The Bugle Dordogne - Mar 2016 by The Bugle

Open Gardens goes from strength to strength From just four gardens in 2013, Open Gardens is on course to have 150 this year, raising €25,000 >> Page 6 for local charities.

Dordogne March 2016 - Issue #33

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.

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

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

INSIDE > > > NEWS - Cyrano de Bergerac is back

A local enthusiast has launched a project to develop the Cyrano myth into a point of reference for locals, visitors and tourists. >> 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

The Bugle Business Directory

Tesco has announced that it will now only be selling straight croissants... to increase ‘spreadability’ >> Page 10

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

3 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 17-19

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

o it is finally official. A f t e r 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.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

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 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! Elsewhere it was nice to see a bit of positive news about the housing market. Whilst prices may not exactly be be going up, nor are they going down and the number of sales has increased dramatically nationwide. There are many, many properties for sale still in rural France, 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 Martindale, Editor

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INSIDE this edition 3-6 Local News 7-12 National News 13-14 French Life 15 Bilingual 16 Games 17-19 Directory 20 Community 21-24 What’s On

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Cyrano de Bergerac rides again Big Souk sunk?

new project to celebrate an iconic figure has been launched in the Dordogne town he helped make famous. The name of Bergerac is known world-wide for many reasons: as a fine-wine production area, an English TV detective, a Ryanair destination, a lovely Dordogne city, but perhaps mainly for the character of Cyrano de Bergerac. And his nose! A local literary enthusiast has created a project for developing the Cyrano myth into a point of reference for visitors, tourists and serious students of literature. The real Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac lived through the first half of the 17th century. He came from a prosperous family, studied in Paris, served in the military, fought in the battle of Arras, developed a reputation for drinking and gambling and became a playwright and writer. He wrote a wide range of works, including one about a rocket-powered trip to the moon, one of the world’s first science fiction stories! Modern acquaintance with Cyrano, however, is usually through the play, Cyrano de Bergerac, written by Edmond Rostand in 1897. Based on a fanciful idea of Cyrano’s life, its central theme is how Cyrano uses his superior command of language to woo his beautiful cousin, Roxanne, on behalf of a less gifted friend. In modern times, Roxanne, too, has also become something of an iconic name, thanks to the eponymous song, innumerable UK nightclubs and the Steve Martin film staring Daryl Hannah. It is this richness of associations that motivated local

Bergeracoise, Pascale Pilet des Jardins, to have a vision of a theme park dedicated to the real man and his times, as well as Edmond Rostand who created the myth. In collaboration with the owner of the château at Ressègue, she plans to use 20 hectares of the site, declaring it to be the perfect location: “There are little dells, woodland, springs and 5 original buildings,” she explained. She has involved a professional specialist theme-site developer with experience that includes the Aquarium and Le Bournat in Le Bugue, as well as successful projects in the Limousin. “It’s a good project”, said Pascale. “It has everything to make it a hugely attractive scheme for investors, for the local tourist industry and we hope to attract funding from the regional council.” The project, under its working name “Chez Cyrano”, is being studied by the local council in Ginestet. Pascale will surely echo Rostand’s words: “Je ne veux que voir la Victoire” - I only want to see Victory. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

ne Dordogne town is divided between its music and its money. This may be a bit of an over-simplification but Ribérac remains wracked by a wrangle over the chopped council subsidy for a music event that has become an important tradition, Le Grand Souk. Le Grand Souk is an immensely popular annual 3-day summer event in the Dordogne town. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the 25 plus bands, the star appearances and that special Glastonbury-style festival experience. Le Grand Souk has been backed since its founding by the town council, but the axe may have fallen on that very support after a cut of almost €50,000 was recently proposed. At the Centre Culturel Jane Poupelet, the arts centre itself was wrapped in a black shroud for last month’s meeting. The 250 attendees pledged their support for the Souk, but were upset to learn of the management team’s decision to throw in the towel. The meeting went on to discuss the implications for the 35-year-old event. Speakers underlined the advantages of Le Souk: the town gains prestige; its traders benefit from the thousands of visitors; the inhabitants enjoy world-class musical entertainment; it enlivens the town; it enhances the entire region’s tourism and it creates jobs. Amid the despair and anger, plans are emerging to seek other backers and another venue. Suggestions include plumping for a smaller, Souk-Lite type of event or relocating to, say, the lake at La Jemaye in the Dordogne’s Forêt de la Double. Whatever the format and the venue, however, it must be decided upon quickly to allow this year’s event to go ahead. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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Bijou lending library Classic choral programme in the Dordogne

The “Publishers Weekly”, the key mag of the book trade reported in 2015 that paper books are outselling ebooks. The Guardian newspaper also recently reported on a university study showing that paper readers absorbed and enjoyed more than ebook users. Readers should note that The Bugle is available in both formats and can therefore remain impartial! Mairi’s life-long romance with literature has given her a wide knowledge of popular fiction and she is happy to advise undecided readers on new authors. Her library opens every Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 3.30 pm, aiming to be open for Piégut market-day shoppers and readers tooling up for the weekend. Mairi is preparing a special launch-day welcome for new and existing borrowers on Wednesday 16th March with snacks, nibbles, drinks and books, books, books. Membership costs €15 per year, €25 for an entire family, €10 for under 18s. For that, members may take up to 5 books every 3 weeks. To get to the newest bibliothèque in the south-west, go through St-Barthélemyde-Bussière (24360), past the Presbytère restaurant, out the other side and watch for signs on the left to the library at Rebeyrat. For more information email library24360@gmail.com / tel 05 53 56 49 28. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

Ribérac choir, still glowing from its New York concert triumph in 2015, is preparing an extra special concert for the Dordogne. The Variations Vocal Ensemble will be offering two rare opportunities to see and hear major choral works with a full, professional orchestra. At the very beginning of next month, on April 1st and April 2nd, the choir will perform two much loved pieces, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Mozart’s Requiem. Both double-baroque concerts will be accompanied by a Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Jenkins, with soloist soprano Helen Davies, contralto Jo Merry, tenor Russell Painter and bass James Fisher. The Vocal Ensemble is part of the Variations organisation celebrated across the Dordogne for its quality entertainment from music hall to serious operatic work. Based in the little town of Villetoureix, close to Ribérac, Variations combines the talents of French and British singers, musicians and performers. Last summer, the Vocal Ensemble performed two works by Fauré and Duruflé to rapturous acclaim in the famous Carnegie Hall in New York. The July 2015 New York Concert Review was effusive about the performances of both works. The review notes, “the audi-

n English language lending library is being launched in the Dordogne this March. Mairi Bruschi has created a bijou library next to her house in Rebeyrat, Saint-Barthélemy, near Piégut-Pluviers. Located in the north of the Dordogne the new facility aims to offer a wide range of popular paper and hardbacks to library members. Mairi, born in Scotland, previously lived in Stevenage where she worked as secretary and administrator in a primary school. Like many expat Brits she and her family began their love affair with the Dordogne through their holiday home and made the breakout from the UK in 2007. Mairi’s husband, a roofer by trade, has restored an outbuilding to house her literary dream; her many hundreds of books were collected by family members in the UK and have been lovingly collected in prime condition in the tiny stone-built library. For the catalogue, Mairi decided that the Dewey system would not serve as well as plain alphabetical, author categorization. “Readers mainly work from the basis of who wrote the book, rather than the subject or title,” Mairi explained to The Bugle. “In a pre-launch tryout, readers declared that the alphabet layout works best. We have fiction and non-fiction. Favourite authors include Lee Childs, John le Carré, Stephen King and the like. Plenty of crime, thrillers, historical fiction, sci-fi, and classics... it’s not all chick lit! We try to fill a demand for books based on TV series and films, although no-one has asked to borrow War and Peace… yet!” The library has a vast children’s section and Mairi’s next project will be to open a library of board games and to develop a collection depot for donators to the Twilight old dogs home.

ence responded with a standing ovation… outstanding... a truly superior performance”. Musical director, Alison Chew, recently told The Bugle: “We aim for perfection and work hard to attain it. Variations are proud to be able to present these magnificent works in the Dordogne, and at accessible prices.” Vivaldi’s Gloria is a slightly mysterious work as it once disappeared from sight for over 200 years. A modern version was created in 1939 and the real, original score remained unheard until 1957. Vivaldi wrote this uplifting part of the Mass for girl singers of an orphanage in Venice and it is loved today for its soaring, joyful melodies, charming solos and magnificent opportunities for choral excellence. Mozart’s Requiem, in direct contrast, is dark and brooding. Mozart did not survive to complete it, dying in 1791 and

an unseemly wrangle arose to obtain his widow’s payment from the man who commissioned it. One of Mozart’s own pupils put the finishing touches to what turned out to be Mozart’s own requiem, thus ensuring that Constanza Mozart was paid. It is highly emotional and moving and flows from storming wrath and fear of the end of life, to gentle, soft passages that bring a lump to the throat. Variations have created a powerful concert programme and tickets are expected to sell rapidly, especially at these low rates: Adults €15; 12-16s €5; Under 12s free. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe 1st April: Périgueux - Église St Georges at 8 pm. 2nd April: Ribérac – Église Notre Dame de la Paix at 8 pm. Information and bookings: Tel 05 53 91 53 52 / Email: clare32pag@gmail.com

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

FBCCI - Support for Dordogne start-ups

resurgence of support for new expat businesses has begun with an outreach campaign to entrepreneurs struggling with the regulations, the paperwork, the taxes and contributions, and especially, the French language! The Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is forging new initiatives to confront these issues, aiming to provide the right kind of ad-

vice and support to non-French owned small businesses. The FBCCI, based in Paris, has been in existence for over 100 years and the Dordogne now has its own Anglofriendly, English-speaking, agency based in CoulounieixChamiers, Périgueux. The driving force of this Dordogne business support is Roger Haigh, a long-time Dordogne expat resident and business guru working as part of

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the Chambre de Commence et d’Industrie. Roger gave The Bugle an outline of the problems faced by small businesses: “Setting up a business in a foreign country is a far bigger challenge than back home in the UK or the Netherlands. The enterprise regulations are very different, there are unexpected layers of tax and contributions, bookkeeping, insurance issues, ownership, access to finance, and so on. It’s made a lot harder by being in a foreign language. Our aim is to provide, in English, the right kind of advice and practical assistance with all this.” A Chamber of Commerce in the UK is often thought of as a rather cosy club of big businessmen with cigars and little to offer a struggling new enterprise. According to Roger, the FBCCI couldn’t be more different. Its aim is to develop and support all businesses and new start-ups run by English speakers, be they British, Dutch, Danish or any other nationality. Roger gave one example of a recent Dordogne initiative: “The Chambre de Métiers used to be a real nightmare for expats trying to set up in business. People complained they were having to pay to sit on a course without understanding a word of it and then sit an exam in French! It was no way to create a successful start. Since last October we have put this process into English and there

Roger Haigh (L) and John Beynon (R) - credit: Brian Hinchcliffe is no extra charge on top of the previous €90. We, in the Dordogne, are proud that we are one of a rare handful of Chambres offering this in France. Last year we helped 170 businesses to get registration.” After the initial registration process, the FBCCI will keep members up to date with the ever changing regulations, deadlines and opportunities for small businesses. Members no longer have to rely on rumours, dodgy advice on blog sites and things heard in the local bar. Roger Haigh underlined to The Bugle the fact that the FBCCI is a one-stop shop for support but is in no way any kind of snout for any taxation or contribution agency. All CCIs have the remit of supporting and developing businesses for

the good of the national and local economy; the Franco-British does this and rather more... and in English. He added, “If you missed the Brantôme seminar at the end of February and couldn’t make the Eymet seminar on 3rd March at 6 pm, anyone setting up or running a small business can get in touch direct at roger. haigh@francobritishchamber. com or by contacting local liaison delegate, John Beynon, at jobelix@wanadoo.fr. Business is our business. Check out what we can do for you on the CCI website: www.dordogne. cci.fr. It has a full Englishlanguage section and links to topical English pages, and an online guide with the joky title of F.R.O.G.” ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

6 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Open Gardens - gardening and giving in partnership

by Mick Moat dins Ouverts project was born. Just 2 years pen Gardens/Jardins Ouverts later, 75 gardens in 13 départements took is now in its fourth year. For part by “opening their garden gates” at difthose people who are unaware ferent times during the year and raised over of the concept, this is a project €13,000. Not all of this money came from which encourages owners to annual subscriptions; additional income was open their garden to members of the public also raised from the sale of refreshments and/ who pay an annual subscription (currently or plants, although this is entirely at the own€10) which entitles them to visit as many of er’s discretion. the gardens as they wish throughout the year. The main beneficiary since we started has A large proportion of funds raised are then been an association based in Chamonix and donated to French charitable organisations, run by the first French woman to summit the rest is retained for the running of the asEverest. This organisation is called approprisociation. ately A Chacun son Everest and runs activi If the idea sounds familiar, it is probably ties for children suffering with, or in remisbecause you will already have heard of the sion from, cancer and we made a donation of National Garden Scheme which has been €5,250 to this charity in 2015. This will conrunning successfully in the UK since 1927 tinue to be our principle beneficiary for the and has raised many millions for charitable foreseeable future but, due to the unexpected purposes. What you may not know is that rise in income last year, we were also able to there is no similar scheme in France, which make 4 other donations totalling €2,500. is a great shame – there are few nicer ways to And so to 2016: this year we hope to doupass a day than by viewing beautiful gardens ble the number of gardens to 150 and raise in the knowledge that you are also contribut€25,000. We also fully expect that the scheme ing to charitable causes. 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 Actually, it would be more accurate to say may have (see contact details below). that there was no such scheme, because a If this doesn’t appeal, how about opening trial in 2013 organised by 4 gardeners living your garden on 1 or more days a year. The in the Creuse opened their garden for 1 day pleasure of doing so is enormous and visiand raised €300 and the Open Gardens/Jar-

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

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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>> continued from pg 1 the circumflex (^) accent at school as the hateau on château (the pointy little 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-

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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-

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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! ■

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

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

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. ■

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

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Murderer of abusive French work more husband receives overtime than anybody presidential pardon

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 December 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 self-defence. In French law, for an act to be considered selfdefence, 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-year-old 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 reinstated 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”. ■

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hen people poke fun 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 35-hour 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

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emptions 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 35-hour 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 35-hour week. The former Rothschild banker introduced a wideranging package of reforms in 2015, known as the loi Macron, aimed at kickstarting the economy.■

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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average of 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, “Ex-

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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.

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 to open a second venue was refused. He

Man sells Restaurant owner bans bankers bakery for one euro

“The easiest 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. ■

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

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French beer best in world 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, includ-

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 awardwinning beers at his farm near Geneva in eastern France, where he has been 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.” ■

ing 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. ■

France24 - French Connections

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

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FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

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In the garden - jobs for March

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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.

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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

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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.

by Michelle Pierce

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, mustards, 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 picking 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.

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A look at the wines of Bergerac

e are fortunate in the Bergerac that our local wines are not well known in the international market. That means more is available for us and the prices we pay in this region are significantly lower than those for the betterknown wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy. But it is sad for our local wine makers who deserve to be far better and more widely known. It is not an easy life with a great deal of hard work, steep labour costs and they are constantly at the mercy of variable weather. Although we would all hate to see Bergerac becoming fashionable in China, with prices shooting up and château after château being bought by investors from Shanghai (which has happened in Bordeaux, with less than happy results), our Bergerac vignerons deserve to have access to wider markets. I travel a great deal, for pleasure and for book tours, and I always look out for Bergerac wines in foreign countries. In Britain I can find the outstanding local wines like Château

by Martin Walker

Tiregand at some specialist wine shops, like Spirited Wines on the Fulham Road in London. And since Muriel Chatel was born and raised in the Bergerac, her Borough Wines chain in London offers a lovely white from La Tour des Vents. In the chain stores I can find Bergerac wine at Majestic, usually Clos d’Yvigne. Waitrose sells a generic wine called La Chandelle, a red made from Merlot grapes and a white from Sauvignon Blanc. Both are very pleasant wines and good value. Sainsbury offers a Grande Réserve Bergerac white for a very reasonable GBP 5.50, made from a highly agreeable semillion-sauvignon blend. Marks and Spencer is the outstanding exception. They sell the splendid Château de la Jaubertie white wine for ten quid a bottle, the delightful Primo de Conti and Clos d’Yvigne and Château Mayne de Beauregard for a little more. (There is usually a discount of 20% when you buy a case of twelve bottles). Unless I’m driving back to Britain with wine in the boot, it’s M&S I visit to feed my Bergerac

addiction. Château Feely in Saussignac also has a Europe-wide delivery service. Now that the wines of Duras are linked to Bergerac, the Château du Grand Mayne deserves a mention not for its very good wines but for its marketing, with deliveries to the UK and their arrangement with Franglais wine store in Calais for people to order in advance and pick up cases before crossing to Britain. But Bergerac is hardly wellknown in the British market, where it is overwhelmed by the well-organised marketing of Australian, South African and South American producers. One major reason for this is that the big supermarkets tend to buy in large quantities (and to drive a very hard bargain on price) and very few Bergerac vineyards can supply thousands of bottles while also serving their traditional customers in France. In the US, I have found only Château Bélingard at the nationwide Total wine chain, and it is only available in a handful of stores. Trader Joe’s, a chain of up-market food and wine,

stocks no Bergerac. My favourite wine store in Washington, where we lived for many years, Calvert and Woodley, stocks the excellent Montravel, Château Puy Servain, for just under $10. It is also stocked by the splendid Wine House of San Francisco. Puy Servain is owned by Daniel Hecquet, a tireless marketer of his own wines who visits Hong Kong and China every year and has built a decent trade there. And when the travelling Lascaux cave exhibition was launched in Chicago three years ago, his very special wine, named Sorge, was served at the celebration dinner. He only makes it in years of particularly fine vintages. In Germany, thanks to the tireless efforts and annual sales trips of the owner, Jean-Marie Huré, you can find Château Tourmentine in several specialist wine stores. It is the wine that German bookstores usually serve when I do readings. And I always enjoy doing a reading at the excellent Topaz restaurant in Bremen. The owner, Catherine Holle, has a house near Bergerac and knows the wines

of the region very well indeed. Her wine list is a treasure. In short, it is usually the personal connections and drive of individual vineyards that count, reinforced by the hard work of the team at Vins de Bergerac who do their best with a budget that’s just a fraction of the 12 million euros budget that Australian wine spent on marketing in 2013. We produce around 400,000 hectolitres of wine in the Bergerac each year, which is more than fifty million bottles. I suppose we could drink it all ourselves but it would be good for everyone if we could share it more widely. ■ Martin Walker, author of the best-selling ‘Bruno, chief of police’ novels, is a Grand Consul de la Vinée de Bergerac. Formerly a journalist, he spent 25 years as foreign correspondent for The Guardian and then became editor-in-chief of United Press International. He and his wife Julia have had a home in the Périgord since 1999 and one of his great hobbies is visiting the vineyards of Bergerac.

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 assurancevie 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 assurancevie. Many UK advisers do not have the necessary in-depth and up-todate 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

SIRET 502 409 212 00011 – APE 8559B

LEARNING FRENCH VIA INTERNET

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

TRANSLATION SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE

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

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 17 th 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 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 17 th? 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. However, this legend is probably a metaphor for driving the pagans out of Ireland and converting them to Christianity - snakes were often associated with pagan worship. In fact, there have probably never been any snakes in Ireland! ■

Bilingual Crossword Clues in English - answers in French

Across:

5. cockerel(3) 6. garbage(7) 8. meal(5) 9. keys(5) 11. divorced(7) 14. dresses(5) 15. pen(5) 17. jobs(7) 18. friend(3)

aint Patrick est le saint patron de l’Irlande. Les Irlandais célèbrent la Saint Patrick tous les 17 mars, dans le monde entier. C’est un jour férié à la fois en République d’Irlande et en Irlande du Nord. 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.

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

Down:

1. cheeks(5) 2. meadow(3) 3. advertising(9) 4. eggs(5) 7. chickenpox(9) 10. floor(3) 12. apple(5) 13. lead(5) 16. lily(3)

Bilingual crossword solution can be found on page 22 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! ■

16 ♦ LANGUAGE & GAMES

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

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France, UK and Europe - €16 per year

Email us for more details - subscriptions24@thebugle.eu or visit www.thebugle.eu

Crossword Clues and answers (page 23) 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 23

SUDOKU - EASY

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

The solutions to this month’s sudokus can be found on page 23

SUDOKU - HARD

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

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

Auto Services

Building Services Electricians

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

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

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

05 55 41 17 76

Building Services

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Siret: 499 234 615 00015

DOG GROOMING FOR ALL TYPES OF DOGS Clipping, cutting, hand stripping, bathing, ear care & nail trimming. INGRID GELAUDIE La Baronnie, 24260 Audrix

06 31 98 92 07 MinouCats

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

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

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. Michael and Wendy Aldrich

Architectural Services 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

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

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 www.latuspeter-architecturaldrawings-24.com

Siret: 494 030 919 00018

SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

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 @iret: 794 282 368 00016

Building Services

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

General

Building Services

Specialist in the renovation and restoration of period and contemporary buildings

CHARKER DAVID All small works undertaken

Carpenters/ Joiners

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

E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr

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

Wood Work Plant Sales 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

05 55 14 12 43

Oradour Sur Vayres (87150)- siren 752 051 482

ESTABLISHED IN 2005

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

T : 06 38 71 08 36

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

Siret: 498 843 051 00018

Siret: 790 016 984 00011

catsanddogs2009@hotmail.co.uk

05 45 66 14 62

Your advert here

BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ

ETS RICHARD

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

Building Services Painters/ Decorators Simon Carter

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

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

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

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

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

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

6-Month Contract

12-Month Contract

€108

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€18/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€24/month)

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€27/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

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

€162

(€13.50/month)

€144

€216

(€18/month)

€162

€243

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€216

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

30 words max

€324

(€27/month)

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

Building Services

Computers & Satellites

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

M : 06 72 47 88 00 T: 05 53 20 64 02 E : wellers@orange.fr Registered Artisan - Siret No: 480 857 853 00018

Building Services

Stephen Wisedale

WiFi Anglais Losing business due to poor Internet and WiFi?

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

www.wifianglais.com Email: hello@wifianglais.com Tel: 05 53 30 23 96 Mob: 07 78 52 20 46 Siret: 800 525 040 00013

Sat-Elec Formerly Electrosat

UK & French Satellite TV

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

TOOWAY BROADBAND Approved Supplier

Sandblasting

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

Sand and Blast

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

We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

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

www.sandandblast.com

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

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Bar & Restaurant

General

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

French/International cuisine. Themed nights each Friday: 1st Friday - Curry night 2nd Friday - Quiz night 3rd Friday - Fish n Chips night “best around”!! 4th Friday - Live Music night

Plumbers PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER

La Poutre

KATE MACKENZY

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

Renovation consultation to finished interiors

siret 537 415 903 00013

The Dordogne Chippy

Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you Please note, we are closed until 20th March Monday: Champsac Tuesday: Tremolat Wednesday: Star Inn, Périgueux Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Daglan See our website for full details:

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

Garden Services

05 55 09 15 73

INTERIOR DESIGN

Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Traditional to Contemporary Gite to Château & B&B 25 years of property transformations

mackenzyfr@gmail.com

05 53 58 65 11 siret: 815 112 362 00018

SOS Help

anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up!

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

HOME & GARDEN maintenance For all your gardening, window/gutter cleaning & paintwork needs, etc... Call me for a professional, reliable and friendly service

Paul: 07 83 75 45 76

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

Ivan Petley

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

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

Pest Control

www.soshelpline.org

Ellen B. Sanchez

Gestalt Therapist Couple’s therapy Individual therapy English speaking

siret no 798 364 600 00014

Food & Drink

Gifts & Crafts

Open Tue - Fri: 11am - 9pm (except Wed eve) Saturday 6pm - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 3pm, traditional English roasts served For further details call Steve:

05 53 80 29 54

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Rue de La République, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Tel: 06 21 95 24 42

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

www.existtherapy.com

Email: info@applicateur3d.com

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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

Curative and preventative

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

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-

Language Services

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

Short ‘optimised’ web videos in English and/or French for your property sale or your business.

- 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.

Retail & Commerce

Contact Joanna:

www.VideoProFrance.com Te: +33 (0) 6 99 07 64 28 contact@videoprofrance.com

TRANSLATION SERVICES

HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE UK

Do you need help with translating French correspondence and everyday dealings with French bureaucracy? If so contact: Fabienne MURPHY e: fabiennemurphy@yahoo.co.uk

t: +33 (0)5 53 24 21 88 m: +33 (0)6 87 99 78 12

Property Sales

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

www.leschaletsdedordogne.com Village of 18 chalets above a lake Heated pool. Family site 23 km south of Bergerac Airport Low cost daily flights from London Rent a chalet from €250-€550 / week (possibility to buy a chalet for €25,000)

00 33 (0)5 53 63 97 56 24500 Razac d’Eymet, France contact@leschaletsdedordogne.com

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

bookstop

Quality second-hand books in English & French 19 rue Victor Hugo 24310 BRANTÔME

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

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

www.michaelsmovers.freeindex.co.uk

Transport, Removals & Storage

for the whole family

ABJAT-SUR-BANDIAT

aka The Shed

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

05 55 68 74 73 Open every day except Monday

DSD Removals & Storage The Removal Experts France ↔ UK

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

+44 (0)1274 724 545

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

PRIVATE PROPERTY SELLERS LTD

S ELL A ND B UY P ROPERTY W ITHOUT E STATE A GENT FEES

www.privatepropertysellers.com

Are you tired of waiting for the agent to do their job? Want modern marketing?

We offer low cost high profile marketing of your property, from £29.99 on many sites agents use. Visit our website ‘why buy & sell privately’ see how you could keep more of your sale money.

info@privatepropertysellers.com

0800 840 3058 Mob: +44 (0)7808 338 386

05 55 41 17 76

SECONDHAND CLOTHING

Eco Entrepot

Full & Part loads All size of vehicles Storage facilities in Sussex UK free phone:

Removals, storage & house clearance in Dordogne

Relax and browse in comfort Hot and cold drinks served

Tel: 06 79 04 10 21

Removals

UK ↔ France ↔ UK

sales24@thebugle.eu

09 51 45 57 49

(opp. the boulangerie) Open: Tue & Thu, 14h-17h also Sun, 10h-12h in July & August only By appointment outside these hours:

MICHAELS MOVERS

06 73 96 38 39 (FR)

Man & Van Transport

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20 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

Monday

Market Days

Beynac Le Fleix Les Eyzies Ste-Alvère

Tuesday

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

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

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

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

Friday

Sunday

Piégut Pluviers Razac Sarlat Siorac-en-Périgord Vélines

Thursday

Bergerac Brantôme Cubjac Le Buisson Ribérac Sarlat Vergt

Saturday

Agonac Beaumont du Périgord Belvès

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

AQUITAINE CHURCH SERVICES MARCH 2016

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

Friday 04 March 15:00 World Day of Prayer – Limeuil (venue TBA) 16:00 World Day of Prayer – Ribérac Hospital Chapel 16:00 – World Day of Prayer - Temple Protestant, av. du Maréchal Leclerc, Mérignac (33700) 20:00 World Day of Prayer – Castelmoron, Lot et Garonne SUNDAY 06 MARCH 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Limeuil 10:30 Morning Worship – Chancelade 11:00 Holy Communion – Doudrac 11:00 Prayer & Praise – Sainte Nathalène 16:00 Evensong – Bertric Burée Tuesday 08 March 11:00 Holy Communion - Allez Wednesday 09 March 11:00 BCP Morning Prayer – Bertric Burée SUNDAY 13 MARCH 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Salle des Fêtes des Marguerites 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Morning Prayer - Monteton 10:30 Family Service – Négrondes 11:00 Prayer & Praise - Condom Thursday 19 March 10:30 BCP Holy Communion - Limeuil SUNDAY 20 MARCH 10:30 Family Service – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion – Chancelade 10:30 Morning Worship - Dondas 10:30 Morning Worship - Limeuil 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène Monday 21 March 17:00 Evening Prayer – Bertric Burée Tuesday 22 March 17:00 Evening Prayer – Bertric Burée Wednesday 23 March 17:00 Evening Prayer – Bertric Burée Thursday 24 March 11:00 Holy Communion – venue near Condom, TBA 16:00 Holy Communion – Limeuil 16:00 Holy Communion – Monteton 17:00 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée Friday 25 March 12:15 Prayers at the Cross – Bias, Villeneuve sur Lot 14:00 Prayers at the Cross - Dondas 14:00 Prayers at the Cross - Doudrac 14:00 Prayers at the Cross – Monteton 14:30 Prayers at the Cross – Négrondes 14:30 Prayers at the Cross – Bertric Burée 19:00 Meditations and Anthems - Bordeaux 20:00 Ecumenical Prayers – Tocane SUNDAY 27 MARCH 10:30 Easter Service with Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Easter Day Celebration – Eymet Salle des Fêtes des Marguerites 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion - Monteton 10:30 Easter Service with Holy Communion – Négrondes 10:30 Holy Communion – Saint Médard 11:00 Holy Communion - Doudrac 11:00 Easter Service with Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène 11:00 Holy Communion - Condom Thursday 31 March 11:00 Morning Worship – Condom

We understand that life can be difficult for expats living away from the UK and that sometimes assistance is needed. 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. Briefly we can consider assisting those who: 1. Are British or Irish residents or nationals. 2. Are living on a low income or means-tested benefits. 3. Have formerly been employed in one of a wide range of qualifying occupations. Have, or have had, a partner employed in a qualifying occupation. We are able to consider assisting financially in numerous ways. 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

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

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

WHAT’S ON ♦ 21

WHAT’S

Exhibition of the work of Marie Mazière from 2nd to 30th March. Atelier Contempora, 40 rue Notre Dame, 24600 Ribérac. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 14h-18h (closed Sunday, Monday and Thursday). Free entry.

Sarlat Goose Festival - Fest’Oie – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th March, Place de la Liberté For the 8th consecutive year, Sarlat celebrates its favourite animal. With its noisy flocks of geese honking their way through the medieval town, countless stands offering regional produce, carcass soup (a local tradition) to warm visitors up, music from the banda, workshops and demonstrations by farmers and artisans, and free entertainment for the children, there is something for everyone! Not to mention the great banquet. Not to be missed, this gastronomic feast offers foie gras in abundance, prepared by the best sarladais chefs. 750 diners will sit down to this unforgettable meal on Sunday at 12h30. To reserve contact the Sarlat tourist office tel 05 53 31 45 45. For more information about the events visit www.sarlat-tourisme.com/fetes-et-manifestations/festoie

Le Carnaval des Familles - Sun 13th March, Bergerac This year’s Carnival has chosen the theme “La magie du sport” There are two parades, on the left and right banks of the river: Departure Left Bank rue Van Gogh at 13h15; Departure Right Bank - Maison du quartier - Salle René Coicaud at 13h30. The festivities start in place de la République at 14h with lots of entertainment for the whole family.

22 ♦ WHAT’S ON

The Danish Girl, starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander, will be screened at the Eymet Cinema, Espace Culturel, in the original version (with French subtitles) on Wednesday 16th March at 20h30. Tickets €6.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2016

MADS next production John dies at the wheel of his car with his work colleague Julia in the passenger seat. She survives, but is injured and racked with guilt. Julia is visited regularly at the flat where the play is set by John’s widow, her home help and a counsellor. The intrigue in this psychological thriller eventually leads where? Bookings via BOX OFFICE 05.53.27.55.31 http://mads-theatre.org mads.bookings@gmail.com

Way way back 25 years ago a retired Englishwoman gave a talk to members of a women’s group in the Dordogne detailing how she had started and ran an Amateur Theatre Group in England. The talk was a great success and almost enviably prompted the comment “why don’t you do that here in France?” That lady was Pat Andrews, the group became MADS (Music and Drama Society) and the rest, to its members, is history. However, not many know the full story and this article will attempt to put all of you in the modern picture that is MADS. Pat and her husband Ken put heart, soul, their own money and nearly a year of groundwork into MADS assuring it of success. The early performances (all directed by Pat with sets mostly built by Ken and others) included a number of shorter pieces, no doubt to make the task of learning lines as easy as possible, but it was very soon to get into top gear with plays like Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit and Ray Cooney’s Run for your Wife. Although she was always a great fan of comedy, Pat chose wisely with a pantomime, serious drama, mixed with comedy in order to give the English speakers lots of reasons to enjoy live theatre. Time passed in the blink of an eye (any retired person will recognise this phenomenon) and in 2000 the directorial ‘baton’ was passed to Joan Wall and then a few years later more and more

directors stepped up to create all forms of plays from all types of authors. We even gave one of our members, John Allen, the chance to direct his self-penned Constance based on the life of Oscar Wilde’s wife while Wilde was in Reading gaol. Oh yes, not quite you name it we’ve done it, but almost. Perhaps we capped it in November 2009 with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap directed by the late Lawrence Blanch. We played to packed houses and we felt like a million dollars (euros?) Not bad for a ‘bunch of amateurs’ in France! Many more plays take us to the present day when in 2015 at the fantastic age of 92 we finally lost Pat (Ken had passed on some years earlier) and after 25 years it was over. NOT SO. The determination and enthusiasm shown by Pat over those 25 years had, to say the least, rubbed off on others, many others. A new president, Jill Richards, was elected, together with a number of new committee members and MADS has set about creating the foundations for a second 25 years. A major recruitment campaign has started, targeting what we humorously call ‘younger people’ (in their 50s!!), together with a new approach to future events and a regular selection of musical performances (2015 saw our third musical soirée play again to full houses). Jill Richards said: “Those who live in SW France, whether you moved here one week ago or have been here for years, and want to take part in amateur theatre are always welcome in MADS. Come and see what we do.” A minimum of 2 plays a year, workshops and various other drama related activities means there is always something going on and everyone can check us out via the MADS website www.mads-theatre.org With membership a mere €10 per year it’s a great way to meet new people.

WHAT’S ON ♦ 23

MARCH 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

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

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

UPCOMING CONCERT Recital by pianist Christine Stevenson 3rd April at 5pm

Programme: Beethoven’s Sonata Op 27 No 2 ‘Moonlight’, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Moussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition Christine Stevenson enjoys a distinguished career as a piano recitalist and concerto soloist throughout the UK and abroad. Her concerts continually draw critical acclaim for her virtuosity, musicianship, and the engaging rapport she establishes with audiences of all ages.

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24 ♦ WHAT’S ON