat in French, English or any language you wish(!) whilst enjoying a cup of tea, and a piece of home-made cake. We host a range of other activities too, including the Café Philo, and Club Scrabble. More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www. ententecordiale-creuse.org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo.com Music “Le Jeudi Meta Blues” Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 4th Thursday of the month, from 19h30 to 22h at “La Petite Charrue” pub, Le Bournazeau, ChâteauChervix (87). All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around blues, folk and rock, in French AND in English, or who might like to jam a little, are welcome. Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34. Music Club Boussac The venue of the Club de Musique & Music in Boussac "open mic" night has changed. We welcome musicians of all levels and styles, spectators and all music lovers to join us for an evening of musical entertainment and fun at L'Origan restaurant, 34 rue Vincent, Boussac 23600 from 20h until midnight on the last Saturday of each month. A PA system will be available. For only 8€ Christophe, the chef and proprietor, will be offering a special formule of Fish & Chips or a small pizza of choice from a Reine, Campagnarde, 4 fromages or Creusoise plus a drink. His normal extensive menu is also available. Food will be served until 22h. For more info please email Dave and Bev at gemsandcrystalsmail@gmail.com or phone 05 55 65 19 24 or Rosie and Mervyn 05 55 65 70 06 mervynjw@aol.com. We look forward to greeting you all at this new venue. Open Mic Night If you like music and have ever fancied getting up and having a go, why not come along to our Open Mic Night at “Le Loch Ness” in La Souterraine town centre every Friday around 8.30pm. L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52 The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit

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

Cancer Support France Charente Plus - AGM Tuesday 22nd March at 10.30am at 2 rue Sénéchal, 16350 Champagne-Mouton For further details please contact Kate: csfcharenteplus@gmail.com Offers free and confidential support to English speakers affected by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86. Our helpline number is 06 45 35 32 30. If you need any more information, please get in touch via csf.charenteplus@gmail.com Cancer Support Haute-Vienne

Cancer Support Haute-Vienne AGM Wednesday 2nd March at 2.30 pm at the Salle Polyvalente in Videix (next to the Mairie) All are welcome!

making. We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave. lee@cegetel.net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr

We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87) and Creuse (23). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, csfhv@frangle.fr or visit www. cshautevienne.org

Luna – 7-year-old mixed breed (probably boxer x) girl DOB 6/12/08 – 53cm tall to her withers. Luna was emaciated, neglected, frightened and had the most enormous mammary tumour when she decided to seek help by jumping into the car of Angela Halliwell who has saved Luna's life! Once she was fit enough her tumour was removed and she was sterilised at the same time. The biopsy showed a mild cancer and, as it cannot be certain that it has been contained, there is a slight chance it could come back, or not, therefore it's impossible to say what her life expectancy is, but there is a strong chance of at least a few more good years. Luna is intelligent (obviously), beautiful, courageous and, against all odds, soft, gentle and loving too. She adores cuddles and will be a loyal and loving friend. She can be a little nervous around new people or situations and still cowers at a raised voice or sudden movement. She struggles to deal with excitement and is also, understandably, a little possessive around food. However she is improving all the time and is now learning how to play! Luna pulls a little on the lead but that is probably because she has not been been on one before. She is good in the car and obedient, her recall in the garden is excellent. She appears to be okay with cats, sensible children and adult dogs (at least males) and is vaccinated and microchipped. Luna will be a Phoenix “Sanctuary” dog. This means that although her new owners will be expected to pay for normal expenses, food, flea/tick/worming treatments, vaccinations, all other veterinary expenses will be paid for by Phoenix. Luna has been through enough misery to last a lifetime! What she needs now is that special family willing to work with her rehabilitation to give her the happy, loving future she so truly deserves. She is already learning that humans CAN be trusted and for every ounce of love you show her she will pay you back a thousandfold! If you are interested, please contact Angela on 09 82 12 29 92 or at angelahalliwell@btinternet.com For more photos and Luna's page you can go to For the love of Luna on Facebook. www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

We rely on you to help us keep these pages up to date, so please do inform us of any changes to clubs and associations that you run or are members of. Many thanks!!

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Bessines-Accueil

Bessines-sur-Gartempe (87250) Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-sur-Gartempe (87250) which was founded some years ago to welcome new arrivals to both the town and the surrounding region and to assist them with integration. The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-surGartempe, when various activities take place, all aimed at promoting a friendly and welcoming ambiance. These range from simple get-togethers playing board games and chatting to full day visits and include: - The preparation and tasting of typical French and international dishes; - Discovery of the local heritage, natural and manmade, both through visits and through illustrated talks given by members of the group and visiting speakers; - Visits to local companies, public agencies, local artisans; - Participation in local cultural, economic and tourist activities in conjunction with the commune and canton; - A monthly ‘rando promenade’, a guided walk in the beautiful local countryside visiting places of interest and illustrated by stories about the places being visited; - The twice yearly ‘Frip’ Folies’ – a second-hand clothes market which takes place in March and October; - And much more! Through these activities, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle. For more details or to join please contact the President, Bernadette Ruffenach, on 05 55 76 11 19.

French Briefs Experience an eclectic cocktail of whimsical writing from assorted authors, a diligent digest of diverse dissertations, serving to stimulate your senses and to hearten your humour. French Briefs, a selection of short stories, is the product of passion and perseverance by a gregarious group of workaholic writers, broadly based in a rural region of legendary Limousin. Professionals, part-timers and pretenders have conspired by contributing their tempting tales to provide printed pleasure and literary levity. A book at bedtime, tales for travellers or a commuter's companion, French Briefs is an adventurous anthology of scintillating short stories amassed by aspiring authors. Aware that I am a member of La Souterraine Writers’ Group, people often ask about the purpose of our monthly meetings. The easy answer would be to state that the group’s members aim to improve their writing skills. However, such a vague objective is difficult to measure; one’s judgement can often be subjective. Individuals within the group will have different aims dependant upon their experience. The purpose, therefore, is to provide a platform where members may follow a path to suit their specific needs, offering advice and support by challenging each other’s level of expertise. The group consists of published authors, novice authors and prospective authors, all intent on sharing and learning new skills to whatever level they aspire. In March 2015, the group embarked on a project that would stretch their combined skills to new heights: the publication of an anthology of short stories and extracts. Every member of the group would not only contribute entries but also learn editing and proofreading skills. The resulting six months commitment became a painful but rewarding experience that, with the support of Signature Proof Publishing, culminated in the production of ‘French Briefs’. In the book’s preface, our chief editor, Peter Thomson describes the trials and tribulations we endured throughout the process. The result is a book consisting of twenty-eight stories, including: A Football Fiasco in France, Cold-war Spies, Prophetic Dragonflies, Vikings Pillaging on Hackney Wick, A Shipwrecked Goose, Churchill Reciting Poetry, The Man who Found God in the Limousin, Romantic Reflections with Popular Music, The Meaning of Life on a Park Bench and many others. - James R. Vance Copies signed by the authors are available from: Bonbonscadeaux, Magnac-Laval; La Couronne d'Oradour, Oradour-Saint-Genest; Mon Chic Cottage, Le Dorat; or from Amazon.com/ .fr/ .co.uk

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La Souterraine Horticultural Show The La Souterraine English Library's Gardening Group is looking to hold a horticultural show in July, provisionally Sunday 17th. We plan to have sections for vegetables and flowers but there will also be sections for baking, preserves, painting, handicrafts and photography. To register interest or to request more information please email lasout.hortshow@mail.com

Annual Fund-raiser in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind School in Landouge, Limoges After the huge success last year's Annual Fund-raiser to raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind School in Landouge, a 6th Fund-raiser will be held on Sunday 12th June. The venue once again will be in our large garden come rain or shine, at 17 avenue du 8 Mai 1945, 87150 Oradour-Sur-Vayres. For further information or if anyone has any saleable items they would like to donate to this very worthy cause please contact Roger and Christine Thomas on 05 55 78 83 05.

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Ostensions 2016

WHAT’S ON ♦ 31

owns across the region are preparing to celebrate the Limousin septennial ostensions, religious and cultural processions and celebrations which take place every seven years in 20 communes across the region: 15 in Haute-Vienne, 2 in both the Creuse and Charente and 1 in the Vienne department. The tradition dates back to the year 994, when a terrible epidemic ravaged the area, which was so bad in and around Limoges that the inhabitants were convinced it was a punishment from God. They decided to invoke God by using the relics of Saint-Martial, the patron saint of Limoges, who is said to have saved the people of Limoges many times before. On 12th November they organized a procession on Mount Gaudi, also called “Mount of Joy” and thus the Ostensions were born. They became septennial in 1512. The 2016 Ostensions will be the 72nd edition. They are an important part of Limousin traditions and are registered on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 2013. The modern-day Ostensions contain elements of folklore, local heritage and even tourism, whilst also retaining a strong religious focus. The events are a huge tourist draw across the Haute-Vienne and surrounding areas, where towns taking part will be heavily decorated with banners and flags ahead of the festivities. Events are planned throughout the year and more information can be found at local tourist offices or via www.tourismelimousin.com. The towns celebrating the 2016 Ostensions are: Abzac, Aixe-sur-Vienne, Aureil, Chaptelat, Charroux, Crocq, Esse, Eymoutiers, Guéret, Javerdat, Limoges, Le Dorat, Nexon, PierreBuffière, Rochechouart, Saint-Junien, Saint-Just-le-Martel, Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, SaintVicturnien and Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche.

Fri 25th to Sun 27th Mar LIMOGES Limoges Salsa Carnival The programme is composed of an opening night with shows on the Friday evening, two days of workshops, with the customary traditional costume party and concert on the Saturday evening. Centre Culturel Municipal John Lennon, rue de Feytiat, 87000 Limoges Tel: 05 55 06 24 83 For more info visit www.carnaval-salsa.com Mon 27th Mar to Sun 15th May ROCHECHOUART OSTENSIONS ROCHECHOUART 2016 Don’t miss this seven yearly event which is thought to be the biggest tourist attraction in the region. The celebrations began in 1512, originally as an expression of faith, and have developed into a series of events over two months (they will take place from 28th March to 15th May in 2016). These include a series of concerts and processions in a beautifully decorated Rochechouart, finishing with a procession in medieval costume through the streets. Don't miss the opening concert on 27th March at 21h at the Eglise Saint Sauveur by "Les Trompettes de Lyon". If you would like to know more, contact the Tourist Board on 05 55 03 72 73 or visit the website ostensions. rochechouart.fr If you would like to take part in the costumed procession on 15th May contact pauline.maskell@sfr. fr Sat 2nd Apr SAINT-SÉBASTIEN Line Dance Workshop Followed by an evening of good food and line dancing. Led by Alison (who runs classes in Creuse and Haute-Vienne) the class will learn a variety of dances including perhaps waltz, samba, cha cha cha, charleston and other more modern dances. Starts at 2.30pm with the Workshop until 6pm. Meal at 7pm and evening dance. Salle des Fêtes, St-Sébastien 23160 Creuse. Workshop fee 5 euros (including light refreshments); meal 10 euros (pâté de pommes de terre, salade verte, fromage, crème anglaise avec gâteau creusois, café). Organised by La Retraite Sportive de St Sébastien. Reservations by 30th March to Maggie tel 05 55 63 83 28. Sun 10th Apr Limousin History Mystery Tour Cancer Support Haute-Vienne Fundraising event: Starting in St-Junien at 10.30 am, you will be driving, with a little gentle walking, around some of the lessvisited parts of Haute-Vienne in the area between St-Junien, Bellac and Limoges. Your powers of observation will be tested, finishing with a bring and share picnic at an undisclosed location. Pre-booking is essential, as places are limited. €10

per car. For further details email treasurehunthv@gmail.com

For more information visit http://lesprintanieres. wordpress.com/

Sun 24th Apr MORTEMART 7th Fête des Plantes Flower Show organised by the association “Découverte du Patrimoine Paysager et Botanique” at the Château des Ducs, Mortemart (87). At the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France, on a site that still belongs to one of the oldest and most illustrious French families, the Rochechouart-Mortemarts, this event, eagerly awaited by garden lovers and collectors of rare plants, attracts around 40 exhibitors from all over France, including growers and collectors who will present and sell their specialties: roses, trees and shrubs, grasses, clematis, perennials, bio vegetable plants, seeds, saffron, aquatic and aromatic plants... Also present will be specialists in gardening and decoration with nesting boxes and feeders, baskets, a gardening brocante, books and postcards on the theme of nature, a walking stick maker, natural fertilizers and various associations concerned with nature. 9h-19h. Entry: €3; free for children. (No animals please) Refreshments available. For further information tel 05 55 32 24 79 or email adppb@arbres-remarquables.org

Sat 14th May SAINT-SÉBASTIEN Concert with Louis Baudel Singing songs made famous by Jean Ferrat and Serge Reggiani - both renowned singers and poets. This will be an evening not to be missed! Salle des Fêtes, St-Sébastien 23160 Creuse. Tickets 12 euros. Organised by La Retraite Sportive de St Sébastien. Reservations by 10th May to Maggie tel 05 55 63 83 28.

Sun 8th May SAINT-LÉGER-BRIDEREIX 7ème Fête de la nature et du jardin

Organised each spring by garden and nature enthusiasts this year's Les Printanières Garden and Nature Festival will include: sale of plants, seeds, vegetables, herbs; troc jardin; artisanal stands (sculptor, wood turner, basket maker); produce market (bio bread, cheese, apple juice, medicinal plants, chocolate, wine); exhibitions; workshops; conderences; demonstrations; children's area... Last year welcomed 90 exhibitors and 3,500 visitors! All day. Free entry. This year's theme is "Dans l'air, dans l'eau, dans le sol, dans nos assiettes...." and considers the impact of the increasing use of pesticides.

3rd edition of this Nordic cinema festival 24th February to 8th March at the Ciné-Bourse, St-Junien The films are shown in their original language, subtitled in French. Tickets: €6.80. To view the full programme visit www.la-megisserie.fr or http://cine-bourse.cine.allocine.fr As part of the festival there will be Nordic walking on Saturday 5th March. Departs from La Mégisserie at 15h. Following the success of last year, there will be a free introduction for beginners (poles provided) for this small easy hike. With white gløgg as you arrive at the Ciné-bourse at 17h30. Film at 18h: Natür Therapy (Out of Nature) is a 2014 Norwegian comedy film written, directed by and starring Ole Giæver.

32 ♦ WHAT’S ON Sat 9th Jan to Sun 13th Mar Les Bistrots d’Hiver 2016 The Bistrots d'Hiver are back to liven up winter Sundays in and around the Plateau de Millevaches. Organised by the association Pays'Sage this season sees a diverse programme including French song, blues, Celtic music, jazz, flamenco... and more! There is something for everyone!! Concerts take place in auberges and cafes across the region and take the form of an apero-tchatche (debate on something topical or related to the territory) before lunch and an afternoon concert. For full details and to download the programme visit http:// www.payssage.net/ Sat 27th to Sun 28th Feb BOUSSAC Craft Fair Craft fair (650 m2 of exhibition space) selling supplies for all types of creation: wool, lace, material (for dressmaking/ patchwork/ bags...), scrapbooking, pergamano (parchment craft), encaustic art, wooden buttons, pearls for jewellery making (including natural pearls), patchwork, embroidery, plaster moulds, pixelhobby and much more!! More information (including photos of our exhibitors) can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/creationsdefeesboussac or tel 06 50 66 77 48 (English spoken) email pucesboussac@gmail.com 10 am - 6 pm, Salle polyvalente, 26 bis ave d'Auvergne, Boussac (23). Free entry. Tea room (English and French cakes and beverages). Fri 4th to Sun 6th Mar Yoga retreat Weekend yoga workshop at Château Ligoure, 17km south of Limoges. All inclusive, all levels welcome. €250. Includes lodging, meals, 5 classes of yoga, 3 classes meditation, good times. For more info tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit http://amovingspa.wix.com/trouvetonchien Sun 6th Mar MAGNAC-LAVAL Ronnie Caryl (Phil Collins' guitar player) in MagnacLaval Ronnie Caryl will pay tribute to all the great names

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

in blues and rock like Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Joe Cocker, Sting/The Police, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Oasis, while also doing his own very personal renditions of songs by Phil Collins or Genesis.

Ronnie Caryl started off as a professional musician with the group Flaming Youth with his friend and musical partner Phil Collins, who soon joined Genesis. In 1996, Ronnie became an official member of Phil Collins' group as vocalist and rhythm-guitar player. These years were marked by an intense musical activity with a variety of concerts in different countries and album recordings with artists like David Hentschel, Eugene Wallace, Michel Polnareff, Lulu, Stephen Bishop and, of course, his friend Phil Collins. During this period, he performed with some of the biggest rock stars in the world, like Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Tina Turner, Lulu, Maggie Bell, John Otway and others. Up to now, he has produced two solo albums, "Leave A Light On" and "One Step At A Time" . Information and Bookings: Concert will take place in Salle des Spectacles, place de la République, 87190 Magnac–Laval (opposite the Escapade English restaurant). Doors open at 4pm - Concert will start at 4.30pm. Ticket price: €13. Free for Under 18s.

Bookings by phone (05 55 76 70 15) or by email cazalibus@orange.fr Sat 12th Mar BOUSSAC AIPB Spring Concert The first event organised by the AIPB (Amitiés Internationales du pays de Boussac) in 2016 will be a spring concert to be held on Saturday 12th March in association with Les Troubadours, who will provide the sound and lighting. Starting at 21h in the salle polyvalente, BOUSSAC (23600) the concert will feature 2 popular groups: PressPlay (local pop, rock funk soul group) plus Can Art Maniak (rock group, worthy winners of Battle of the Bands 2015) from Guéret. Entrance price on the door is only €5 and there will be a bar available throughout the evening. We really look forward to giving you a warm welcome and remember that all profits for this event will be donated to charity. For more info please contact mervynjw@aol. com, see our website: www.aipbboussac.fr or Facebook page: Amitiés Internationales du pays de Boussac. Sun 13th Mar LIMOGES Carnival

Get out your costumes! The city of Limoges has been organising its carnival every March since 1998. A continuous effort has allowed the creation of unique floats, matched by top quality musical entertainment. The growing reputation of the Limoges Carnival has opened up the event to national and foreign musical troupes. A fantastic day out to enjoy with friends or family. Departs 15h from the Champ de Juillet. ...continued on pg 31