The Bugle Limousin - Mar 2018 by The Bugle

Fraud enquiry launched over Nutella riots

The ugly scenes garnered worldwide attention, but now the fraud office is looking at the January Nutella discount scandal >> Page 11 November 2016 - Issue #85

Limousin

Your local newspaper for life in France

March 2018 - Issue 101 - FREE!

Victory in expat EU citizenship bid A group of British expats in Holland have

Warning for mobile phone users - page 9

won a major legal battle and had their case referred to the European Court of Justice. The group claim their EU citizenship

>> continued on page 8

Wolf numbers set to rise by 40% - pg 11

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 16-23

from the EU automatically lead to the loss of the EU citizenship of British nationals and thus to the elimination of the rights and freedoms deriving from EU citizenship? 2) If the answer to the first question is 'no', should conditions or limitations be imposed on the maintenance of the rights and freedoms to be derived from EU citizenship? The exact wording of questions that will be put to the judges is currently being drawn up and will be finalised in the near future. A spokesman for the campaigners said: “We are grateful to the court and obviously delighted with the decision. However, this is just the first step in clarifying what Brexit

A20 signs to return this spring - pg 3

Bovine saved by "cowfunding" page - pg 5

rights should remain post-Brexit. group of campaigners for British expat rights postBrexit have scored a major victory after a court in The Netherlands agreed to refer their case to the European Court of Justice. The campaign group “Brexpats: Hear Our Voice” brought a case against the Dutch government last month arguing that the government - and by extension France and the rest of the EU - was wrong to take the view that Britons will cease to be EU citizens after the UK leaves the European Union. The court in Amsterdam agreed with their request and now a panel of judges at the European Court will be asked two questions: 1) Does the withdrawal of the United Kingdom

INSIDE > > >

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

Don’t let the banks cash in!

Save time and money by sending your international money transfers Consistent bank beating exchange rates online or over the phone. Move money, pay people and settle bills within seconds. Make and track payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Norton security used by 97 of the world’s top 100 banks. HiFX Europe Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009, registration 462444, for the provision of payment services.

www.hifx.co.uk

2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

Fosse-Septique23.com

Steve. JOHNS. SARL

Domestic sewage treatment specialists. Planning permission arranged. Inspections. Design. Supply. Full/Part installations. 10-year decennial insurance cover.

• Micro stations • Traditional Fosse septique systems • Compact ﬁlter systems • Filter bed systems • Drainage problems • Design / supply / installation service • DIY and Trade kits now available.

Welcome to

The Bugle

s I write this the “Beast from the East” is busy bringing the UK to its knees. Ever since I left the UK, I have a little chuckle whenever the mercury dips below zero and infrastructure grinds to a halt north of the Channel. It's become a habit of mine to find online articles about “The Big Chill” when it arrives in its various guises - and it is most years to be honest - before heading below the line and into the dreaded comments sections. I know that way madness lies, but it can be quite amusing. It's always full of Englishspeaking readers from elsewhere in the world saying how they grew up north of the Arctic circle and never missed a day of school in their lives, or how the only time they did miss school was because the snow unexpectedly melted and the country ran out of normal tyres. I do understand that it costs a lot of money to maintain a fleet of snow ploughs year-round for the few days a year when they might be needed. If you have no experience of driving on snow and/or you don't have all-weather tyres on your car, it can indeed be treacherous on the roads, but sometimes it gets taken too far.

There was a story a few years back which generated some classic quotes in the comments section when loads of schools closed because there was a threat of frost later in the day and local authorities were worried about being sued if parents slipped on the pavement when coming to pick up their children. Bonkers! The articles were accompanied by sunny shots of school gates, without a snowflake flake to be seen, and a notice saying “Closed due to threat of bad weather”. To be fair, it does look like the UK got a fair old covering of snow this time around, but the images of empty, ransacked supermarket shelves would make you think the next Ice Age had arrived and Armageddon was heading our way. I should say that this is far from a uniquely British thing - see the Great Butter Shortage of 2017 that had the French stripping the shelves of every available pack! I always notice on bank holidays in France that if the shops are going to be closed on a Thursday, for example, the supermarkets are unusually busy - and the shelves unusually empty - on the Wednesday afternoon, almost as if people don't trust that they'll actually ever open again. I don't want to come across

as a nihilist, but episodes of panic buying do lift the lid ever so slightly on how fragile our seemingly peaceful societies are. If everyone just carried on as normal, there would be plenty to go around. But the minute there is a threat of shortage, the selfish gene kicks in, it's every man (or woman) for themselves and panic ensues. I've heard it said that we're only ever 48 hours away from anarchy... what a scary thought! There was a really interesting piece this month about a local 13-year-old who has just become the youngest person to cross the Atlantic in a racing boat (see page 3), and this got me thinking about risk. What a fantastic opportunity for a young boy, who was already obsessed with sailing, to take on such a huge challenge. The adventure will have lit a spark in him and he will no doubt now go on to have a career on the water. I suspect I would have leapt at the chance to do something like that when I was a teenager, but not only do I lack any determinable skill as a sailor, my folks would NEVER have let me. The parents of the family in question had already taken their children out of mainstream education to homeschool them whilst sailing round the coast of France for six months - and the youngest was just one! so I suspect that they are not your average family. I was not a devil-may-care adrenaline junky in my youth, but I was far less risk-averse than I am now am as a father. When I look back at the things I am most proud of in my life, or the moments I treasure the most, the majority would never have happened without a (sometimes large) degree

05.55.64.11.73

info@fosse-septique23.com

of recklessness. It is therefore hypocritical of me to instinctively want to prevent my children doing exactly the same things. If one of my kids was obsessed with space and Richard Branson offered to take them up in the first ever Virgin Galactic tourist flight, I hope I would say yes, even when every fibre of my being would be saying, hell no! I jumped out of a plane in my twenties, something which is quantifiably not actually that dangerous, but would I pay for one of my kids to go skydiving for their sixteenth birthday? I guess I hope so... but probably not and I think that would be wrong of me. As an aside, jumping out of a perfectly good plane remains the scariest thing I have ever done and I have no desire to do it again. I was incredibly proud of myself, but I did also disprove the theory that doing the thing that scares you most cures you of that fear... I still get vertigo changing a lightbulb! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

Siret: 824 706 444 00018

A cleaner future today

25 years experience. Free quotations.

06.70.47.52.96 (English Technician) 06.49.48.39.62 (French Technician)

INSIDE this edition

3-5 Local News

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

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

15th March for April's print edition

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Godson Travaux Publics Civil Engineering Contractors INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS, SEWER CONNECTIONS, MICRO STATIONS, REED BEDS, HIRE AND SALE OF DIGGERS... www.fossepro.com / tel: 06 33 78 24 23 email - fossepro@orange.fr

30+ years experience

A20 signs set to return

nyone who has lived in central France for a while may remember the large brown signs appearing at regular intervals along the A20 motorway, highlighting the tourist and cultural attractions of the region's principle towns and cities. Three years ago, however, the popular signs were removed by the Direction interdépartementale des routes centre-ouest (Dirco), which manages the borders of the A20, after a dispute with the artist who created them. The 90 large brown panneaux ran the length of the A20, through the Cher, Indre, Creuse, Haute-Vienne and Corrèze departments between Vierzon and Brive, and highlighted such things as Limoges' 2,000 years of history and the Aubusson tapestries. The images were a familiar sight to many, but following a dispute over “intellectual property rights” and the length of time that had been agreed the images could be displayed, the

Dirco announced that it had no choice other than to begin the lengthy and expensive process of removing them all. Now, three years later, a new set of signs are due to be installed, once again highlighting to drivers all the region has to offer - and many believe that they do make a difference. “The negative impact of not having the signs is very hard to quantify,” explained Alain Darbon, mayor of SaintLéonard-de-Noblat, one town which benefitted from the spotlight. “But as local officials, we are

all convinced that they had a positive impact on our town.” The town's tourist office has figures which appear to back up this claim. In 2014, while the old signs were still up, 43% of visitors to Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat enquired about the local heritage, compared to just 28% in 2016. The plan is to install one hundred new signs along the A20, fifty in each direction. Creation of the new artwork has been outsourced to a graphic design company and will cost the region €165,000.

As to who will get to feature on the signs, demand was high and competition for places tough! Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat was one town that secured a coveted spot, much to the delight of the mayor. “We based our application on our collegiate church, which has been classified as a world heritage site by Unesco for 20 years now,” explained Alain Darbon. “There will be one sign in each direction, at a cost of €11,000.” Installation of the new signs is due to begin this spring. ■

Est. in France since 2004

Local teenager sets transatlantic record

he Creuse may be just about as far from the sea as you get in France, but one local has just become the youngest person to cross the Atlantic by sailboat under racing conditions. The record-breaking 13-year-old was already known locally as being a member of the intrepid Masselis family, who embarked in two small boats on a six-month “tour de France” last year around the French coast. On the first were his parents with three of his siblings, then aged 1, 4 and 6. On the other was captain Indi, aged 12 at the time, along with two other siblings aged 8 and 10. During their adventure they met Wilfrid Clerton, the skipper of the legendary Kriter VIII boat, which has twice won the famous Route du Rhum transatlantic race. Impressed by the young sailor, Clerton invited Indi onto his boat at La Rochelle and the two became friends. So when the respected skipper invited Indi to be part of his team for a training run between Guadeloupe and France, Indi did not have to think for long. “We [the proposal was extended to his father too] said yes straight away, it's such great

experience,” explained Indi, who had the full support of his parents in his adventure. “Especially as I would love to take on larger open-sea races myself one day.” All did not go smoothly at first, however, when, in search of stronger winds, the crew found themselves in the teeth of a storm. “We went a bit too far north,” explained the young sailor. “We found ourselves in a violent storm... we weren't expecting it and we got caught up in it.” Drama averted, the team took shifts of two hours each as they tacked their way across the vast Atlantic where they didn't see any sign of life for days on end: “not a ship, not a fish, not a bird... we were 2,000 kilometres from the nearest land.” Nineteen days at sea is not an easy task for even hardened sailors and arriving back on dry land, the experience has confirmed Indi's desire to one day become a skipper himself. “I wasn't scared and that's a good start!” he joked. “Indi never gave up!” beamed his father Philippe Masselis, who was understandably proud of his son for being the youngest sailor to complete the journey west-toeast in a racing boat. ■

CENDRILLON IMMOBILIER Bilingual French Estate Agency in Limousin We have over 200 properties ranging from €8,500 for a barn, up to €1.6 million for a Château.

Ref 3939 - € 55,000. Situated close to the village of Bersac sur Rivalier, lovely fully renovated village cottage. The house comprises ground floor: bedroom, shower room and toilet, 1st floor: kitchen, lounge, bedroom with shower room and toilet, attic with possibility to create another two bedrooms, one room already created just needs finishing. The property has a cellar, attached garage, and a light sunny terrace garden and is situated in an ideal location to purchase as a buy to let, holiday gite or holiday home. DPE Vierge Ref 3880 - € 71,500. Beautifully renovated picturesque town house built in 1810. This chocolate box cottage is in the old quarter of Aubusson beside the river and comprises fitted kitchen, dining room/lounge, bathroom, toilet, three double bedrooms (one en suite) and hallway leading to private courtyard. As well as the wood burning stove you have full gas central heating, double glazing and a connection to mains drainage. The rear courtyard is paved and is a little sun-trap, plus there is a smaller courtyard at the front. DPE E 255 & F 59 Ref 3811 - € 112,000. Located near Bessines sur Gartempe, collection of property consisting of two houses with character, five barns and land of 5932m2. The first house is habitable and includes entrance hall, living room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom, laundry room, 3 bedrooms and an attic. The second house, requiring renovation, comprises on the ground floor entrance hall, living room, dining room and on the first floor, there are three bedrooms, a bathroom and an attic. A set of agricultural buildings – ideal to create gites with total land of 5932m2. DPE Vierge Ref 3944 - € 147,150. Large six bedroom, beautifully renovated farmhouse in a hamlet with attached barn and amazing views. It comprises fully fitted kitchen, laundry room, dining room, lounge, six double bedrooms, an office/snug and two modern bathrooms. Connected to mains drainage, new electrics and plumbing throughout. There are terraces up to the main garden, with flower beds, vegetable garden, chicken coop and run, plus a small field. Two outbuildings. Total plot size 2,731m2. DPE D 203 & A 2 Ref 3875 - € 296,800. Fantastic investment opportunity, plus possibility to buy an amazing building of historical value on the edge of the river in Aubusson. Currently there are six residences (houses and apartments), two large workshops, a restaurant plus further buildings/areas for development - the monthly income from these rentals is over €3,000 a month, plus there is enough space for the new owner to live on site too. There is still another floor to be used in this huge building. The plot size is 1,637m2 including gardens and car parking area. DPE E 245 & C 13

23 rue Zizim, 23400 BOURGANEUF 2 rue de la Révolution, 87290 CHATEAUPONSAC Email: bourganeuf.immobilier@wanadoo.fr

Telephone 05 55 54 95 85

www.limousin-bilingual.com

Houses on Internet is a marketing service that allows private owners of French property to sell their house without using an estate agent. A method that has proven to be very successful. How does it work? 1. We make a website for your property in English, French and Dutch. The main website is available in Russian too. 2. We connect that website to our main site which gets over 130,000 visitors from 40+ countries per month. 3. We advertise your property on several international French-property websites. This way we reach 1.5 million people a month worldwide. What does it cost? We ask a contribution to the advertising cost up front and after the sale a fee of 2.5%, which is included in the selling price. Houses on Internet operates throughout France with a staff of 7 professionals and 89 local photographers who visit our clients to take photos and gather all information. For more information, visit our website or give us call us at +31 (0)6 41 20 73 69.

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM Plus Vite!

Moins Cher!

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

Ian Scott

CARPENTER AND JOINER

English Hairdresser

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SINCE 1986 Building • Rooﬁng • Kitchens • Joinery

Portfolio available to view at www.jonesentreprise.com Jeff Jones: 05 55 62 46 21 - Mob 06 38 25 74 62 email: jones23entreprise@orange.fr

Rue Chez Boutique 87330 Saint-Barbant

siret: 810 322 123 00011

Haute-Vienne has its own spring water once more

n recent times the world has become ever more concerned with animal welfare, food miles and the provenance of meals. This has led to a steady rise in pescetarianism, veganism and other ethical and health-based dietary choices. Increasingly, however, many are more concerned with eating seasonally, sustainably and locally, than with whether their food contains animal products or gluten, and this has led to a rise in the number of “locavores”. Locavores are people who prefer to eat foods which are grown or farmed relatively close to the point of sale and preparation the connection of food consumers to food producers in the same geographic region. Your organic pineapple may well be pesticidefree and ethically free trade, but it may also have travelled over 10,000 kilometres to get to you from South America in January. And so those who identify as locavores may be interested to know that the Haute-Vienne once again has its very own spring water. The spring mineral water La Châteline, which put Bussière-Galant on the map in the 20th century, was once exported across the French colonial empire and slaked the thirst of the thousands of workers who built the Suez Canal. Over the decades, however, La

Protecting your home while you're away

G Châteline lost its allure and production finally ceased in 1987. That was until 2011, when JeanPierre Martin, a former employee at the bottling plant, bought the site with ambitious plans to get the waters of the nearby spring flowing once more, this time under the name “Roches Bleues”. “For two years, I cleared the whole site by hand,” explained Jean-Pierre. “I strimmed, chopped, cut and got the place in a respectable state. Then we launched our campaign to put a project together and have the water quality officially analysed.” After jumping through all the necessary hoops, permission to once again tap the La Châteline spring was granted in October 2014 and today, after several

false starts, a state-of-the-art bottling facility has been built at the site and is ready to go. The 5,680 m2 factory employs 8 people full-time and can produce 15 million bottles of water annually. “We can go up to around 8,000 per hour. The spring is about 300 metres up the road and is monitored 24/7 by video,” explained Jean-Pierre. “We do everything form A to Z in-house: the bottling, the labelling, the manufacture of the bottles themselves, the packing, etc.” Initially, the water will be sold at events, restaurants and hotels, as well as direct from the factory every Wednesday. Ultimately, it will also soon be available in the aisles of your local supermarket! ■

Tel: 00 33 (0)5 55 60 08 46

oing away on holiday is supposed to be a relaxing time, but how many of us have lay by the pool and worried about the security of our home. Many will leave keys with neighbours or ask a friend to check on the house and feed the cat, but there is always the niggling worry that less well-meaning people will notice that your house is empty. It is for this reason that the Police Nationale and Gendarmerie Nationale run a programme called Opération tranquilité vacances throughout the year. Under this scheme, homeowners can inform the local police that they are going away on holiday and officers will perform regular checks on their property. The system works well and statistics show that your house is less likely to be burgled during your absence if you take part, but local police and gendarmes now have a digital tool at their disposal to further improve the efficiency of the scheme. The new application “Néogend” allows officers to see the location of the properties they are keeping an eye on in real time. “As well as showing us where a property is, the application also allows us to see when it was last checked,” explained Régis Bourdoux from the St-Léonard-de-Noblat Gendarmerie. “We can now see if a property was last visited 24, 36 or 72 hours ago. This allows us to effectively prioritise our routes.” If you are going away on holiday, the advice from police remains the same: ask someone to regularly pick up your mail; put a bit of life into your house by having a neighbour open the shutters every once in a while; and don't leave a message on your answer phone saying when you will be away. In these days of social media, there is one final piece of common sense from the Gendarmerie: “Don't announce your holiday on social media. Burglars are patrolling the internet for targets.” To take advantage of Opération tranquilité vacances, contact your local Gendarmerie or register online via www.service-public.fr. ■

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Renovations New Builds Rooﬁng

Trust in us for the realisation of your dream home

paul.rands@orange.fr | 05.55.66.44.06 | Visit our website for more information: www.lanoneix.com

Saved by cow-funding Road-testing the new

he Limousin was in the headlines across the world last month, not for anything that happened in the former region of France, but for one of its most famous exports, the Limousin cow. The story began when Hermien, a three-and-a-halfyear-old Limousine was due to head to the abattoir in her native Holland. As the truck approached, Hermien and a friend managed to escape and made for the local woods. Whilst her friend was quickly recaptured, Hermien managed to stay on the run for a whole month, all the while gathering increasing interest locally. “She must have had a panic when she saw the lorry arriving to take her away,” explained veterinarian Edo Hamersma. “Since then, we've not been able to catch her.” The story of the Limousin cow on the run from her fate as a steak touched a nerve with the Dutch public, and before long she had a whole

reduced speed limit

herd of well-wishers as her story spread across social media, and attracted the backing of a political party. She even had royal supporters. “We must save Hermien the cow,” tweeted Pieter van Vollenhoven, son-in-law of former queen of the Netherlands, Juliana. In no time at all, a “cowfunding” page had been set up in her name and the generous Dutch public dug deep to amass almost €50,000 and secure her future. Meanwhile, the industrious bovine apparently visited neighbouring farms during the night for a quick bite to eat.

Hermien now has a place booked at a local sanctuary for retired animals where she can live out her days in verdant pastures, but there is one small problem... they first need to catch the Limousin runaway! “I can't get close enough to fire a tranquilliser dart,” explained the vet. “She is very scared and stressed and we are worried that she might try to cross the motorway. We have to stay calm and wait for better weather when the rest of the herd heads out. She will hopefully then just rejoin them.” ■

s reported in last month's edition of The Bugle, the speed limit on the country's departmental roads will decrease from 90 km/h to 80 km/h from July this year. The move, which is part of the fight to reduce the number of road deaths in France, was met with consternation by many drivers and appears to be wildly unpopular, but what difference will it actually make to journey times? Local daily newspaper, Le Populaire, decided to investigate and sent its reporters out in pairs along four common routes across the Haute-Vienne: Limoges to Bellac, St-Léonard-de-Noblat to Limoges, Limoges to Châlus and Limoges to St-Yrieix-la-Perche. All the routes concerned were made up of predominantly departmental roads with a current speed limit of 90 km/h, but also contained a number of stretches with a reduced limit of 70 km/h or 50 km/h. The pairs of reporters set off at the same time and in the same conditions, with one car respecting current speed limits and the second traveling at the future limit of 80 km/h where applicable. Unsurprisingly, those travelling at the reduced speed took longer to get to their destinations, but the differences were perhaps surprisingly small. The biggest difference was the route to Bellac where the slower driver arrived four minutes after her colleague, but the added journey time to Châlus was just 60 seconds. Opponents of the changes argue that the

lower speed limit will simply encourage more dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, a fact hinted at in this not-so-scientific experiment. Two of the slower drivers were indeed overtaken on their journeys although it should be noted that the drivers doing so were not necessarily speeding as the rules have yet to change. There is much anger at the planned reduction in speed limit and there have been a number of protests across the region. In February, 500 motorbikes blocked the A20 with a go-slow “opération escargots” and a further 300 bikers took to the streets of Limoges on foot to voice their opposition to the new rules. More protests are planned over the coming months. A recent opinion poll shows that nationally, six out of ten people are against the changes, with 83% believing the move is an attempt to make more money from speeding fines. “We repeat that we are against this limitation to 80 km/h,” said Thierry Durant from the Fédération des Motards en Colère (FFMC). “We are absolutely for the maintenance of the road network, in favour of the modernisation and increased security of major roads. For example, why not ban heavy goods vehicles from using the outside lane of the A20 around Limoges? Limiting the speed to 80km/h is sensible in accident-prone areas, but not on the whole road network. The more you lower the speed, the less drivers will pay attention and the more distracted they will become.” ■

Mobile Hairdresser

Based in Grand-Bourg, covering surrounding areas

Cut and blow dry - €25* Colour cut and blow dry - €45* High lights/low lights, cut and blow dry - €55* Gents cut - €10 *long hair supplement up to €10

15 years experience in the home counties

Call Teddy:

06 11 96 19 78

TED

DY siret: 831 941 232 00017

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

French economy booming

n the latest piece of good news, figures have revealed that last year saw the French economy grow at its fastest rate for six years. The official growth figure of 1.9% is a significant improvement on the 1.1% seen in 2016 and above the rate of 1.7% the government had previously been hoping for. There is also widespread belief that the growth forecast for 2018 could soon be upgraded from its current rate of 2.0%. France is the second largest economy in the EU and the sixth largest in the world. Along with strong economic figures from Germany, the results have helped the Eurozone as a whole register annual growth of 2.5% - its fastest rate in a decade. The UK managed growth of 1.7% in the same period. In further good news, statistics agency INSEE announced in February that unemployment had dropped to 8.9% nationally in the final quarter of 2017, a fall of 0.7% and its lowest level since 2009. President Macron has often stated that tackling mass unemployment is his number one priority, and the government has pledged to reduce the jobless rate to 7% before the end of its term in office in 2022. “France seems to have turned a corner,” says Christian Schulz, a European economist at Citi. “This is a real sign that the boost in confidence we have seen in France, which is reverberating across the

Eurozone, is translating to stronger job creation in the country. It is too quick to attribute the drop in unemployment to the recent labour market reforms as it usually takes companies about two years to adjust to greater flexibility. However, it is likely that they are hiring more, confident that even if things go wrong later they will be able to adjust.” Although the number of jobs being created is rising sharply, hitting the 7% unemployment target may not be straight forward, even with a booming economy; industry leaders are already complaining of a skills shortage in the workforce. France has high levels of long-term unemployed workers who are unskilled, making them unattractive for companies looking to take on new staff. Unemployment has also been a huge problem amongst the country's youth - around a quarter of under-25s are currently out of work. Whilst the improving economy is partly down to stronger growth across Europe as a whole, President Macron was singled out for praise by Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who emphasised the role of recent reforms. “We need to recognise clearly the quality and the ambition of the reforms that have been started,” she said during a recent visit to the economy ministry in Paris. Despite all the positive figures and

strong economic growth, Macron's approval ratings remain low and volatile. A recent survey showed his popularity down a further five points in February to just 35%. This is lower than President Hollande at the same point of his presidency! Other surveys reveal that a major concern of the French public remains their household budget and not everyone is convinced that Macron's reforms will deliver direct improvements to their own lives. This early in his presidency Macron seems unperturbed, however, telling reporters: “I'm not obsessed at this stage with whether people have confidence in me or not for their purchasing power, because if someone asks you that question, we're all the same, we want more.” He also ruled out what he called the “quick fix” tactics of previous governments that saw increased public spending or tax cuts financed by debt. By reporting a deficit of less than 3% of GDP last year, France finally met EU rules on its public finances for the first time in a decade, but the country's public finance watchdog has urged the government to go further. “We need to decrease our debt because it makes us vulnerable to an increase in interest rates,” Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said, adding that increased tax revenues in 2018 would be used for this purpose. ■

Tax rise for second homeowners

Many second homeowners in France could face a steep increase in their council tax bills after a law passed in 2017 is being adopted across the country. In a bid to combat the housing crisis in the country's larger cities, last year's budget bill authorised local councils to increase the amount of taxe d'habitation they charge by up to 60% for second homeowners. The change was immediately adopted in Paris, but now Nice, Bordeaux and Saint-Jean-de-Luz have announced that they will also be increasing the tax they charge second homeowners in 2018. The changes apply to both French and expat owners alike, but will not affect you if your French home is your primary residence, or if you live in a commune of fewer than 50,000 people. The law was introduced in an attempt to appease local mayors following the unveiling of the government's plan to gradually phase out taxe d'habitation for 80% of French homeowners. Financial daily Les Echos said the law would be “irresistible” for local councils, alluding to the fact that cash-strapped mayors across France will take full advantage of this legislation. Local councils are unlikely to face much opposition as the tax hike on second homes is widely popular among French voters, especially for residents of the country's main tourist hotspots, where finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly challenging. This is due in large part to the increase in the number of properties being snapped up in tourist towns by investors tapping into the Airbnb-style short-term rental market. According to Les Echos, the Bordeaux city council hoped the change would “encourage owners to sell their property/ies, or dissuade them from offering them up for rent on Airbnb-style platforms, in a city that is truly lacking housing”. Figures from the country's statistics gathering agency, INSEE, estimate that there are currently 3.4 million second homes in France, one in ten of all available housing units. ■

Allo Allo

1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand-Bourg

Full English Breakfast Every Saturday morning from 11am. Reservation a must.

Small €7 Large €10 with a tea or coffee

Fish & chips - €10 every Friday

throughout the year Open 7 days a week...

11h to 14h, 7 days a week Sun-Wed eve: 18h to 21h30 - Thu-Sat eve: 18h to 23h30

Reservations: 06 73 37 45 01

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

o pert r p + i 0 e 0 i n e 4 sa l Cre s u r s o e f

TRANSAXIA

The No.1 ESTATE AGENCY network in Creuse and Central France BOURGANEUF

Marc DESCHAMPS

Ref: 83295 - 118,800 € FAI - RARE ! Chalet - no neighbour - and outbuildings on 9 acres including 4 lakes. Ideal for fishermen; exceptional site, view and calm guaranteed. DPE: 370/4

Ref: 83389 - 40,000 € FAI Detached house to renovate, on 0.33 acre. DPE: vierge

Email: bourganeuf@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-bourganeuf.fr Tel: 0033 (0)6 83 66 83 09

Ref: 82895 - 245,000 € FAI - Detached stone built house, Ref: 81459 - 161,200 € FAI renovated, 140 m², heated pool, with exceptional views Large renovated house ideal B&B on + annexe as small gite, on 2 acres. DPE: 77/25 1,329m² (~1/3 acre) of land. DPE: 285/39

BENEVENT-L’ABBAYE

Christian GARCIA

Email: beneventlabbaye@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-benevent-l-abbaye.fr Ref: 80279 - 27,500 € FAI - Bargain! Town house to renovate 112 m², 7 rooms, Tel: 0033 (0)5 16 57 04 72 - 0033 (0)6 44 04 07 16 garage. Garden 616 m². DPE: blank

Ref: 81389 - 97,000 € FAI Nice pavilion on basement, 6 rooms, garden 1,010 m². DPE: 224/67

Ref: 82824 - 84,000 € FAI Ref: 85911 - 52,500 € FAI Large village house 168 m², fully renovated, Very well renovated villlage house, 80 m², 10 rooms, garden 658 m². DPE: blank 4 rooms, garden 220 m². DPE: blank

BOUSSAC

AUZANCES

Brigitte ROURE

Ref: 80559 - 67,500 € FAI Small farmhouse on 1 hectare (~2.5 acres) of land. Isolated. In good condition. DPE: vierge

Ref: 80165 - 45,000 € FAI Farmhouse 50 m2 with outbuildings, land 2,506 m² (~0.6 acre). DPE: vierge

Email: boussac@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-boussac.fr Tel: 0033 (0)5 55 65 04 74

Ref: 79653 - 62,500 € FAI Detached renovated house, 3 bedrooms. Garden 649 m². DPE: vierge

Ref: 83174 - 141,700 € FAI Attractive 2 room house, renovated with outbuildings, land ~1.2 acres. DPE: 162 D

Yves EMPSON

Email: auzances@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-auzances.fr Tel: 0033 (0)6 82 94 81 13

Ref: 81378 - 150,000 € FAI Late 19th century house on 3,087 m² (~0.76 acre) park. DPE: blank

Ref: 76397 - 82,500 € FAI - A 2 bedroom detached stone built house to renovate + barn, on 14,000 m² (~3.48 acres) of land. DPE: blank

Ref: 70928 -35,000 € FAI Stone built house to renovate on 942 m² (~0.25 acre) garden. DPE: blank

CHAMBON-SUR-VOUEIZE

DUN-LE-PALESTEL

Yves EMPSON

Ref: 82430 - 205,000 € FAI - A 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, detached stone built house, on large basement, with swimming pool. 300 m² living area on 17,752 m² land. DPE: 325/38

Ref: 82478 - 47,500 € FAI Stone built house to renovate + barn on 668 m² garden. DPE: blank

Email: chambonsurvoueize@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-chambon-sur-voueize.fr Tel: 0033 (0)6 82 94 81 13

Ref: 82599 - 49,000 € FAI - A 3 bedroom stone built house, 70 m² living area, garage, barn on 1,123 m² of garden. DPE: 326/15

Ref: 81072 - 88,000 € FAI Renovated fermette and outbuildings on 7,029 m² land. DPE: blank

Ref: 77655 - 125,000 € FAI - A 4 bedroom detached stone built house 160 m² living area, on 5,136 m² (~ 1.27 acre) of land. DPE: blank

Fabrice GARRIGUES

Ref: 80217 - 53,500 € FAI Detached 2 bed property, double glazing, sewerage system in order, new boiler, garage, on 835 m² garden. DPE: blank

Email: dunlepalestel@transaxia.fr Web: transaxia-dun-le-palestel.fr Tel: 0033 (0)5 55 89 27 20 - 0033 (0)6 82 39 89 49

Ref: 82103 - 37,500 € FAI - For your next holidays, Ref: 83181 - 52,500 € FAI - Semi-detached 5 bed Ref: 83182 -42,500 €FAI detached 2 bed property 68m² to redecorate, built house on mains drainage, 2x glazed, 5 mins from Detached 2 bed property, with large attic and shops + barn, on 1,163 m² garden. DPE: blank on 2 garages, on 287m² garden. DPE: blank barn, on 705m² garden. DPE: blank

Do you want to sell your property in Creuse? Are you searching for your dream property? Are you looking for real peace of mind? You’ll never be alone with our team of long-established and experienced professionals!

www.transaxia.fr

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

EU citizenship bid >> continued from pg 1 could mean for our EU citizenship. This case has always been about seeking clarification, not only for the 46,000 Brits living in the Netherlands, but also for all the 1.2 million Brits living in other EU countries. As has been demonstrated in recent days, what Brexit means is still extremely unclear. You cannot play with the lives of 1.2 million people as if they are pieces on a chessboard.” “Theresa May famously said ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but the Brits currently living on the continent have no idea what that means for them,” argued the group's lawyer, Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm. “Are you an EU citizen for life or can your citizenship be taken away from you? That is the fundamental question that will be put forward to the European Court.” The lawyer believes that the Lisbon Treaty gives British nationals the right to retain EU citizenship after Brexit, because it states in article 20 that “citizenship of the union shall be additional to and not replace national citizenship”, i.e. “once an EU citizen, always an EU citizen”. The plaintiffs argued they therefore have independent rights

as EU citizens, over and above being citizens of any specific EU member country, including Britain and that their legal rights as EU citizens - including freedom of movement - should remain and be protected by the Netherlands, even after Britain withdraws from the 28-member body on March 29, 2019. Fiona Godfrey from the pressure group “British in Europe” believes the Dutch court's ruling is a landmark moment, because “it's likely to be the most important case on EU citizenship rights that the CJEU will hear”. “This gives us hope,” she continued. “It will determine what rights British citizens in the EU have going forward. It could have huge ramifications for the entire withdrawal process.” With the official Brexit Day set to take place in just over a year, campaigners hope that a ruling will be made before Britain officially leaves the EU. All eyes are now on the judges at the European Court of Justice. ■ ED - At the time of going to print, the Dutch State and City of Amsterdam have appealed the court's decision. The reference to the CJEU is currently suspended while the appeal is heard.

Gendarmes donate confiscated food to charity

he Restos du Cœur charity is well known throughout France and you will probably have seen volunteers with a shopping trolley collecting food in the entrance of your local supermarket. Although much of the food they distribute to the poor and needy comes from public donations, the charity received a real boost recently in the Alpes-Maritimes when local gendarmes donated 1.5 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables! The haul was the result of a routine check on a market in the department which showed that some traders in the town of Drap did not have authorisation to sell their produce. Rather than throw away the confiscated food, the Gendarmerie sought the necessary approval from the prosecutor of Nice to take the boxes to the local Restos du Cœur branch. The haul of 172 crates of food included 32 crates of clementines, tomatoes (28), oranges (21), apples (12), pineapples (5)... and 67 crates of artichokes! The charity Restos du Cœur - literally Restaurants of the Heart - distributes food packages and hot meals to the needy across France. The charity was launched by the comedian and actor Coluche in 1985, who said at the time: “I have a little idea, a bit like this... If there are people who would be interested in sponsoring a free soup kitchen, we'd start first in Paris and then move to France's big cities.” The first of the Restos opened that December and before long had spread across the whole country.

HIGH GROUND DEVELOPMENT European estate agency

Bilingual website: www.liveinlimousin.com F°1052 - FOLLES - Detached stone house to renovate consisting of: lounge/dining room, bathroom, 3 bedrooms, attic. Small outbuildings, garden, plots of land and non-adjoining woodland – 22,116m ² in all. No DPE. 44 000€ agency fee inc. F°1096 - FROMENTAL - Detached property renovated 5 years ago, set in around 1,000m² of garden. Fitted kitchen/dining room with woodburner, living room, bathroom, WC, one bedroom. Garage, utility, cellar. Not overlooked, lovely views over the countryside. DPE - F - 356 GES - F - 72.8. 60 400€ agency fee inc. F°1095 - ST PARDOUX - Centre of village detached stone property with garden around 1,000m² all enclosed. Four bedrooms, newly ﬁtted kitchen, connected to mains drainage, gas central heating installed - boiler replaced 4 years ago. DPE - E - 302 GES - E - 53. 162 000€ agency fee inc.

● Mini digger hire with experienced operator ● All aspects of landscaping ● Fosse septique installation with all necessary certification ● Dry stone walling ● Patios and decking ● 35 tonne log-splitter “Absolutely thrilled... would recommend Andy to anyone” - Dennis Croft, Genouillac Email: andy@hgdev.co.uk www.hgdev.co.uk

F°1044 - ST SULPICE LAURIERE - Beautiful property connected to mains drainage, double glazed, close to village centre, 4 beds. Garage, summer kitchen, workshop, cellar. Gas and wood burner. Superb views of the forests, commerce, schools and nearby train station. DPE - F - 350 GES - G - 96. 130 200€ agency fee inc.

Contact: June Pickering - 06 83 71 44 97 liveinlimousin@orange.fr Estate Agent since 2004 Professional card N° : Haute Vienne TI287 - Insurance and Finance guaranteed by : Galian Paris

TONY FARRELL

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

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

t: 05 55 89 57 94 - m: 06 15 28 54 82 e: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com

TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 –www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Renewable energy heating solutions, airothermic, geothermic, solar water heating, photovoltaic, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing & woodburning stoves.

Free valuation within 10 km from Bessines until the end of April

1, av du 11 novembre - 87250 Bessines sur Gartempe Tel: 05 55 76 77 46 - mornings only

The goal of the founders was to give away 2,000 to 3,000 meals per day... 8.5 million were distributed in the first winter alone! Coluche pleaded for the Restos' cause at the European Parliament in February 1986, after learning that surplus products cost more to store than to distribute for free to the poor; his plea was heard and the surplus was made available to four organizations. Coluche died in a motorbike accident less than one year after founding the Restos du Cœur, but not only did his idea live on, it has gone from strength to strength and today the charity has around 70,000 volunteers and distributes 136 million meals each year. ■

Tel: 05 55 78 66 35

Web: www.masters-energies.com

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

Administrative support for individuals & companies

French English German Dutch

Do you reside in France full time or part time? Or do you need instant professional support? I oﬀer individual tailored assistance, competent and eﬃcient, both in writing and by telephone: a personalized service to help with all your French administrative formalities and correspondence. Fees : see website

Annet Karhof

06 37 08 92 09 >

THE ADVICE SERVICE

I am Dutch born, qualiﬁed, and fluent in:

info@amilangues.fr www.amilangues.fr

You will always be assured of discretion and a respectful protection of your personal data

Do you have administrative problems? Not sure how the system works in France? ... then get in touch, I can help!!

• Divorce/separations • Financial debt • Healthcare • Pensions • Care of the elderly ... if you have a problem, there is a solution!

email: karenrogerstheadviceservice@gmail.com Tel: 05 55 68 76 46

The return of national service

resident Emmanuel Macron has vowed to push forward with a campaign promise to reintroduce compulsory national service in France, two decades after it was scrapped. Macron took the country by surprise during last year’s presidential campaign when he announced that he wanted to make all young people spend time getting “a direct experience of military life, with its know-how and demands”. Whilst there has been a degree of political support for the return of national service, especially in the wake of increased terror attacks across Europe, there is also much opposition, particularly from a financial point of view. Many of the country's army barracks have either been converted for other uses or knocked down over the course of the last decade and some have esti-

mated the cost of reintroducing compulsory military service as well into the billions. Confusion surrounds how the plan would be implemented and there even appears to be disagreement within the cabinet itself. The French armed forces minister Florence Parly declared that the policy would “probably not be compulsory” for young people, but a few days later a spokesperson for Macron overruled her, insisting that the service would be both “universal” and “obligatory” and that there would be no U-turn on the campaign pledge. Between 600,000 and 800,000 young people each year would be affected by the proposed changes and would spend at least a month with the armed forces. There has also been confusion, however, as to whether or not the national service would be of a military nature,

with Macron being quoted as saying it could involve “civic engagement”. President Macron conceded at a recent meeting of political journalists that the details of the scheme, which could be piloted as early as next year, had not yet been decided. He also conceded that there would be a financial cost, but that “it would not be prohibitive... this is not about recreating massive barracks”. During the French Revolution, France pioneered the idea of military conscription as a condition of citizenship. By the second half of the 20th century the amount of military service required was gradually scaled back and the practice was finally phased out between 1996 and 2001. Emmanuel Macron, who came of age after the practice was scrapped, is the first modern French president not to have performed military service. ■

Amazon agrees to pay back taxes

mazon has settled a longrunning dispute with French tax authorities, who have been seeking nearly €200 million from the online retail giant. Amazon was asked in 2012 to pay the amount, which relates to back taxes, interest and penalties covering the period from 2006 to 2010. Details of the deal have not been revealed, but the retailer said it had reached an “overall settlement agreement with the French tax authorities on past issues, and our main objective remains to provide the best possible buying experience for our customers in France, where we have invested more than €2 billion since 2010, and created

more than 5,500 permanent jobs.” Amazon has faced mounting criticism over recent years, along with other multinationals, for channelling all its European profits through countries with beneficial tax breaks. In the case of Amazon, this was Luxembourg, which offers significant tax breaks to foreign companies which base themselves there. The online retailer has since set up a branch in France in 2015 and now pays taxes on all retail sales made through its French online store. France has been open to tax settlements since it lost a court case against Google last year. A French court ruled that Google was not liable to pay 1.1 billion euros in back

siret: 795 250 505 00018

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

taxes demanded by the French authorities as the company did not have sufficient taxable presence in France. Since then, the government has been pressuring the EU to introduce new rules to tax online companies based on their revenues, rather than only on their profits. Amazon last year reached a similar deal with Italian authorities to end a 100 million euros dispute over its tax payments from 2011-15. Separately, EU competition regulators told Luxembourg in October last year to recover about €250 million in back taxes from Amazon, accusing the country of giving illegal tax benefits. Luxembourg has lodged a legal challenge against the move. ■

Phone use illegal unless properly parked In a landmark case, the Court of Appeal has ruled that it is illegal to use your mobile phone whilst at the wheel of your car, even if you have pulled over with your engine switched off and your hazard warning lights on. The court judged that a car is still “in circulation” unless it is parked in a designated parking area, proper car park, or private driveway. The decision came after a driver appealed a fine he received in 2017 for using a phone while he was parked at a roundabout with his hazard lights on. The ruling applies to the use of a smartphone held in your hand, and does not apply to cars properly fitted with hands-free sets. Any driver found to be in breach of these rules faces a €135 fine, plus the loss of three points on their licence, applicable for three years. The court did make one exception: drivers of vehicles that have broken down and are on the side of the road are permitted to use their mobile phones to call for assistance. The court's decision comes as France considers legislation that would see drivers have their licences removed for using their mobile phone at the wheel. Under the new proposals, drivers who are considered to have caused danger to others, for example using their phone whilst approaching a pedestrian crossing or a school, could have their driving licence removed. Telephones are believed to be a contributing factor in ten per cent of road accidents in France, according to figures published in October last year by France's road safety organisation Sécurité Routière. Despite this, a recent survey revealed that nine out of ten motorists admit to using their phones while driving. ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Menuiserie23

Hardwood, Softwood and upvc windows and doors made to measure Supply only, or supply and ﬁt service available Covering all of Central France and Nouvelle Aquitaine Free, friendly advice and no obligation surveys

05 55 62 28 70 / 06 88 96 09 14 menuiserie23@yahoo.com

Wolf numbers set to rise

05 55 41 17 76 - sales@thebugle.eu

Advertise your business in The Bugle

oth farmers and animal rights campaigners have voiced criticism over the government's announcement that France will allow the country's wolf population to grow by 40% over the coming years. The new strategy, unveiled by the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron in a 100-page document, will enable the number of wolves to increase from an estimated 360 now to 500 by 2023. The news was met with consternation by farmers, despite a concession that will allow them to cull 10% of the wolf population each year, a figure that can rise to 12% in the event that livestock attacks are more frequent than usual. “We place trust in all of the stakeholders and local lawmakers to calm the debate and enable a coexistence over the long-term,” Agriculture Minister Stéphane Travert and Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot wrote in a foreword to the report. The regeneration of the wolf population in France has led to tensions between the government and farmers, particularly in the Alps and Pyrenees, who complain that attacks on their livestock cause major financial losses. A healthy wolf will eat between 2-4 kg of meat a day on average and the predators have been blamed for an explosion in the number of attacks on livestock in mountainous areas. Figures suggest that almost 12,000 sheep were killed by wolves in France in 2017. The new strategy will enable livestock owners to apply for state funds

Nutella sale riot enquiry launched

to shield their animals, but it will make compensation dependent upon them installing fencing and taking other protective measures. France is not the only Western European country witnessing the return of the wolf. Last month a wolf was spotted in the Flanders region of northern Belgium for the first time in over a century and the UK's Wildwood Trust is one of several organisations across Europe calling for the species to be actively reintroduced. “Large predators play a vital role within the ecosystem, exerting control on prey species' numbers and spread, to keep the ecosystem in balance,” the Trust said in a statement, whilst acknowledging that reintroducing species such as wolves would not be straightforward. “People’s opinion of the wolf remains

prejudiced, and this poses a serious problem for obtaining support for the reinstatement of the species into this country.” Scientists say that killing 10-12 per cent of the total wolf population every year will not harm the animal's ability to reproduce, but environmentalists have expressed anger at any authorised killings. A coalition of groups including the World Wildlife Fund and France Nature Environnement criticised a “lack of political courage” to stand up to farming lobbies. Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot, a celebrity environmentalist, spoke recently of how wolf culling “makes me sick to the stomach” but he accepted it was a necessary measure to take farmers’ concerns into account. ■

siret: 793 679 440 00016

• • • •

he world watched with open mouths last month when an Intermarché promotion offering a 70% discount on jars of Nutella resulted in rioting shoppers climbing over each other to bag a bargain. With much of the world more accustomed to images of chic Parisians, this most incongruous spectacle generated worldwide interest, but has now also caught the attention of the national fraud office (DGCCRF). According to reports, the DGCCRF has launched an inquiry, saying it will “look very closely” at the details of the promotion, following a statement from the Ministry for Economy and Finance. France has strict rules regarding sales and discounts. The law allows food to be discounted as part of the official “sales” periods starting in January and June under two conditions: that the products were bought at least one month before the beginning of the sales period; and that the goods are being sold for a fair price. If it is not part of the official sales and is simply a special offer, then the discount price must not be an attempt at “product dumping” by the store. In other words, goods can not be offloaded for a loss. Investigators will now be looking very closely at what the supermarket chain paid for the Nutella in question and when they bought it. As the ugly scenes hit the headlines, Nutella's manufacturer, the Italian confectionary giant Ferrero, was quick to distance itself from the promotion, which it said was “decided unilaterally” and had “created confusion and disappointment among customers”. It is not yet known if the British Ambassador in Paris made use of the promotion to spoil his guests! Before the “Nutella riots”, Stéphane Travert, France's Agriculture Minister, had already announced plans to limit supermarket discounts to a maximum of 34% of the amount the store paid for the product. Travert also wants to put an end to the relatively recent introduction in France of so-called BOGOF offers (buy-one-get-onefree), saying he wants to “give value back to products”. His proposals were presented to the National Assembly in February. ■

12 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

RSW 05 55 80 00 57 RSW ENTREPRISES

ZA LES BOIS VERTS 23240 LE GRAND BOURG rsw.entreprises@orange.fr

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

Russell Waite T.P. • Fosse Septique specialist LOCATION et VENTE de matériel T.P.

• COMPACT’O MICRO STATIONS • Rock wool Filter • • • • • DISTRIBUTOR OF

Traditional systems Micro stations All to new 64.1 regulations Planning arranged Axa France decennial insurance In stock - Factory supplier Free on-site quotation

Hire and Sale of mini excavators and other small machinery wide range of mini excavators dumpers compactors micro tractors plant trailers Rubber tracks / Buckets and parts supplier

Mayor orders sun to shine 1.5 million lost bottles of

his last winter has been a soggy, wet affair and most of us are probably fed up of the constant rain and drizzle. One mayor has decided enough is enough and came up with a novel solution to the winter blues: releasing an official mayoral decree ordering the rain to stop and the sun to shine. Serge Rondeau, mayor of the village of Challans in the Vendée department of western France, released the “Arrêté du Maire” on his Twitter feed, citing public health laws as the requirement for the return of more clement weather. The tongue-in-cheek order demands that: 1) The sun should appear every morning from Monday to Sunday. 2) Rain is only authorised for 3 nights per week in order to maintain a stable water table. The document places responsibility for the execution of the order in the hands of the local Gendarmerie, and cites three reasons for its introduction: “It has rained sufficiently during the day”, “the health of citizens relies on a degree of sunshine” and “there is a risk of chocolate overdose due to the lack of sunshine”. While this may all have been a bit

Champagne unearthed

A of a joke, the country has suffered serious damage as a result of recent rains, which have been described as the worst in 50 years. Many of the country's major rivers have burst their banks, leading the government to declare 275 “natural disaster” zones. This allows residents to claim compensation for damages from a central pot established by insurers. Insurers are not automatically obliged to pay out for claims by property owners outside of these zones. ■

number of bottles of 19th century Champagne have been discovered, 118 years after they were buried in a landslide. They are just a few of the 1.5 million bottles of the ageing Pol Roger Champagne being stored in the cellars when they collapsed. The story began when disaster stuck on February 23, 1900, when the domaine's owner Maurice Roger was awoken by a thunderous sound at two o'clock in the morning. The company’s vast cellars, as well as many adjoining buildings, had partially collapsed. The rain-soaked chalk soil had given way, with the ground sinking 13 feet. “It was the beginning of both the dreams and nightmares of generations of the family and chefs de cave,” said Laurent d’Harcourt, current president of Pol Roger. “In the past, digging the new cellar, maybe the chalk was too fragile and they didn’t realize it.” The owners at the time considered tunnelling into the cellars to retrieve the buried wine, but gave up the idea a month later when another nearby cellar caved in. They instead decided to cut their losses and build new cellars on the Avenue de Champagne.

The long-lost bottles of bubbly resurfaced in January when building work began on a packaging facility on the site of the former cellars and workers discovered a cavity from which dropped a still intact bottle of fizz. “We found one bottle the first day, then five or six the next day, before long we had 19 and we stopped,” explained d’Harcourt. “The chalk is very humid. There was so much rain the last two months and it could be dangerous. Sometimes blocks of chalk fall down. We have to make sure the ground above is steady.” The surviving, hand-blown bottles, though encrusted in chalky soil, have given cause for cautious optimism: the wines are clear, the levels are correct and the corks, held in place by a metal staple, are apparently in good shape. Preserved at a constant temperature and away from bright light, the old bottles have arguably been unwittingly been kept in “perfect Champagne conditions”, although they will be stored for a further few months before any are opened for tasting. As for the fate of the remaining bottles, hopes are high that further excavation will unearth more of the Champagne that has laid buried for more than a century. ■

Egg vending machines

Could you be a property consultant? • Beaux Villages Immobilier is the fastest-growing estate agency in SW France • This role will suit motivated individuals who can support themselves financially until they produce income. • We are a people business operating in a stressful environment. • We value life experience above qualifications or hard-sell technique. • If you want a job (not a hobby) please call for an informal understanding of what is involved to make this work for you, us, and our clients, and to earn just rewards. • Our training is person-centred, local and free. • Conversely, if you are the right person already in our industry (with a successful track record) we can help you make the move. • Either way, having two (spoken) languages is a distinct advantage. • Self-motivation is indispensable. • Mobility and some computer skills are required.

We look forward to meeting you. Email: judith.whitlow@beauxvillages.com Phone: 08 05 69 23 23 SARL Beaux Villages Immobilier 3 Rue Portes des Fontaines, 33580 MONSEGUR Tél. 05 56 71 40 78 Siret 501 191 720 00025 APE 6831 Z Carte prof:33289-2659 TVA FR94501191720

• We need self-employed commission-only property consultants.

e've all been there... deciding what we fancy for dinner and opening the fridge door only to find that one crucial ingredient is missing. The concept of the 24-hour supermarket has yet to reach these shores and French trading laws mean that not much is open on a Sunday, so there is often very little we can do. Technology is often the answer to these first world problems, and hot on the heels of the 24/7 baguette dispenser comes the automatic egg vending machine. Those with concerns for animal welfare should not worry, the hens are not stuffed in the back and forced to lay on request. Rather, the eggs in the vending machines around Gevrey-Chambertin, near Dijon, come from free-range hens on a local farm. The machines, which have been in-

stalled in five nearby communes, sell two boxes of six eggs for just €2.50, and are coin operated, meaning that locals can drive or walk up to them at any time of the day or night, put in their change, and take away fresh eggs. The machines are reloaded every two days meaning no more frustration if you fancy a last-minute Yorkshire pudding with your Sunday roast! The innovative idea is supported by the mayor of the nearby commune of SaintPhilibert, who was frustrated by the loss of local shops. “In our commune of just over 500 people, we lost our last shop seven years ago. We had been hoping to find someone to take it over, but that has not been the case.” The mayor hopes that schemes such as these will bring back some life to small rural villages. ■

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Stephen Cullinane & son

• Small repairs to complete renovations • Stone & brick work • Partition walls • Plastering • Flooring • External and internal colour rendering finishes • Stone pointing • Domestic plumbing installations • Decorating • Replacement of windows & doors • Roofing & roof construction • Covering Creuse, NE Haute-Vienne & S Indre

Tel: 05 55 81 00 53 - Mob: 06 74 33 97 79 - Email: sdc700@msn.com

Siret: 485 349 518

From the foundations to the roof - Established 9 years in France

Navarin printanier by Julia Watson

aster comes unusually early this year - 1st April. Which means you’ll be preparing for the feast in March and while windy winter may still be on its rampage. On the upside, an early Easter gives you something to look forward to during one of the grimmer months of the year. And since March sees the start of the new lamb season, you can try out your Easter dish well ahead of the feast day. Lamb, symbolic of the religious festival and of spring across most of the western and middle eastern world, is a meat we treat differently as spring approaches, perhaps because the animal coming young to slaughter is tender and delicate in flavour. The lamb shank, shoulder and leg recipes that fit so comfortingly with autumn and winter chills and demand the addition of assertive ingredients like onions red and white or dried beans or apricots, seem too heavy once new grass is shooting and buds appear on the branches. This is the time of year for fresher navarins of lamb. It’s thought this lamb stew, traditionally a country recipe common across France, was renamed following the 1827 defeat of the Ottoman Armada at the battle of Navarino, in honour of France and her allies. (This is the battle that led to the independence, eventually, of those champion consumers of lamb, the Greeks.) It’s a debatable fact: the earliest use of ‘navarin printanier’ comes through cookery writer and master chef Georges Escoffier, who wasn’t born till 1846. Others say it’s named after ‘navets’, the baby turnips that generally participate in the dish unless you can’t bear the taste of them. Whatever is true, the Greek breaking of the Lenten meat-free fast on Easter Sunday with lamb spiked generously with needles of fresh rosemary, rubbed in olive oil and perhaps a touch of hot red pepper Harissa paste then roasted for

hours at medium heat alongside copious whole heads of garlic, will also provide a rewarding festival meal. A navarin of lamb, however, will see you all through spring. It’s only quite recently that lamb not mutton has been used for the recipe. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that sheep were bred to grow and fatten in a shorter time period, for slaughtering in the lamb’s first year of life. A sheep between one and two years old is known in the UK as a hogget, providing the texture of lamb but the stronger flavour of mutton. The meat of an adult sheep over two years old (as opposed to the animal itself) is called mutton. Mutton, which is a cheaper alternative to lamb, gives a far more pronounced and gamey flavour to any dish and can happily be used in a navarin printanier. Whatever you use, navarin is not an expensive dish, made as it usually is with ‘collet’, the best end of neck chops. The fat that these come with enriches the dish and if you make it a day ahead of serving it (strongly recommended), not only will the flavours mellow, but you can easily spring the hardened lid of fat off the stew. Doing this makes it the perfect Easter dish, allowing you to focus your time on the hunt for chocolate Easter eggs. What vegetables you use in a navarin printanier depends, as its name suggests, on what is available so early in the year. The dish becomes a celebration of spring, containing as it can the first of the new potatoes, baby turnips (which I prefer to add as close to the end of cooking as possible so that their flavour doesn’t overwhelm the rest), new season peas, tiny carrots and leeks. ■

Is it about time you put that door or window in...?

RESTAURANT Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. To a large bowl, add the lamb chops, the herbes de Provence, flour and 1 tsp each salt and pepper and turn thoroughly to coat the chops.

LA VEYTIZOU (87130) +++++++++++

For a rapid response and a job well done, call

Martin: 05 55 61 93 07 Windows, Doors & Dormers. Structural & load bearing work. All types of structure... stone, block, timber, etc. New, old, or adjustment to existing openings. Structural concrete specialists. siret: 531 768 182 00010

1.5kg collet of lamb (best end of neck lamb chops) 150g smoked lardons, diced 350g small shallots, peeled and halved 4 garlic cloves, chopped 500g baby vegetables, such as baby new potatoes, baby turnips, leeks, carrots and fennel, trimmed and halved if necessary 150g shelled or frozen peas 250ml dry white wine 600ml chicken stock 2 tsp herbes de Provence 2 tbsp plain flour Salt and pepper 2 tbsp olive oil 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, bruised 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

AUX CEPES Call us... the easy access opening specialists

Navarin printanier Serves 6

WINTER HOURS Lunchtimes: MON TO FRI UNtil 14h Sat & Sun by reservation evenings: Wed & Thu 18h-20h30 Fri & sat 18h-21h +++++++++++

Heat the oil in a heavy casserole over medium heat and fry the lardons till gold. Remove to kitchen paper with a slotted spoon. In small batches, add the lamb to the pan and brown for about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and fry gently over a low heat for 5 minutes. Return the lamb and lardons to the pan and add the wine, stock and rosemary sprigs. Bring to the boil and transfer to the oven. Cook for an hour and a half, then add the baby vegetables except for the turnips. Return to the oven. After 15 minutes, add the baby turnips. After 20 minutes more, stir in the peas and cook for a final 10 minutes. Scatter over the mint and serve.

Menu du Jour: Mon-FrI Fish & Chips and A La Carte +++++++++++ Hotel rooms - call for info +++++++++++ FOR details of SPECIAL EVENTS RING SUE

Tel: 09 64 00 14 51 Email: auxcepes87@gmail.com

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

14 ♦ BILINGUAL

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

hen you go down to the shops to buy a chunk of cheese, the chances are that the shopkeeper will place it on a set of scales and tell you how much it weighs. Typically this will be done in kilograms, but how is this unit of measurement defined and who decides exactly what constitutes one kilogram? The answer dates back to revolutionary France and survives to this day in a heavily-guarded facility outside Paris. During the French Revolution, frustrated scientists decided that the existing standards for measuring weight and length had become impractical for accurate trade, and proposed a metric system based on the kilogram and the metre. One kilogram was defined as the mass of one litre of water at 4°C and in 1799 the kilogramme des archives was cast in Paris. This prototype became the basis for the new unit of mass and all other weights were compared against it. Over the course of the next century, the metric system grew in popularity and in 1875 the Metre Convention was signed by a number of countries around the world. This resulted in the creation of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), a platinum/ iridium alloy cylinder cast in London, but stored in Saint-Cloud, France. Scientists agreed at the time that the IPK - also referred to as “Le Grand K” - was the kilogram, and every weight created ever since

has been based on it. A number of copycat cylinders were then created and distributed to the countries that had signed up to the convention. Great Britain holds Kilogram 18, for example. These siblings return periodically to France to be compared against the IPK. The IPK is stored just outside Paris in super-sterile conditions at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in a vault which can only be opened by three independently controlled keys. Le Grand K forms the basis for all scientific research and enormous care is taken to ensure it does not gain or lose mass through handling or contamination. The IPK is meticulously cleaned to avoid this, but scientists have recently discovered that, compared to its siblings around the world, it does appear to be losing mass. The difference is approximately 50 parts in a billion, or a single grain in a bag of sugar. However, because the IPK is itself the definition of a kilogram, its mass can not change and so theoretically, it is every other kilogram in the world that is in fact too heavy! The kilogram underpins much of modern science and experts around the world are frantically working to establish a new, reliable way of defining one kilogram, one that does not rely on a 143-year-old, golf ballsized cylinder of metal stored in a vault in France. ■

Le Kilo - How France decides the world's weight

orsque vous achetez un gros morceau de fromage dans un magasin, il y a de fortes chances que le fromager le pose sur sa balance pour vous annoncer son poids, généralement en kilogrammes. Cependant quelle est la définition de cette unité de mesure ? Qui décide exactement ce qui constitue un kilogramme ? La réponse remonte à la France révolutionnaire et se trouve encore aujourd’hui dans un établissement sous haute protection situé en banlieue parisienne. Pendant la Révolution française, des scientifiques frustrés considérèrent que les normes de mesure du poids et de la longueur alors en vigueur n’étaient plus assez précises pour le commerce. Ils proposèrent un système métrique fondé sur le kilogramme et le mètre. Le kilogramme fut défini comme la masse d’un litre d’eau à 4°C. En 1799, le “kilogramme des archives” fut coulé à Paris. Ce prototype devint la référence pour la nouvelle unité de masse et fit office d’étalon pour toutes les mesures de masse. Au cours du siècle suivant, le système métrique connut une popularité croissante et en 1875, la “Convention du Mètre” fut signée par un certain nombre de pays dans le monde. Il s’ensuivit la création du PIK (Prototype International du Kilogramme), un cylindre constitué d’un alliage de platine et d’iridium. Il fut coulé à Londres mais conservé en France dans la ville de Saint-Cloud. Tous les scientifiques s’accordèrent alors pour reconnaître que le PIK, aussi appelé “le grand K”, était LE kilogramme et depuis, il constitue la référence pour toute mesure de poids.

Un certain nombre de cylindres identiques à cet étalon fut alors fabriqué et distribué aux pays qui avaient signé la convention. Par exemple, la Grande Bretagne détient le K18. Les copies retournent périodiquement en France pour être comparées au PIK. Le PIK est conservé dans des conditions optimales de stérilisation, en périphérie de Paris au Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), dans une chambre forte dont l’ouverture nécessite trois clefs détenues indépendamment. Le Grand K étant la valeur de référence pour toute recherche scientifique, des précautions draconiennes sont prises afin qu’il ne perde ni ne gagne de la masse lors de manipulations ou de contaminations éventuelles. Le PIK est nettoyé méticuleusement afin d’éviter tout problème mais les scientifiques ont récemment découvert que sa masse, en comparaison avec ses répliques officielles dans le monde, avait diminué. La différence est approximativement de 50 milliardièmes soit l’équivalent d’un grain dans un sac de sucre. Mais, puisque le PIK est la définition même d’un kilogramme, sa masse ne peut être modifiée. Donc, en théorie, ce sont tous les autres kilogrammes du monde entier qui sont trop lourds ! Comme une grande partie de la science moderne repose sur la valeur du kilogramme, les experts scientifiques du monde entier travaillent d’arrache-pied pour établir un nouvel étalon fiable. Une référence qui ne reposerait pas sur un cylindre de métal du diamètre d’une balle de golf vieux de 143 ans et conservé dans une chambre forte en France. ■

Many thanks to local French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for this month's bilingual article. Why not get in touch with Sophie to see how she can help improve your French! See left for contact details. Your favourite one stop shop where you will find something for all the family within our 32000ft² sales floor.

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

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

Just off the RN147 on the D107 (dir. L’Isle Jourdain) 0°53’33’’40 E, 46°13’45’’10 N

87320 Bussière-Poitevine

Tel: 05 55 68 74 73

Open Tue - Sat: 09h00 - 12h00 & 14h00 - 18h00 Sun & Bank Hols*: 09h30 - 12h00 & 14h30 - 18h00 Closed Mon *closed: 1st May, 14th Jul, 25th Dec & 1st Jan

SAS L’Orée du bois

(Andrew Wright - Carpenter & Joiner)

Roofing - Renovation - Kitchens Bespoke Joinery - General Building Email: loreedubois60@gmail.com

L’Orée du Bois, Chouviat, 87120 Eymoutiers

Full 10-year Décennale Insurance Mob: 06 35 12 10 66

siret: 832 486 948 R.C.S. Limoges

PRACTICAL ♦ 15

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

What can expatriates in France do with their UK pension in 2018? - Blevins Franks

hen it comes to pensions, your long-term financial security is at stake, so take care to do what is right for you and your family. Expatriates also need to consider the tax rules and implications in France. Start by understanding the options available for different pension types.

tax resident in a non-EEA jurisdiction within that period. It is important to take professional advice to first establish if transferring is suitable for you and then navigate the complex options.

‘Defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pensions

Here, your employer guarantees a proportion of your salary for the whole of retirement. As benefits last a lifetime and are often generous, these are viewed as ‘gold-plated’ pensions. While you cannot usually withdraw cash from these pensions, you can transfer it to a defined contribution scheme or a QROPS. Traditionally, this has been considered less attractive than drawing a guaranteed pension for life. However, today, some struggling providers are tempting members to cash-in with ‘transfer values’ of up to 40 times the annual benefits due at retirement. Although a one-off sum could potentially provide a retirement income that exceeds the original annual payment, it is crucial to fully understand the consequences before giving up ‘gold-plated’ benefits. Whatever type of pension you have, consider certain issues before making any decisions.

These pensions are made up of what you have paid into the scheme alongside employer contributions, tax rebates and investment growth. Examples include individual or group personal and employer pensions and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Since the pension freedoms of 2015, members of these schemes can usually do the following from age 55: • Take the whole fund as cash – 25% (the ‘Pension Commencement Lump Sum’ - PCLS) will be taxfree in the UK. • Make cash withdrawals when you want – unless you have already taken the PCLS, a quarter is free of UK tax each time. • Take regular income through ‘flexible drawdown’, leaving the remainder invested. • Take a secure, regular income for life through buying an annuity. Expatriates also have the option to transfer UK pension funds to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). QROPS benefits include flexibility to pass pension benefits to chosen heirs and to take income in Euros instead of Sterling. Once in a QROPS, funds are protected from lifetime pension allowance penalties and future UK taxation. However, QROPS benefits and rules can vary between providers and jurisdictions, and a 25% UK tax charge applies on transfers to QROPS outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Gibraltar. As transferred funds remain liable for five UK tax years, you risk being penalised if you become

‘Defined benefit’ or ‘final salary’ pensions

Taxation While a quarter of a defined contribution scheme can be taken tax-free in the UK, French residents are liable to French taxation at the income tax scale rates up to 45%. Only withdrawals prompted by an ‘accident of life’, like invalidity, unemployment or death of a spouse, are exempt. It may be possible to limit French tax on a UK lump sum to just 7.5% with an uncapped 10% allowance – in certain circumstances. Generally, you must take the whole fund at once, so you may be ineligible for this rate if you have already started taking benefits. All pension income also attracts annual social charges of 9.1% (7.4% previously), unless you hold EU Form S1 or do not have access to the French

Buying or Selling French Property? Legal advice from English-speaking lawyers Also the #1 portal for property auctions

www.frenchpropertylawyer.fr

05 55 82 18 99

healthcare system. Making your money last Having the freedom to withdraw or transfer your pension does not mean that you should. You may even be better off taking no action at this time. If you choose to take some or all of your benefits as cash, make sure you have a plan to fund your long-term future that suits your personal circumstances and goals. The threat of losing it all Pension scams have never been more widespread and sophisticated – Age UK estimates £43 million has been lost to scammers since April 2014. Generally, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Once you transfer your pension, it is too late. Also, beware that many companies offering pension services are unregulated. Whether they aim to defraud you or not, unprotected investments risk losing your money, with no re-

course if things go wrong. Even amongst regulated providers, check for quality. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that less than half of those cashing in final salary pensions received suitable advice. Make sure your adviser takes account of your needs, objectives, personal circumstances and risk appetite to find a tailor-made solution for you and your life in France. Getting it wrong could have serious and unexpected consequences. Take the time you need to do your research and establish your best approach for a prosperous retirement.. ■ Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com Web: www.blevinsfranks.com Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Champlong Chatterie

Animals & Pets

Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats

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

Antiques/ Brocantes

JUNCT 22 off A20, Arnac la Poste

Alison & Ray

Valhalla dog holidays

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

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

BROCANTE VIDE GRANGE

>> pg 16 >> pg 16 >> pg 16 >> pg 16-19 >> pg 19 >> pg 19-20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20-21 >> pg 21 >> pg 21 >> pg 21

House Clearance >> pg 21 Insurance & Finance >> pg 22 Language Services >> pg 22 Pest Control >> pg 22 Pools & Spas >> pg 22 Property Maintenance >> pg 22 Property Sales >> pg 22 Retail & Commerce >> pg 22-23 Transport/Removals/Storage >> pg 23 General >> pg 23 Businesses for Sale >> pg 23

MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

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

+44 (0)1377 538 639

'New' old treasures available regularly

motorptscharente@aol.com

3, Valette 23110 CHAMBONCHARD ROUTE D915

www.motorpartscharente.com

Small, friendly English-run kennels in Bétête (23270)

La Tour des Chats

Open 365 days a year Call Leanne on:

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

email: petit-shambhala@orange.fr https://petit-shambhala.blogspot.fr

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

www.latourdeschats.fr

LA BRAUDERIE BROCANTE

Antiques Vintage Retro

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Luxury holiday home for cats

05 55 80 42 47 or email

leaberry24@yahoo.co.uk siret: 810 192 807 00016

siret: 818 954 669 00013

Dog Guest Home (NOT KENNELS)

Your dog(s) looked after in our country home, safe enclosed garden area. Walked twice a day in our woods and surrounding fields. Visits welcome. Introductory offer on referrals. References provided on request. Nr. Châteauneuf -La-Foret, Linards, 30 mins from Limoges airport.

15€ / night

Bookings being taken now for Spring/Summer... limit on numbers. (Also carved custom made garden signs to order) Call Jane:

05 55 00 34 79 / 07 62 60 22 17 or Emily:

06 71 15 15 65

waggingtails87@hotmail.com Siret: 792 142 341 00017

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Top Dog

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

Tel: 05 55 78 62 28 Based near Marval (87440) covering ~30km radius Siret no. 832 850 929 00015

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

RING BILL! Registered Car Mechanic 05 55 81 31 85 ■ Services ■ Brakes ■ MOT Prep

(contrôle technique)

SIRET: 494 617 798 00017

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

Open most days during our campsite season: March 30th - September 30th

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

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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Auto Services

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

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

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

Planning & Translation Services • Planning permission dossiers prepared with all necessary drawings & paperwork • Professional advice on ecorenovations, energy-efficiency, government grants & RT2012

Registered Car Mechanic

• Translation of official forms, formal letter writing & hand-holding service

05.55.81.31.85

info@arcpod.org www.arcpod.org

RING BILL! See Display Ad Below

06 59 04 27 31

siret: 814 486 213 00014

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE Renovating your French property? New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

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

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners

Menuiserie23 Made to measure joinery

Oak barn doors from €1,700 Oak stairs from €1,900 Oak windows from €395 Oak shutters from €245 All prices fitted... Hard/softwood available Covering Limousin and surrounding regions Call Matthew:

05 55 62 28 70 / 06 88 96 09 14 menuiserie23@yahoo.com siret: 793 679 440 00016

Carpenter All types Best Rates Available Immediately References available Call Mark:

06 45 82 34 03 Siret 798 692 778 00011

Building Services Electricians

Based between Gouzon & Boussac, serving Dept 23

05 55 62 63 82

Siret No. 829 638 741 00019

BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ

Classical Carpentry

www.classicalcarpentry.fr 05 55 65 15 31 / 06 02 25 41 58 see main ad below

Neuvialle Menuiserie

Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 / 07 55 20 42 90 see main ad below

CARPENTER AND BUILDER

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SINCE 1986 Building • Roofing • Kitchens • Joinery

Portfolio available to view at

www.jonesentreprise.com Jeff Jones: 05 55 62 46 21 Mob: 06 38 25 74 62 e: jones23entreprise@orange.fr siret: 810 322 123 00011

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

Steven Rofe 28 Years' experience

From small repairs to complete installations Boiler Servicing Over 35 years experience Fully Insured lorrainemquintana@gmail.com

see main ad - pg 15

Keith SLOPER

Lumiere Service et Energie

Electrician/Plumber

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66

électricité

No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

Carlos

A. Wright

SALAMANDRE Building

SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

Available for all types of electrical work 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 siret: 794 282 368 00016

Your advert here

• NICEIC approved Electrician in the UK • Rewiring • External & garden lighting • All aspects of electrical works • Fully insured - (10 year Decennale) • Departments covered 87, 23 & 19 05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71 email: rofesteven@yahoo.co.uk www.lumiereservice.com See full list of works carried out on the website

Steve. JOHNS. SARL

Fosse Septique Specialists Planning permission arranged Design and installation Supply and servicing DIY and trade kits Free site visit and devis

05.55.64.11.73 06.70.47.52.96 siret: 824 706 444 00018

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

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

SAS Masters

www.masters-energies.com 05 55 78 66 35 see main ad - pg 8

INSTALLATION23 - Electricity - Plumbing - Small renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) - Fully Insured Dutch and English spoken Creuse / Puy-de-Dôme

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

Building Services General

Fosse Septique 23 Davis & Davis

Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

05 55 41 17 76

Services Fosses Septiques

Steve Johns Assainissement

fosse-septique23.com

05.55.64.11.73 - see pg 2

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

05 55 41 17 76

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

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

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

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

Based Arnac-la-Poste - Covering depts 87, 23 & 19 Siret: 498 203 652 00017

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

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

05 55 37 45 35

wasteremovalmultiservices@gmail.com siret 532 981 198 00015

Scaffolding Hire

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

06 42 73 83 37 siret: 795 207 067 00013

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

with Driver for Hire

Landscaping, Ditching, Land Clearance etc. Hedge Removal and Stone Wall Construction 87440 Marval

05 55 78 62 29

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

john.bonella@gmail.com

DAVID CARDWELL PROFESSIONAL

BUILDER

Visit our website

www.classicalcarpentry.fr

Keith Brown Roofs, stairs, shutters, decking, gazebos... 30 years’ experience. Full décennale insurance guarantee. keith@classicalcarpentry.fr

T: 05 55 65 15 31

M: 06 02 25 41 58

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE JOINERY

no job too small - very competitive rates 30 Years’ Experience Joiner Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Flooring & General 2nd Fix Finishing, Joinery & Decking Emergency Lock Services Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 (Home) 07 61 76 97 41 (Mobile) mgchristie2013@gmail.com

debarrasser87

House Clearance Specialists

Home renovations / Ground works Block works / Verandas, Abris & Terraces Barn doors & Shutters Also available: digger & driver Planning permission assistance and design available HNC and ONC qualified, 15 years experience & 7 in France Based near Lubersac (dept 19)

We are able to offer a wide range of specialist house clearances including hoarded property clearance and clearances where there are unsanitary conditions.

Tel: 05 55 98 24 12 - Mob: 07 82 78 01 31 Email: dave.cardwell@yahoo.co.uk

05.55.69.68.44 / 05.55.37.45.35 - http://www.ferraille87.com

We offer an efficient, affordable and honest service.

Siret: 802 265 728

John Bonella

Classical Carpentry

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

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

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

Building Services General

Paul Jones Renovation

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

Tel: 05 55 69 28 12 Mob: 06 73 18 63 47 Email: pauljones@orange.fr www.pauljonesrenovation.com siret no: 495 067 829 00020

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

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

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

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

Harlequin upvc-solutions Developments uPVC windows, doors, est. 2007

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

Masonry & More

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

05 55 61 93 07

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

Dave Cardwell - Builder

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad pg 17 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

porches & conservatories

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

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

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

05 55 89 69 46

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

Max Huggett

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance Offering a broad selection of building services in depts. 87, 19 & 23. From one off installations to complete renovations, construction, decorating, landscaping and ground works. E: info@maxhuggett.com

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

www.maxhuggett.com

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

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

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 15

Building Services Groundworks

ANGLO MINI DIGGER With driver SCAFFOLDING for hire HIRE Work to High standard UK scaffolding supplied and erected here in France Qualified and fully insured FREE no obligation quotes Call Ian on

06 34 24 64 11

Concreting work undertaken Contact Michael: Mob: 06 44 24 10 17

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

or see

Mini-Digger with driver

Email: akbrunnstrom@yahoo.co.uk

john.bonella@gmail.com

www.lakesidebandb.net SIRET: 799 067 939 00014

La Noneix

Construction & Property Services

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

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

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

05.55.66.44.06 www.lanoneix.com Paul.rands@orange.fr SIRET: 501 144 596 00019

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

05.55.78.62.29 See Main Ad - pg 17

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 12

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

05 55 41 17 76

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Houses on Internet: A Global Property Network

ouses on Internet – Global Property Services (hereafter referred to as “HOIGPS”) is the internet/marketing company that helps people sell their French property to buyers worldwide. Richard Kroon, founder and director of the company: “During the last few months we have seen a huge increase in viewings and sales. Most of the buyers don’t live in France, which is why our worldwide advertising is so important. Our marketing efforts are definitely paying off and guarantee a worldwide exposure of your property to buyers wherever they live. “Last year HOI-GPS sold properties to people from 11 different countries, like France, Australia, Belgium, Holland,

the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada and Denmark. “The actual work all starts with the presentation of a property. If that’s not good enough, all other marketing efforts are useless. Our photographers usually take 150 to 200 photos of a house and in addition copy any good (summer) photos our clients may have themselves. “About 50 to 60 of those photos are selected, enhanced and presented on the dedicated website we make for each property in English, French and Dutch. “The texts don’t just describe the house, garden and outbuildings, but information about shopping, schools, airports and leisure is given too. “When the website for the house is online, we first con-

nect it to our main HOI-GPS websites which attract over 135,000 visitors from 40+ countries each month. Most of these people find us through Google and additional Google advertising. “To reach an even larger audience, a summary of the presentation of the house is also placed on several other leading property websites. These adverts are also connected to the dedicated website of the house, making it all one big global property network. “As the property market has become a global one, a prospective buyer can be on the other side of the world while the owner is in bed sleeping. With our approach, the buyer does not have to wait and can see the entire property whenever he wants, at the moment he is

Building Services Painters/Decorators

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Building Services Plumbing & Heating

CALL KATH Painting and Decorating Interior and Exterior Colour Consultations Room Re-designs Kathleen Willis

05 55 63 53 06

kathleen.willis@orange.fr siret 802 262 35200015

Simon Carter

Painter & Decorator Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK

Building Services Plasterers

siret: 792.130.932.00017

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Honest – Professional - Affordable Servicing, Repairing & Installing gas, oil & LPG appliances An expert in cleaning and protecting heating systems to make them run efficiently using modern cleaning pumps & Thermal Imagery

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

Call the best, flush the rest

THE PLASTERER

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19 christopher.willis@orange.fr Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

05 55 67 35 02 07 69 22 26 30

info@powerflowfrance.com 23260 St Maurice pres crocq SIRET 519 624 084 00017 (est. 2010)

Building Services Roofing

ROOFING SPECIALISTS Plastering Rendering Screeding Dry-lining Covering depts. 36, 23 & 18 Contact for a FREE no obligation quote Chris Andrews +33 (0)7 85 49 16 55

chrisandrews331@hotmail.com siret: 830 316 485 00010

Houses on Internet Global Property Services www.housesoninternet.com

MUMFORD TOITURE

LA RAMONEUSE

Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

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

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

Mob: 06 42 38 54 22 Tel: 02 54 30 11 20 Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr siret: 509 180 410 00011

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

THE LADY SWEEP Established since 1986

Brush & Vacuum

05 55 44 71 44 / 06 78 60 96 16

All types of chimney

Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

Fully Insured

mumford.toiture@gmail.com

Call Ruth Clear

Building Services Sandblasting

02 54 31 48 50

Sand and Blast

Cleaning Services

www.powerflowfrance.com

Eurl Réno-Gén

FREE QUOTES

Web: www.sjcmontluc.fr Email: sjcmontluc@yahoo.fr

A Plumber that speaks your language

CHRIS

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

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

POWERFLOW

interested in it.” For more information on HOI-GPS or to market your property through them, visit their website. ■

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

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

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72

- P5 18mm tongue and grooved water repellent chipboard. Available in 8ft x 2ft sheets. - C.L.S. stud work: 2.4, 3 & 4.8m lengths. - OSB 8ft x 4ft sheets, 9mm and 18mm in stock. - Plywood all in 8ft x 4ft sheets. External grade, suitable for construction use. - Marine ply also in 12mm - Skirting board & Architrave in stock. - Insulation earthwool, 100 & 150mm. R value for 100mm - 2.25. - Rigid board insulation Xtratherm R: 40/75/80/90 &120 mm. R value for 40mm - 1.73. - If you use hydraulic oil search on Google: reclamationyard Facebook. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 6pm - www.reclamation-yard.com - Only 1km from Confolens on the D952 Ansac-sur-Vienne road

siret 504 218 454 00016

Nettoitout

Professional Cleaning Services Windows Conservatories Garden maintenance Offices

Chimney Sweeps

50,000 sq ft of covered showrooms & 2 large external display areas

06 25 61 84 95 (SMS only)

Siren: 502 409 949

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

07 81 39 21 49 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

Email: contact@reactive-resource.com

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €12.50/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 30,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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

6-Month Contract

12-Month Contract

Small b&w Directory Ad

€100

€150

Large b&w Directory Ad

€130

€195

Small Colour Directory Ad

€140

€210

Large Colour Directory Ad

€180

€270

All prices exclude TVA (20%)

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

30 words max

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 (small logos may be allowed when supplied). The minimum contract length is 6 months. Advertising is payable on publication. All prices are HT.

GOODWIN Food & SATELLITE Drink

Cleaning Services

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

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

Tel: 06 21 33 60 99 Email: mimihomecare23@yahoo.fr

Dept 23 & surrounding areas

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 52 38 67 65 Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr siret: 453 067 910 00019

Big Dish Satellite

Mandys-curry-2-go Mobile Curry Take Away For menus and venues:

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

m : 07 70 39 12 23

www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98 see main ad - pg 6

No6 DESIGN WEBSITE

siret: 818 225 526 00016

Computers, Satellites & Web Design

during

- Refresh / redesign your existing site - Create new one page / multipage / shop / gite booking system site afterwards

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

06.79.07.91.56

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

- Update your own site if you like! - Enjoy a fully maintained site - Enjoy full website support contact@no6.co

06 38 75 32 97

www.no6.co Siret: 80493524500014

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

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

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

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

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix.

Allo Allo 1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand Bourg

Petticoat Lane

see main ad - pg 6

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Rés: 06 73 37 45 01

before

- Free quote / discussion / meeting / assessment of current site

26, Ecurat 23150

Try Something Different

Chez Jacques Marsac (23) • Cosy atmosphere • Speciality Crêpes • Large burger menu • Around 115 single malt whiskies • Selection of bottled British ales • Book corner, pool table • "Mouclade" nights • Curry nights

05 87 40 02 83 closed Wednesdays

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

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

Restaurant AUX CEPES LA veytiZoU, 87130

Tel: 09 64 00 14 51 see main ad - pg 13

Le Creusois Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

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

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 Garden Services Purple Solutions Garden Maintenance

06 72 87 87 14 see main ad below

GARDEN SERVICES Paul Brown

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

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

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

Très Jolie

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

(See Notice Board for where to ﬁnd me)

Paula Bonella Granulés du Limousin

05 55 78 62 29 06 04 08 29 53

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

Purple Solutions Garden Maintenance Do you have a garden? Home, cottage or holiday home? Call us on 06 72 87 87 14 or contact us via Facebook or email. Leave your details and an idea of the job description.

purplesolutionsgardenmaintenance email: sryanhill@rocketmail.com siret: 825 351 836 00010

DIRECTORY ♦ 21

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

HOW SAFE IS YOUR FINAL SALARY PENSION?

for all your tree requirements pawsonbeverley4@gmail.com 05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

see main ad below

Sherrie et Steve Jardiniers All general

Gardening Undertaken

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

M: 06 58 72 03 43 E: sherrieetstevejardiniers@gmail.com Siret No: 811 161 835 00001

T.A.D. 23 (Travaux d'Accès Difficiles) All aspects of garden maintenance • Tree Surgery • Garden Clearance • Strimming • Pruning

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Gifts & Crafts

think everything will be OK in the end. You need to find out if your pension scheme is in deficit, and if it is, by how much and what plans are in place to reduce and ultimately to clear the deficit. If this seems unrealistic and/or the Company itself is on rocky ground then it’s time to get your money out. I am here to help YOU. To arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation, please contact me by email: Rosemary.sheppard@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70. Blacktower Financial Management has over 32 years’ experience helping expats to make sure that their money works for them. The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) through whom we have a registered branch and passport for financial services in France. License number 00805B.

Très Jolie

Sophie Arsac

COUNSELLING

French lessons & handholding services

Ladies fashion accessories 05 55 78 62 29 / 06 04 08 29 53

05 55 89 15 74 - pg 14

see main ad pg 20

'ROUSSIS MAID'

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

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

Tel: 06 86 89 81 02 siret 528 539 448

26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Artisan art for your garden

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

tel: 05 55 81 31 85 email: ecurat123@hotmail.com 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. Come and visit the workshop by appointment.

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

Mon Chic Cottage

Tea Room

Le Dorat 87210 www.monchiccottage.com Chalk Paint, Little Greene Paint, Fat Quarters, Annie Sloan Paint Workshops Wed-Fri 10h-16h

Tel: 05 87 77 95 59

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

05 55 41 17 76

Handholding Services

Health & Beauty

A HELPING HAND

Osteopathy & Acupuncture

Translation/interpretation Dealing with utilities/banks Permis de construire Sourcing/supervising artisans Notaire/tax/hospital meetings

05 55 62 50 38 Jonathan Critchley jcritch.7@gmail.com siret: 792 285 025 00013

The Advice Service Tel: 05 55 68 76 46 see main ad - pg 9

Linda & Paul Bodimeade

Back, Neck, Joint Pain, Arthritic conditions? Anxiety, Headaches, Sports Injuries? Insomnia, Stress, Sinus, Hayfever? Based in Châteauneuf-la-Forêt (87130)

Tel: 09 52 32 34 87 or 06 95 46 25 38

lindabodimeade@eircom.net paulbodimeade@eircom.net

Mobile hairdresser Grand-Bourg & surrounding area

Call Teddy:

06 11 96 19 78- pg 5

Lesley Kidd MSc

UK Reg. Counsellor & Psychotherapist Senior Accred. MBACP 548379

• French Reg. Conseille de Vie & Coach • Based on borders of 87-19-23 • Meet in person or via skype

05 55 38 33 35

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

Chez Boutique

Formerly La Petite Place

05.55.60.08.46

See our Display Ad - pg 4

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 House Clearance debarrasser87

siret: 791 847 429 00010

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

2017 was estimated to be £56 billion. This is a deterioration of £9 billion from the position 12 months ago. There are a significant number of FTSE 100 companies where the pension scheme represents a material risk to the business. Eleven FTSE 100 companies have total disclosed pension liabilities greater than their equity market value. For International Airlines Group, BT and Sainsbury total disclosed pension liabilities are around double their equity market value. Only 26 companies disclosed a pension surplus in their most recent annual report and accounts; 63 companies disclosed pension deficits. In the last 12 months, the total disclosed pension liabilities of the FTSE 100 companies have risen from £584 billion to £705 billion. So if you have a final salary pension scheme and you haven’t yet taken retirement, don’t just bury your head in the sand and

siret: 793 539 826 00016

nly the other week we were hearing about the demise of Carillion and the news that the company pension scheme is being placed into the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Now it’s the turn of Capita to hit the headlines. More than £1bn was wiped off the stock market value of the government contractor Capita in January, sparking fears of job losses and forcing Downing Street to play down the threat of a collapse echoing the demise of rival Carillion. Like Carillion, Capita counts the UK government among its major

clients with contracts that include running London’s congestion charge scheme, tagging prisoners, operating a jobseeker’s allowance telephone line and administering the teachers’ pension scheme. It also collects the licence fee for the BBC. Capita´s pension fund deficit is £381m and its debts are predicted to hit £1.15bn by the end of the year. Frank Field, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said it would be looking into Capita. In a statement that referred to the accounting group that signed off Carillion’s figures, KPMG, he said: “Another day, another outsourcing firm with massive debt, a huge pension deficit, a KPMG audit and the big four popping up at every turn in the company’s chequered history. “Sadly, Capita goes on the growing list of firms we are investigating to see if their conduct has endangered current and future pensioners’ rights.” The total deficit in just the FTSE 100 pension schemes at 31 March

House Clearance Specialists www.ferraille87.com see main ad - pg 17

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

pawsonbeverley4@gmail.com

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

22 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

KICK-START YOUR BUSINESS IN 2018 WITH ADVERTS FROM €12.50 HT / MONTH SALES@THEBUGLE.EU

05 55 41 17 76 sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 14

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

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

Blacktower

Financial Managment Group

Rosemary Sheppard 06 38 86 99 70 - pg 8

International money transfer

AmiLangues

Administrative support www.amilangues.fr

www.hifx.co.uk

06 37 08 92 09 - see pg 9

The Spectrum IFA Group

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Tony Farrell

Independent Financial Adviser

05 55 89 57 94 - see pg 8

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth management advisers

www.blevinsfranks.com

Pest Control

See our main ad - pg 15

Language Services Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE Proud or ashamed of your French? Make a real difference in 2018!

My lessons, held in Eymoutiers: • help you to speak and understand better • focus on real life, at the vet's, dinner invites, emergencies, over the garden wall chat • help keep Alzheimer's at bay! Small groups with a level to suit yours. Free taster class: 3 hours and includes coffee and cake. Email: homer.jennifer@gmail.com If you have French friends who would like to improve their English, maybe they would like to join my TEFL classes, Beginners or Intermediates.

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

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

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

Dave Roberts

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

www. fibreglass-lining.com

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

Transaxia

Agencies across Central France www.transaxia-bourganeuf.fr

'Gite and Tidy'

Houses on Internet

All properties looked after, main residences, holiday homes & gîtes. Changeovers, cleaning, tidy ups, maintenance, gardening, swimming pools, etc. Single or regular visits. Fully insured. Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150). References available.

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Property management

www.giteandtidy.com 09 82 12 69 73 (Home) 06 06 40 81 07 (Portable) Inside Out Property Services Offering a wide range of building/joinery/fencing services We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship, providing the client with a high quality finish at competitive prices. Servicing 23 and surrounding areas. Ring Dave: 05 55 64 22 98 Email: insideout288@googlemail.com Siret No. 821 348 323 00014

Property Sales

www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69 Leggett Immobilier www.leggettfrance.com

05 53 56 62 54 see main ad - pg 6

Beaux Villages Immobilier www.beauxvillages.com

Freephone: 08 05 69 23 23 see main ad - pg 12

Retail & Commerce

Eco Entrepot Get down The Shed

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 14

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Live in Limousin www.liveinlimousin.com liveinlimousin@orange.fr see main ad - pg 8

Email: soieetbois@gmail.com Web: www.soiebois.net Tel: 05.55 48.28.89

Self Install Pools

Cendrillon - Bourganeuf

Moulin de Tintin

Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets

Property Maintenance

see main ad - pg 7

Limousin Spas

Insurance & Finance

HiFX

Pools & Spas

naturalispools.com 06 31 17 25 60 see main ad - pg 4

Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 3

8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Furniture, interiors & gifts

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

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 23

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Family run business based in France which prides itself on a personal professional service

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

7.5 tonne truck to and from the UK and Europe, with a highly experienced staff. We provide a door-to-door service with packing and dry, secure storage. We are a professional furniture removal company and NOT a man and a van.

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

TRANSITION REMOVALS

siret: 482 524 907 00011

R.S.M.DISTRIBUTION

Beds Mattresses Furniture in stock

DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE SHOP Joussé (86350) - By appointment only

email: ray.mole@wanadoo.fr

Tel: 05 49 87 67 34 Siret 531 167 443 00013

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com

Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

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

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

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

Watson European International Removals

www.transitionremovals.com see main ad above

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

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

SAFE GARDE

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk

Secure self storage units in Guéret

Transport, Removals & Storage

Smart Moves

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

For a fully insured, careful service

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

Bonner Prestige

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

www.safe-garde.com

05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 14

Classic and high value vehicle transport throughout the UK and Europe

Bonner Prestige is a dedicated vehicle transportation service offering professional vehicle transport throughout the UK and Europe. We offer a bespoke service to suit our customer requirements. Our fully enclosed vehicle transporter allows for vehicles to be moved securely and safe from the elements. For more information contact Trevor Bonner:

UK: +44 (0)7871 975 859 France: +33 (0)7 69 72 44 86 bonnerprestige@gmail.com

POLISH MOVERS We specialize in domestic and commercial removals

We offer a moving service that will guarantee you a smooth move. Our service includes moving from the UK to all EU countries and from anywhere in the EU to the UK. We do not charge VAT, we are fully insured.

tel: +44 (0)208 903 9227 mob: +44 (0)7739 351 786 www.polishmovers.co.uk

Phone: (+33) 05 55 34 19 46 - Mobile: (+33) 06 80 75 87 14 Email: p.evans@orange.fr - www.transitionremovals.com

see main ad - pg 5

05 55 63 58 85

safegardegueret@gmail.com siret: 821 846 318 00011

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

+44 (0)1253 725 414

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk

www.buggscarhire.com see pg 9

MICHAELS MOVERS

Man & Van Transport

Removals

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

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

English & French Spoken

09 82 12 69 73

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

87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.michaelsmovers.freeindex.co.uk

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

Central France Storage

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage Brexit Busting Prices!! Vehicle storage options We also do internal moves!

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 General

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com 05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 20

Businesses for Sale FOR SALE Established & Profitable Gift & Home Interior Shop in the heart of Le Dorat, 87210. For sale enquiries contact Jay:

Tel 09 62 53 75 40

Cash paid for scrap All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

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

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

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

FOR SALE:

Proxi Supermarket In the heart of the market town of Ahun (23150) • Alimentation Générale • Tabac • Lotto/FDJ For more information call:

06 38 39 33 99

FOR SALE: Commercial Lease For a shop (all types of commerce) on main street in Limoges. Easy parking. 60m2. 2 large commercial spaces of 20m2 and 25m2 with a room to the rear kitchenette, WC. Very good condition. Contact for more information.

Tel: 06 20 82 89 43 agnespierre.tricard@gmail.com

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76 Would you like to receive your copy of The Bugle by post each month? We can deliver a copy to your door, hot off the press

France, UK and Europe - €20 per year

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

24 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities The Hope Association Charity Shop 87 NEW ADDRESS: 2 rue de la Vieille Tour, 87120 Eymoutiers The shop is run by a group of volunteers with the sole aim of raising funds for abused & abandoned animals. Opening hours: Sat 10h-13h, Wed & Fri 14h-17h, 1st & 3rd Thu morning 10h-12h. We offer a selection of items including pre-loved clothes, jewellery, greeting cards and much more. We are happy to accept anything in good sale condition either directly to the shop or email shopeightyseven4hope@gmail.com. SPA Creuse The SPA Creuse dog refuge centre is based in SaintSulpice-le-Guérétois near Guéret and provides an invaluable service to the community by rescuing dogs that otherwise would have nowhere to go. Each year we re-home over 100 dogs which find themselves at the SPA though no fault of their own. We have dedicated staff who work alongside a network of French and British volunteers, all of whom have one aim in life, which is to do the best they can for the dogs until they find their forever homes. In order to do this they need to raise funds; along with walking the dogs every day, volunteers also organise fund-raising events and vide-greniers throughout the year. We are a friendly bunch and always on the lookout for more like-minded people and so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or adopting one of our lovely dogs, then please visit our website www.spa-creuse.com. Noah's Ark Noah’s Ark is a French registered charity run by Cindy and Lauren Maasik who have spent the last five years rescuing animals and caring for them on their farm near Saint-Mathieu. A warm welcome awaits you at their shop and tea rooms in Rochechouart, with home-made cakes, tarts, and quiches followed by plenty of tea or coffee. For more info visit www.noahsark.fr or Facebook: Noah's Ark Tea Rooms and Brocante, 6, Rue de Poitevin, Rochechuart. Open Tues - Sat 10h-17h. Tel: 05 87 41 26 16. Farm visits for animal adoption are welcome at La Ferme, Les Dognons, 87440 Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire. Tel: 05 55 70 64 76. Email info@noahsark.com Phoenix Association Phoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France. Phoenix does not have a 'rescue centre' as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over SouthWest France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate. Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fundraising and donations to cover the very high rehoming and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com and www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance Church Notices Anglican Holy Communion Anglican Congregation of St. Martin, in France – FCE, founded 1844. The FCE is a member church of GAFCON and is recognised as validly and lawfully Anglican by the C of E. We are pleased to announce the resumption of regular services at the RC Parish Church of St. Laurent, Bourg Archambault 86390 Vienne, on the D117 from Montmorillon. Holy Communion at 3 pm on the first Sunday of each month. Special services on certain Holy Days, as announced. Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals provided. Special arrangement due to the marriage of the Vicar’s younger son: Holy Communion on Palm Sunday, 3 pm, 25th March, but no service on Easter Day this year. Contact: revrobertleone@gmail.com Monthly Worship in English If your journey of life has brought you here to

France, why neglect your journey of faith? We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3pm. Where? At the Temple in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – we are part of the Parish of the Basse-Marche of the Eglise Protestante Unie de France. The Temple is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat. If you want to know more contact Rev Derek Lawson on 05 55 68 53 03 or Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86. English-speaking church services Guéret Come as you are... This is an invitation to join us at our CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service you are welcome at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Eglise Evangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Guéret, 23000. We welcome all who want to join a group of English-speaking Christians for a time of worship and learning together. Children are very welcome. For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott.james@neuf.fr The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet mid-way between Crozant and Eguzon. Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am. Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62 Fitness & Fun Dordogne Short Mat Bowls Association Learn to play Indoor Short Mat Bowls in the heart of the Dordogne at Eyzerac, just off the N21, south of Thiviers. We are a small friendly inclusive club who meet every Thursday afternoon throughout the year at the Complex Sportif in Eyzerac 24300. We are looking forward to welcoming new members, both novices or experienced players. We have all the equipment you need to play, so why not join us any Thursday at 2 pm until 5 pm. To arrange a taster session or simply for more details contact Paul Boswell (Secretary) at boswellmoore@ hotmail.com or call 05 53 56 99 75. NEW in St-Léonard-de-Noblat The Foyer Rural proposes drawing and watercolour courses in English and French: a good way to share knowledge and languages! Courses are delivered by a professional artist, to adults of any artistic level. Every Wed from 18h to 19h30 (except during school holidays). For more details, please tel Caroline Platter on 06 72 08 26 15. Address: Foyer Rural, rue Roger Salengro, 87 400 St Leonard de Noblat INSPIRATIONS – Art & Craft Group We are a small group of artists and crafters who meet every Friday from 2 pm until 5 pm at the Salle Barbara, Droux 87. There is no formal tuition but we all help, advise and encourage each other to perfect our skills and learn new ones. New members welcome, from absolute beginners to experts. Materials can be supplied for try-outs. Please contact: inspirations.droux@gmail.com Art Classes Mainsat The class runs every Thurs (term time) at the Salle du temps libre in Mainsat from 14h-16h. We do a little bit of everything: pencil, charcoal, watercolour, pastel, acrylics, oils and sculpture, etc. Contact Susan Neill for more info: Tel 05 55 83 12 18 / Mob 06 87 99 31 37 / Email thomas-susan.neill@hotmail.com La chance de danser Dance classes for adults in La Souterraine. Tue Bums & Tums - Stretch & Tone 10:00-11:00. Salle des fêtes Saint-Léger-Magnazeix; Tue Tap from 19:00-20:00. Salle des fêtes La Souterraine; Wed Beginners ballet from 10:30-11:30. Salle de danse La Souterraine. €5 per class. For more info contact Jan Pitwell on 09 66 96 44 85 or at lachancededanser23@gmail.com. Photo Club La Meteorite (87) Rochechouart All welcome, all levels; we meet fortnightly at 3-5pm on Sundays. Field trips, friendly critique, conversation and competitions (to contact and more details go to photoclubmeteorite.org). Chabanais Bowls Club Recognised as the premium short mat bowls club in the Charente, Chabanais Bowls Club offers gentle, convivial exercise throughout the forthcoming

Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Monthly circulation: 15,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

winter months, together with a social programme to suit all tastes. Our next major event will be our annual Christmas, presentation lunch. Due to the unique construction of the salle des fêtes at Chabanais, the home of our short mat bowling club, it is possible to slide back an entire wall to let in the light and the air, without compromising on our flat playing surface. We play every week on a regular basis with just a few days off around the end of the year. The salle also allows us to lay out up to 5 mats so there is lots of room for both all current members and to be able to warmly welcome any new ones that want to join our friendly, but competitive club. Sessions of 3 hours duration take place every Tuesday, starting at 10 am and every Thursday commencing at 2 pm with a 30 minute tea/coffee break during each session. The Club has all the equipment that new bowlers require to get started or old hands can use their own indoor or outdoor bowls to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable game. And it’s not expensive, with a one-off joining fee of 10 euros, a yearly fee of 25 euros and a rink fee of just 2 euros. The first two ‘sampler’ sessions are free, only the rink fee to be paid. Currently all our members are English, it is difficult to encourage the French to roll a ball, most being senior citizens, many bringing over their skills from the UK. If you are considering taking up the sport again, trying your hand at something new or simply coming along for a closer look, just pop down when our sessions are on or contact Brian on 05 45 71 14 06 or Terry on 05 45 89 14 05. Drawing and painting classes At Saint-Junien with the CAPCC (art club). All levels welcome, every Monday and Thursday, English and French spoken, friendly atmosphere, materials provided by the club. 45€ / half-term. Contact: lindsaycox@club-internet.fr for brochure with full details. Keepfit (Bonjour La Forme) Held at Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs in the Salle Polyvalente: Mon evening at 19.45-20.45 for cardiac and muscle exercises; Thurs afternoon at 15.0016.00 for gentle exersises. All are welcome to join us. Contact Jeanette 09 62 58 49 03 (Eng) or Catherine 05 55 66 67 30 (Fr) for more info. Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong classes organised by the ACAMIES (association culturelle d'arts martiaux internes et d'exercices de santé). Wed: Jarnages, 18h30-20h, Salle Polyvalente. Thu: Bétête, 19h-20h30, Domaine de Tournessac. Individual classes, courses, massage & treatments also available. Contact: 06 48 00 02 07 http://acamies.e-monsite.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks! Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit. Our “monitrice” is English and will happily provide bilingual instructions. We meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Pontarion Town Hall, for a one-hour workout. Come for a free trial, or call 05 55 64 98 87 or 06 32 42 95 68 for more details. Indoor Bowling at Oradour-sur-Vayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play. If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it - it's free. If you require further information or directions to our venue please contact me - Email: Oradour-Bowling@gmx.com or telephone: 05 55 08 41 75 Zumba! Regular zumba classes across depts 36, 18 & northern 23. For more info tel 06 58 37 17 04 - email evezumba36@gmail.com and for details of classes visit www.zumbazumba.fr Indoor Short-mat Bowling at Cussac 87150....and now Outdoor too! As the premier bowls club in the Haute-Vienne, we are going from strength to strength with members seeking us out and travelling great distances to continue their love of bowls or simply to 'try us out'. Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game, just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears! We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from

Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Tirage mensuel: 15,000 copies Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite. Dépôt légal à parution.

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

our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can be played. Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl! Our regular sessions indoors are Wednesday evening at 8pm and Thursday Mornings at 10am. Outdoor sessions will be arranged as the spring arrives so keep in touch. Serious bowlers and beginners are welcome - club bowls are available for use. For further information contact cussacbowlsclub@gmail.com or telephone 05 55 78 66 45. Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www. spaequilibre.yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson. For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53. Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 - 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and a half. For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20. Gym Bien-être Would you like to be more supple? Come to our gym class on Thursday mornings from 10.30 to 11.30 am, where we do gentle exercises to help all our muscles and joints. The classes are held in Rochechouart in the Capitole building, upstairs. Our group is part of a National Federation of Gymnastics (EPVG www. sport-santé.fr) For information contact 07 83 22 38 63 or gymvolontaire-087168@epgv.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www. dechencholing.org Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin L'association des petits jardiniers du Limousin started in 2010 with the aim 'to provide and promote opportunities for local people to develop their interest and knowledge in horticulture and gardening and any related topics'. Since that time we've held monthly meetings on many different subjects, visited gardens and garden related industries such as a distillery, a paper mill and a commercial vegetable grower to name but a few. It's about meeting people with like-minded interests, sharing plants and seeds, learning more about growing plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees in our region and having some fun along the way. We meet on the third Thursday of each month (excluding February) in the Mairie at St-Amand-lePetit (between Eymoutiers and Peyrat-le-Château). Meetings start at 2.30 pm and visit timings will be advised. Do come and join us, we're a friendly group and our meetings are open to everyone. For more information contact us at pjlimousin@gmail.com. Agenda for 2018: 15 Mar - Growing unusual vegetables – pots, compost and seeds provided; 19 Apr - Photographing your garden; 17 May - Wildflower gardening; 21 Jun - Visit to The Potting Shed with a talk on planting in shady areas; 19 Jul - Pond life: how to make and maintain a pond; 16 Aug - Visit to Al Gaulia arboretum with picnic and lotus tasting session; 2 Sep - 6th Annual Show; 18 Oct - AGM followed by Pumpkins: edible and decorative; 15 Nov - Spring bulbs plus sale of bulbs; 13 Dec - Christmas party Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac. We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. For further information contact: veronique.granet@sfr.fr Aux Plantes, etc. We are an association of independent, ethicallyminded and passionate plant producers. Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It’s not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you! Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants. For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or visit: www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Les Jardins de Sirius Based in Pressignac, Charente, we are a small

association of people who are keen on gardening. As well as finding plants an endless source of interest, we believe that the simple fact of gardening has numerous positive benefits for health, stress, social interaction - in other words, our daily lives - and we'd like to encourage this aspect. If you'd like to get involved, have more info on the association or become a member, please contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@gmail.com Integration Café Franglais Organised by the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB). Every Wednesday starting at 18h30 until 20h00 in la Maison des Associations, Quartier Pasteur, 23600 Boussac. Come and join us for an informal chat to improve your French or English with native speakers in a café atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and nibbles. Last evening before the summer holidays will be on 5th July. For more info please call 05 55 65 03 69. Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques The Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques, based in Bourganeuf, was created in January 2012 and aims to help British people, resident in the Communautés de Communes surrounding Bourganeuf, to become integrated in their communes and local life. We organize a range of cultural and social activities for our members. The fortnightly conversation groups are an important part of our association. At these meetings British members can improve their spoken French, and our French colleagues may improve their English. We would very much like to welcome new people, both French and English, into the association. Our meetings and events are fun and take place in a happy and friendly atmosphere. We currently have 90 members. The annual subscription for membership is €12 per person. For further information on the association's activities contact: Christine Gee 05 55 64 22 25 - email: geeinfrance@gmail.com - www.francobrit.com Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-surGartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community. The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, when various activities take place, all aimed at promoting a friendly and welcoming ambiance. Through these activities, which include visits, talks, entertainment and much more, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle. For more details or to join please contact the President, Bernadette Ruffenach, on 05 55 76 11 19. Les Franglais de Banize (23120) French and English people meet every Wednesday at 2-3 pm in the mairie in Banize to share English and French language and lots of laughter. We all learn from each other, in both languages and about aspects of both cultures. In general the English try to speak in French and vice versa. As far as possible! The meetings have been going on for seven years now but new arrivals are always welcome. For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60. Connect87 CONNECT is a group for English speakers of any nationality in the area of St-Yrieix-la-Perche. Our Objective is to help people make friends and exchange information. We hold fun events and a Monthly Coffee Morning on the First Friday of every month at Espace Ferraud, rue du Docteur Lemoyne, St-Yrieix-la-Perche. We are a non profit making group and we are run by volunteers, there are no membership fees. For Further information visit our website www.connect87.info or contact Nikki Evans at nikkifleurie@gmail.com or on 05 53 55 09 83. French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/ Haute-Vienne border. We are accompanied by a retired French schoolteacher and a current French teacher of English. Discussion is informal, loosely based on everyday topics, including some grammar plus general discussion. We need a few more people to help keep it vibrant and to cater for inevitable absences. The only cost is yearly membership of the local Association, about €16, which brings with it other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Chrissy Smith at chrissysmith@talk21.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-le-Château Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-le-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters. We will also do our best to help you with practical matters such as language problems, payment of bills, hiring workmen, etc. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the

COMMUNITY ♦ 25

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-le-chateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-leChâteau Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-la-Perche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Held at five different levels, all with the same native French teacher, so it is easy to move from one class to another if you feel out of place. Level 1 (beginners) - Mon 10h30-12h; Level 2 - Thur 10h30-12h; Level 3 - Tue 10h30-12h; Level 4 - Sat 10h-12h; Level 5 (top) - Weds 14h30-16h30. All courses are held in Familles Rurales' premises at 1 rue de la Piscine (former swimming pool), 87500 St-Yrieix-laPerche. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, or Mark GRIEVES (English-speaking president) tel 06 76 64 89 94 will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Aubusson’s Network - International Apero Reseau We have changed our name to “Aubusson’s Network” and are now meeting at the cafe “ Les Balladins” opposite Aubusson’s Gare Routière car park. We continue to meet between 11.30 am and 1pm every Saturday. You can contact us by phone, Catherine on 06 86 17 80 88 or email jan.senior@yahoo.co.uk We continue to meet to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers. We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages. Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We are a friendly club based in Rochechouart and our aim is to promote good relations amongst the local French-speaking and English-speaking community. We offer courses of tuition in English and French as well as organising social and cultural events including visits to places of interest. For further information please visit our website www.learningtogether.moonfruit.com, email us at learningtogether87@gmail.com or telephone our President Alan Bretman on 05 55 49 08 75. We look forward to hearing from you. The Melting Pot We are a group of about 50 people who meet regularly to discuss and propose different ideas and activities with the aim of integrating more fully with the French community. Our meetings are held at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac every Wednesday morning from 10h-12h, except on the first Wednesday of the month when we meet at 19h30. Our meetings are varied and include curry evenings, quizzes, plant swops, table tennis, pétanque tournaments, BBQs and more. Newcomers are very welcome. For more info visit: www. meltingpot-limousin.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) CLE is a not-for-profit organisation whose members form a valuable resource for the exchange of news, views, ideas and information. We lobby and work with key organisations to help protect our members' best interests, particularly when Government or other proposals threaten to impact the well-being of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year, plus social activities including coach trips, activity days and charity events. Our special interest groups include a Fishing Group, a Pudding Club and Gourmet Club which holds regular lunches at some of the region's better restaurants where we negotiate set menus a cut above the typical 'plat du jour' but still reasonably priced – all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Tel: Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 Libraries & Books Open Door Association – English Language Library & Cultural Exchange Group Based in the Old Mairie at Morterolles, commune of St. Pardoux-Morterolles, we have a selection of around 5,000 books, DVDs, etc. The library is open Mondays and Saturdays from 2-5 pm. Feel free to drop in and browse, borrow, chat or enjoy a free tea/coffee. The association organises a variety of activities throughout the year including a number of visits to places of cultural significance. In 2017 these have included vineyards, sites of historic and artistic interest and sites of natural beauty. A wider programme is currently being planned for 2018. We welcome new members of all nationalities. For further information, visit our website on www.opendoor23.com or contact the President, Peter Edmondson, on 06 47 54 20 09 or peter.edmondson2@orange.fr Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of secondhand books (both English and French) from 9am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac. All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-sur-Briance and St-Méard RPI). La Souterraine English Library and Information Centre Located in the historic Porte de Puy Charraud, at 10 rue de Portail, La Souterraine, we are a lively, well-stocked English language library with almost 10,000 books and media available to borrow. We have an attractive cafe which serves tea, coffee and a range of home-made cakes. There is also a regularly changing display of works by local artists. The library hosts a lively mixed conversation group for French and English speakers and also organises AngloFrench conversation groups in association with the Municipal library in La Souterraine. There are also a number of thriving special interest groups, such as the Gardening Group, Camera Club, Friendship Group, etc. We also provide support & assistance in bureaucratic and administrative matters for both existing British residents as well as newcomers to the area. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most

CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE Charente Plus

Mistral

Free confidential support for Englishspeaking people touched by cancer

CSF 24 HOUR HELPLINE - 06 45 35 32 30 email: csfcharenteplus@gmail.com

Facebook : Cancer Support France - Charente-Plus welcome. We are open from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm, Mon, Fri & Sat and 2 pm until 4.30 pm on Thurs. For more info tel 05 55 89 57 62 during opening hours or visit www.englishlibrary.fr The English Library, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 5 yrs, is situated in the Route des Rateries, beside the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee, whilst you browse through our collection of around 7,500 books, DVDs and talking books. Our opening hours are Thursdays, 10h00 – 16h00 and Saturdays 10h00 – 12h30. Also, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10h00 – 12h00, you are invited to join us for our Club Franglais, which welcomes people from all nationalities, to chat in French, English or any language you wish(!) whilst enjoying a cup of tea, and a piece of home-made cake. We host a range of other activities too, including the Café Philo, and Club Scrabble, More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www.ententecordialecreuse.org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo. com Music

URGENT Wanted for a small choral group in the Oradour-sur-Vayres area: 2 tenor singers - competent and confident; no beginners; no hiding. For more information email roland.brown@wanadoo.fr or tel 05 55 78 81 20. Le Petit Tralala Le Petit Tralala was founded seven years ago by Sylviane Cahannier in Cluis (Indre). Until now, Sylviane has created the shows (music hall parodies) and the costumes. The troupe is always looking for new members. There is absolutely no need to sing perfectly or dance, as most importantly we have fun. Rehearsals are programmed in line with the date of the show and the availability of the troupe members. There is no obligation to speak French for the songs (playback performance), but it will be a relief for Sylviane who does not speak English. However, that must not discourage you from calling her for further information! Tel: 06 09 13 46 15. “Le Jeudi Meta Blues” Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 4th Thursday of the month, from 19h30 to 22h at “La Petite Charrue” pub, Le Bournazeau, Château-Chervix (87). All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around blues, folk and rock, in French AND in English, or who might like to jam a little, are welcome. Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@ gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34. Open Mic Night If you like music and have ever fancied getting up and having a go, why not come along to our Open Mic Night at “Le Loch Ness” in La Souterraine town centre every Friday around 8.30pm. L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or MayJuly. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52 The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion,

L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making. We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave.lee@ cegetel.net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@ wanadoo.fr Support Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at Limoges, Périgueux and the recently opened meeting at Civray. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. For details of the meetings or other information contact Roger 05 55 76 22 65 (Limoges), Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 (Périgueux) or Angela 05 49 87 79 09 (Civray). Other meetings in South-West France can be located on our web-site at www.aafrance.net English-speaking council surgery ...for residents of the commune of St-Léger-Magnazeix. Every 2nd Weds in the month, an English-speaking council surgery with councillors Manuela Stroescu and Patrick Johnson will take place at the Mairie between 11am and 12pm. L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne Charitable organisation offering English-speaking support and guidance to anyone dealing with the day-to-day difficulties affecting those with dementia, their families and their carers and assistance with how to access the best provisions of care. English Helpline (available on Tuesday mornings between 10am and midday): 09 64 21 40 86. For more information email alzheimer.dordogne@orange. fr or visit www.francealzheimer-dordogne.org Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Free confidential support for English-speaking people touched by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86. CSF 24 hour helpline: 06 45 35 32 30, Email csfcharenteplus@gmail.com, Facebook: Cancer Support France - Charente Plus CSF Charity Shop open at 3 rue Nationale, 16150 Chabanais (entrance opposite the mairie, directly behind Petticoat Lane – we are on the 1st floor upstairs: Wed & Fri from 10 am – 4 pm. Sorry, no books or electrical goods. Now taking furniture, please email joannebrent@outlook. com for details. Cancer Support Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87) and Creuse (23). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, helpline@vienne.org or visit www.cshautevienne.org

This sweet little dog is called Mistral and he has surprisingly been at the refuge for several months now. He is yet another dog that was found wandering by the dog warden and never claimed. Mistral is a young dog, small in size, very kind and loving and sociable with other dogs. It is apparent, though, that whoever had him previously has not bothered to train him and so he will need someone who is prepared to put the time in, to educate him. He will also need an enclosed garden to keep him safe until he gets to know his surroundings. He is a real favourite with the volunteers at the refuge as he walks very well on the lead and he just looks so cute in his matching red collar and harness, he really is a delight to be around. He doesn't particularly like to get his feet wet or dirty and so it is quite funny to watch him on his walks, after so much rain, trying to avoid all the puddles. This little dog will make a lovely family pet and really deserves a chance. If you think you you can help Mistral then please contact the SPA de Creuse (Guéret), 21 Le Clocher, 23000 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois, tel 05 55 81 99 31 (www.spa-creuse.com) or if you would like to speak to an English-speaking volunteer about Mistral or indeed any of our other lovely dogs at the refuge then please email Faye at: faye.jones23600@gmail.com

8th Annual Fund-raiser in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind School in Landouge, Limoges The annual fund-raiser will be held this year on Sunday 17th June from 1 pm to 5 pm at 17 ave du 8 mai 1945, Oradour-sur-Vayres. All donations of saleable items will be gratefully received. Please contact Roger & Christine Thomas: tel: 05 55 78 83 05

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

26 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2018

Mon Chic Cottage

Mandys-curry-2-go www.mandyscurry2go.com Curry and side dish of the month: Makhani (Butter Chicken) & Tarka Dhal Aubusson, Chilled only! (place de la gare routière) - Thursday 1st (4 - 6.30pm) Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 2nd (6.30pm) Guéret, Gouzon and Boussac, Chilled pre-orders only! ... Wednesday 7th (2.50pm, 3.30pm & 4.30pm) Peyrat-le-Château, & St-Léonard-de-Noblat Chilled pre-orders only! ... Thursday 8th (12.30pm & 1.30pm) Limoges, Chilled pre-orders only! Friday 9th (11am) Bourganeuf, Le Grand-Bourg, Dun-le-Palestel & La Souterraine, ... Chilled pre-orders only! Thursday 15th (1.15pm, 2pm, 2.30pm & 3pm) Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 17th (5.30pm)

21 Place Charles de Gaulle, Le Dorat

Bugle Notice Board

www.monchiccottage.com

Tea Room serving home-made scones / cakes Official Stockist for Chalk PaintTM by Annie Sloan & Little Greene Taking bookings now for our New Year Annie Sloan Chalk PaintTM Workshops. To learn the basis of using Chalk PaintTM & ask questions, join us on a workshop. All materials included. To book contact Jay. Opening hours: Wed-Fri - 10h-16h

05 87 77 95 59

info@monchiccottage.com

Please contact me if you would like a chilled pre-order to anywhere that is not listed above!

All venues are weather permitting. Please check website & Facebook for updates.

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

Très Jolie Fashion Accessories Where to find me:

Every Wednesday - Piégut Market

Un Matin d'Avril Ladies Fashion 10% discount

for all new customers! 74bis Avenue Garibaldi, Limoges Loyalty Card Scheme Agnes looks forward to introducing you to her new urban and sportswear collections Tue-Sat: 10h00-12h00 & 14h30-18h45

Please see my facebook page... search 'Tres Jolie Milhaguet' to see what's new. Mail order available, email for more details.

Now stocking the new Gift Shop next door to the 1-4 Euro Store in Piégut 24360

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

Business For Sale Established & Profitable Gift & Home Interior Shop in the heart of Le Dorat, 87210. For sale enquiries contact Jay:

Tel 09 62 53 75 40

WANTED:

Ebéniste / Cabinet Maker We are looking for a skilled Ebéniste / Cabinet Maker to build a full library room in a Manor House - 87430. Please call: 06 27 62 55 73

Bar Bistro

Le Bon Appetit 4 rue des Tanneries, 23210 Bénévent-l'Abbaye

The bar/bistro will be re-opening shortly under new French management Many thanks to all our customers for your support!

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

We are once again serving our Plat du Jour every Mon, Tue & Wed Call for more information: tel: 05 55 81 31 85 email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

RESTAURANT

AUX CEPES La Veytizou

On the main road (D979), Between Limoges & Eymoutiers ~~~~~~~~~

MENU DU JOUR: MON-FRI FISH & CHIPS AND A LA CARTE ~~~~~~~~~ WE ARE OPEN AS USUAL THROUGHOUT MARCH: Lunchtimes: Mon to Fri until 14h Sat & Sun by reservation Evenings: Wed & Thu 18h-20h30 Fri & Sat 18h-21h ~~~~~~~~~

For more information, contact Sue: email: auxcepes87@gmail.com or Tel: 09 64 00 14 51

Roussis Maid

Mike and Christine will be back on the markets this month: Piégut - every Wed from 21st March Chasseneuil - Thu 22nd March A selection of our cards and aprons are still available at the 1 to 4 € shop in Piégut. If you require something different please email me and we'll arrange a special delivery. ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

06 86 89 81 02

WANTED: Tradesman/men For small outside building work, interior plaster boarding and painting, redefining

Experienced keyboard player (65) seeks a blues rock band

electricity wires (on a brand new installation, but needing to be refined), tiling a bathroom.

Work place in 16490. Please contact to make ... or would consider anything. Either musicians to form a band or a band already an appointment: tel 07 84 32 85 81 looking for keys. Rochechouart area. Please contact Nick: 05 55 30 49 06

email: katywmd@hotmail.com

email: young.nicolas@orange.fr

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

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

WHAT’S ON ♦ 27

MARCH 2018 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Sun 7th Jan to Sun 25th Mar Les Bistrots d’Hiver 2018 The Bistrots d'Hiver are back to liven up winter Sundays in and around the Plateau de Millevaches. Organised by the association Pays'Sage this season sees a diverse programme of music with something for everyone!! Concerts take place in auberges and cafes across the region and take the form of an apéro-tchatche (debate on something topical or related to the territory) before lunch and an afternoon concert. For full details visit http://www.payssage.net/ Sat 3rd to Sun 4th Mar BOUSSAC Salon du Loisir Créatif Third edition of the Arts and Crafts Show known as the Salon du Loisir Créatif in Boussac at the salle polyvalente from 10 am to 6 pm. There will be 38 stands from all over France with a great choice of supplies for all sorts of DIY projects: quilting, cartonnage, scrapbooking, knitting, fabrics, embroidery, beads, pixel hobby, weaving ... There will be a snack bar and tea room. Entrance is €2 (free for Under 18s) For more info tel 06 09 39 10 46 and 06 84 20 42 29 (for English speakers) Facebook: creationsdefeesboussac Sat 17th Mar SAINT-DIZIER-LEYRENNE Lyme disease - a growing epidemic Screening of the video of the recent conference held by Professor Christian Perronne (on 14/10/17 in Ste-Feyre) regarding the growing Lyme disease epidemic. Organised by the volunteers of the Creuse branch of France Lyme who will have a stand with information and will be able to answer questions. They will also have details of how to become a member of the association or make a donation. Salle des fêtes. 14h30. Free entry. For more information contact creuse.francelyme.fr or visit www.francelyme.fr

Hope to see you there! For more information please visit our website: www.elephanthaven.org Sun 8th Apr MAGNAC-LAVAL 8ème Fête des Plantes Organised by Les Amis des Fleurs et des Jardins. Takes place in the grounds of the Château at the Agricultural College. Sale of perennials, shrubs, aromatic plants, vegetable plants, garden tools. 10h-18h. Free parking. Entry €2 (free for Under 16s). Contact: fleursmagnaclaval@gmail.com

Sat 24th Mar BOURGANEUF Vide Grenier, Vide Dressing & Puces Couturières Car boot sale, clothing sale and sewing flea market organised by the Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques, the association based in Bourganeuf which aims to help British people, resident in the Communautés de Communes surrounding Bourganeuf, to become integrated in their communes and local life. Hall Rouchon Mazérat. 10h-17h. Free entry. www.francobrit.com Sun 8th Apr BUSSIÈRE-GALANT Elephant Haven Sale Day Big Sale day at the Restaurant Bar & Grill "The California" in Bussière-Galant from 11 am to 5 pm. You can buy lots of fun elephant related things (T-shirts, paintings, ornaments and much more!) and win great prizes at the tombola to support Elephant Haven.

Sat 28th Apr CAMPSEGRET - DORDOGNE Phoenix Book Fair The Spring Phoenix Book Fair will be held on Saturday 28th April in Campsegret (24140), just north of Bergerac. Over 20,000 English, French and Dutch books, all in category (lots of History, Cookery, Gardening and more) or in alphabetical order, will be for sale from one euro and up! There will also be specialist stalls selling hundreds of DVDs, CDs and vinyl; new Crime books; Antiquarian and Collectors books. The famous home-made catering will be on offer, with lots of scrumptious goodies. If that's not enough, there will be kids' books and toys, jigsaw puzzles, greeting cards and Bric-a-Brac bargains too! Children and dogs are welcome - so come with the whole family and spend the day. If you're looking for a new furry friend, we can help you!! Doors open at 9:30 am (9 am for people with limited mobility) and close at 3 pm. Entrance and parking is free. Please bring your donations of books, homemade cakes, unwanted gifts and pet paraphernalia on the day! All the proceeds will go to the Phoenix Association... caring for and rehoming animals in need (http://phoenixasso.com).

28 ♦ WHAT’S ON

The Bugle Film Club Thursday 8th March

What? Early Man Where? Cinéma Sénéchal, 1 rue du Sénéchal, 23000 Guéret When? 19h00, Thursday 8th March How much? JUST €4 (mention The Bugle when purchasing your ticket)

For details of the Cinéma Sénéchal, visit www.cinema-senechal.com Details of each month's screening will be included in The Bugle, but to receive emails about upcoming Film Club nights, please send an email to editor@thebugle.eu quoting “Film Club” in the subject line, and we will add you to our contact list. (We promise not to send you any spam!!)