The Bugle Limousin - Mar 2019 by The Bugle

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The Limoges company hoping to save our reefs High-tech company I.Ceram are hoping to use ceramics to help protect and repair the world's disappearing coral reefs >> Page 3

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November 2016 - Issue #85

Limousin

Your local newspaper for life in France

March 2019 - Issue 113 - FREE!

France fights back against anti-Semitism anti-Semitic attacks across the country, the public have taken to the streets, along with political leaders from all

Footbridge to span St-Pardoux lake - pg 4

French and EU flags to be flown in all schools - page 7

Following a sharp rise in the number of

Lightsaber fencing becomes a sport - pg 10

parties, to condemn the violence. tacks. In the UK, there have been a number of resignations from the Labour party by MPs citing “systemic anti-Semitism”. The situation came to a head in France recently following an initial incident that saw the prominent Jewish philosopher Alain Finkielkraut cornered by a faction of gilets jaunes protesters who threatened the academic and hurled anti-Jewish insults at him. The 69-year-old later explained that he heard people shouting “dirty Zionist” and “throw yourself in the canal” and said that he was in fear of his safety until police arrived to provide a protective cordon. Others reported hearing cries of “dirty race”, “France is ours” and “the people will punish you”. Mr Finkielkraut, the son of Polish immigrants, has previously expressed sympathy for

Bilingual: Magic bunny or flying bell? - pg 11

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 14-20

>> continued on page 6

s many as twenty thousand people took to the streets of Paris in February to express their disgust at the state of society and to call on citizens to take action. This may sound familiar, but this time there was not a gilet jaune in sight; this was a mass protest against anti-Semitism in France. With nationalism and populism on the rise across Europe, the continent has seen an increase in the number of hate crimes being reported and France has been no exception. According to the interior minister, Christophe Castaner, the number of anti-Semitic acts in France has increased by 74%, from 311 in 2017 to 541 last year. Recent crime data from Germany revealed that antiSemitic offences increased by 10% over the last year, including a 60% rise in physical at-

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

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ell, what to say about the weather?! I'm not going to get involved in a climate change debate (hopefully the recent weather can be explained by standard deviation and is not a prelude to the Apocalypse!) but holy moly, spending February wearing shorts and buying a bag of coal for the barbecue is much more fun than shovelling snow off the windscreen and ordering another corde of wood for the fire! Unfortunately, I have had more sombre thoughts on my mind, and while I appreciate that many readers prefer my more irreverent ramblings, I'm afraid, with March 29 fast approaching, I am going to get a bit serious... BREXIT! I have spent a lot of time recently listening to both sides of the Brexit debate. I am aware that the increasing polarisation of opinion on all issues across the globe is in large part due to the internet and social media allowing us to exist in so-called “echo chambers”. We surround ourselves with like-minded people and consume media that reinforces our own opinion, to the point where we don't understand the opposite point of view and can't grasp how anyone else can think differently. I am absolutely guilty of this. So I have been forcing myself to

regularly watch clips of Fox News on the internet. Closer to home, I have been making a point of listening to the Nigel Farage show every day on LBC radio, in an effort to help me understand how we have reached a situation where many are arguing, with a straight face, that a nodeal Brexit is anything other than disastrous. I am aware that at this point I have nailed my “remain” colours to the mast and I am not trying to anger any of my “leave” readers. Everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinion and as Voltaire said: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”. OK, I might not go that far, but I would absolutely take to the streets to defend a leave voter's right to their opinion, even though I may not agree. All of which is a prelude to my slightly tangential point: I am really angry at the British Broadcasting Corporation! I would rank the BBC alongside the NHS as a crown jewel of the UK. I know that it has its detractors, but it is a fantastic service and in my opinion would be good value at twice the price. If I could pay the licence fee from France, I would! But, so aware is the BBC of the need to be impartial, and so scared is it of being accused of taking “sides”, that I have come to the conclusion that the corporation has played a huge role in the polarisation of the

population over Brexit through “false equivalence”. If the BBC holds a debate, whatever the issue, it invites people from both sides to offer their opinion - can't argue with that. But when that debate is because the news is covering the Flat Earth Society's annual conference, on the one side you will have a professor from NASA offering the proof that the earth is indeed round and on the other side will be Bob, who runs a Flat Earth blog from his bedroom at his mum's house, claiming that people regularly fall off the edge! And both are given equal time to make their point and the mediator will rarely come down on either side. This false equivalence is understandable, but dangerous. It is not always a case of black and white and quite often one side is almost certainly right and the other is most probably wrong. The result of this kind of false equivalence leads to the BBC giving huge exposure to stories such as the “350 million a week” on the side of a bus. This lie - and it was a lie - is easily debunked if you so much as scratch the surface of the facts, but by giving it the “on the one hand this, on the other that” treatment, people can be easily led in the direction that the echo chamber they exist in naturally pulls them. Let me stress at this point that there are plenty of cogent arguments for leaving the EU. I might not personally believe that they outweigh the negatives, but there is an argument for each case and debates to be had. The 350-million-a-week “debate” is not one of them and running widescreen images of that bus on the nine-o'clock news, without calling it out as a lie for fear of appearing partial is, in my view, irresponsible. Multiply this by 100 similar unchecked “claims”,

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“warnings” and “promises” - on both sides of the debate - and you end up where we are today, with very few “facts”. The BBC absolutely needs to be impartial, but a fact is a fact and a lie is a lie. Anyone who is afraid of having their “alternative facts” checked should not be taking part in the debate. People trust the BBC; it has a lot of power over public opinion. And to quote Uncle Ben from Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility!” Sorry the BBC... I love you, but I have realised your fatal flaw, at least when it comes to political coverage. Returning to a lighter tone, I have the in-laws staying (again!) at the moment and a false equivalence debate took place in my house this very lunchtime. On the one hand, my father-in-law believes that it is fun to put things back into a different place each time you use them, on the other hand, it's my house and my rules... I will leave you to apply appropriate equivalence!! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

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INSIDE this edition 3-5 Local News 6-10 National News 11 Bilingual 12-13 French Life 14-20 Directory 21 Games 22-23 Community 24 What’s On

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imoges porcelain has graced the tables of the rich and famous for centuries, but in recent times, the region's expertise has turned to solving problems of the 21st century. One of the pioneers in this area has been the Limogesbased ceramics company I.Ceram, which in 2015 helped develop the first ceramic coated ankle joint and is also behind the world's first ceramic sternum which can be used as a prosthetic following open-heart surgery. Now, the innovative local company has begun a trial, taking place at the Limoges Aquarium, that some are saying could one day help save the Great Barrier Reef! “The scientific director of I.Ceram came to see me with a thought: his company makes ceramics that can repair human bones, could they be used to help repair our coral?” explained the aquarium's director, David Branthôme. “I have worked in the past on the issue of re-introducing coral into natural environments. One of the main challenges is finding a support for young corals to grow on that is not the usual concrete or plastics, both of which pollute the environment. Ceramic, which is both natural and inert, could be ideal!” The trials being undertaken could go one step further and the

ceramic plates will eventually be used to take “cuttings” from existing coral reefs which can then be used to establish new colonies elsewhere. Although coral may look like rock, it is actually a living organism made up of thousands of tiny invertebrates called polyps. Each coral polyp is typically only a few millimetres in diameter and a few centimetres in length, but over many generations, the colony creates the large exoskeleton characteristic of the species. Coral reefs only account for around 0.2% of the seabed, but almost all coral is found at shallow depths along coastlines. The reefs help to absorb the energy of waves, protecting nearby land from coastal erosion and also creating valuable ecosystems for marine life. In recent decades, coral mining, pollution, blast fishing, rising sea temperatures and disease have all taken their toll on the delicate colonies: approximately 10% of the world's coral reefs are dead and a further 60% are at risk due to human-related activities. The trial taking pace at the Limoges Aquarium will see a 10cm by 10cm ceramic plate placed within a coral colony “to see if indeed aquatic life can develop on it in a quarantined aquarium, and we will also compare it with existing concrete and PVC supports”.

The local company saving the Barrier Reef

Even if, as expected, the tests are a success, saving the world's coral reefs will not happen overnight. “If our study shows that coral can be developed on I.Ceram ceramics, we will then have to find a process that allows the production of these supports at a reasonable cost,” explained David Branthôme. “Because at the moment, this high-tech medical-grade na-

ture of the ceramic makes it too expensive for this project.” The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands off the coast of Queensland stretching for over 2,300 kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living

organisms. Not only does the reef have a vital role in marine ecology, related tourism is also worth an estimated $3 billion Australian dollars annually. Studies have revealed that the reef has lost more than half its coral cover since 1985 and reversing this decline is a major challenge for marine conservationists and the Australian government. ■

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ork is set to begin this year on a huge 130-metre footbridge that will span the Saint-Pardoux lake in the heart of the Haute-Vienne. The €1.7 million project was given the green light following a meeting of the departmental council of the Haute-Vienne in February. The footbridge, which will also be open to cyclists, will cross the lake at one of its narrowest points, linking Santrop, the location of an aqua park and forest climbing site, with Chabannes, which has a water sports centre and an archery range. Work will also take place to link the bridge to ex-

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isting parking facilities on either side of the lake. “The project we have put forward will fit perfectly into the landscape, offering benches and lookouts,” says the council's website. “It's not just a walkway, but rather part of the heart of the lake.” The 130-metre-long passerelle will be three metres wide and work on the bridge is scheduled to begin this autumn. It is hoped that the first visitors will cross the lake in the summer of 2021. In the meantime, the water level of the lake will be lowered to reduce the challenges faced by contractors. ■

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ould you be prepared to round your bill up to the nearest euro, with the difference being donated to a local charity? Whilst many people might say yes, most will be unaware that you already can, thanks to a system called “L'ARRONDI” - literally, “THE ROUNDUP”. Launched in France in 2013, the scheme aims to collect large numbers of small “micro donations” which are then distributed to local charities. “For example, if your purchases total €57.45, you can ask for that to be rounded up to €58 and a 55 centime donation will be given to the charity chosen by the retailer,” the company explains on its website. Since its launch, the scheme has raised almost €10 million from over 30 million individual donations, with 100% of that money going to good causes. Despite this obvious success, supporters are keen

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to get more businesses and consumers involved and to raise awareness of this easy and simple way to make a big difference. It is hard to find someone who does not think that this charitable form of rounding up is a positive idea, but it remains a relatively niche market in the Limousin. A recent poll carried out by Le Populaire showed that while fewer than a third of those questioned had made a donation via L'ARRONDI, more than half would be prepared to do so. The company behind the scheme, microDon, are looking to tap into this disconnect. Currently, consumers

can choose to make this micro donation at over 3,000 outlets across the country, but the scheme is also available via a number of online retailers. Furthermore, there are also around 400 companies nationwide that offer the scheme to their employees, which sees their monthly salary rounded down to the nearest euro, with the remainder being donated to the company's charity of choice. Some banks also allow customers to opt to have their bank balance rounded down at the end of each month, again with the difference being donated. For more information visit www.larrondi.org ■

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Metro publicity campaign for Limoges €2m gilets jaunes compensation fund

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n recent years, the NouvelleAquitaine's tourist board has been running a series of nationwide campaigns to promote the region across the country. This Spring, it is the turn of the Haute-Vienne, or more specifically, Limoges. Under the banner “Limoges – ville créative de l'UNESCO”, the first phase of the campaign has seen 60 large billboards, featuring the iconic Limoges-Bénédictins train station, go up across the capital's Metro system. “Four phases are planned. The first is this Metro poster campaign, with the idea being to celebrate the 90th birthday of the train station,” explained Amandine Lacotte, communications officer for the regional tourist board. Although there has been a station in Limoges for over 150 years, the terminal as we know it today was designed by Roger Gonthier shortly after the turn of the last century following a devastating fire, with work finally completed in 1929. “The second phase will take place in April where we will be focussing on the area's porcelain production. Both these campaigns will then be re-run in June, with a fourth phase also planned for September.”

The estimated budget of €45,000 is being funded by the regional tourist office, with contributions from the City of Limoges, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a local union of hotel owners. The tourist office of the new super-region is investing heavily in promoting the Nouvelle-Aquitaine as a destination, with similar projects focussing on the Futuroscope theme park, Lascaux museum, Les Landes and La Rochelle. While

France is famously the most visited country in the world, internal tourism is also of huge importance to the local economy. The city of Limoges was inducted in to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2017 under the “Crafts and Folk Art” category. The UCCN was created in 2004 to promote cooperation between cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. ■

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s has been previously reported in The Bugle, not only have the gilets jaunes protests left the government with a hefty repair bill, they have also had a large impact on local businesses. According to a study published in December by Nielsen, the protests have caused a loss of 1% of turnover for major retail operators, more than the June 2018 strikes at SNCF and Air France. Earlier this year, supermarket chain Carrefour alone reported a drop in revenue of €110 million at its hypermarkets and €39 million from its supermarkets. Although the numbers of protesters have been dwindling in recent weeks as public opinion has turned against the movement's increasingly extreme and violent tactics, the impact to local retailers continues. As such, the conseil régional of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine has set aside an initial fund of €2 million to compensate affected businesses. Awarded as a lump sum of between €2,000-€10,000, the aid granted will be determined according to the decrease in turnover. Only those businesses suffering a turnover drop of 30% compared to previous years will be eligible, although it is already feared that the number of claimants will far outstrip the initial fund set aside by the region, particularly in the Bordeaux area which has seen widespread disruption. ■

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Beware the bomb de terre Anti-Semitism marches

mployees at a Hong Kong crisp factory got a nasty shock recently when they discovered a World War I grenade in a delivery of potatoes imported from France. The mudcoated bomb de terre was most likely left in a trench 100 years ago before being dug up and unwittingly shipped across the world. The bomb squad was called to the Calbee snacks factory in eastern Hong Kong after staff there found the hand grenade inside a crate of French potatoes, local police said. Officers moved cars and piled sandbags around the 1-kilogram device before safely destroying it. “The grenade was in an unstable condition because it had been previously discharged but failed to detonate,” Superintendent Wilfred Wong Ho-hon told reporters. The grenade, believed to be a German model, was encased in mud and was almost certainly buried beneath a former battlefield over 100 years ago, according to Hong Kong University military historian Dave Macri. “If it was covered in mud, the grenade was likely to have been left behind, dropped by soldiers there during the war, or left there after it was thrown. The ditch was then filled up and used as

>> continued from pg 1

a growing field, and the explosive was tossed into the mix of harvested potatoes and sent to Hong Kong.” Although the discovery of German weaponry from WWI is not something the territory has experienced before, unearthing wartime bombs or grenades is not uncommon in Hong Kong. The city saw fierce battles between Japanese and British forces during World War II and was also heavily bombed by the US and its allies. Last year, thousands of people were forced to evacuate a busy commercial area while police defused a “severely damaged” WWII bomb found on a construction site, the second to be found in Hong Kong within the same week. ■

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the protesters, but has also voiced criticism of the direction the movement has taken. The incident came shortly after the interior minister had warned that anti-Semitism was “spreading like poison” in the country, following a series of anti-Jewish incidents which included post boxes featuring the image of the late politician and Holocaust survivor Simone Veil being being daubed with swastikas. In response, a series of marches were planned across the country to denounce the alarming increase in anti-Semitism, but the night before the protest, a Jewish cemetery in Quatzenheim in Alsace was targeted and around 80 tombs were desecrated with swastikas. One was defaced with the words “Elsässischen Schwarzen Wolfe” (Black Alsatian Wolves), the name of a militant farright group active in the 1970s and 1980s. The group rose to prominence when they burned down a museum at Natzweiler-Struthof - a former Nazi death camp - in 1976. President Macron described the desecration as “the absolute negation of who we are and what makes us a great nation” and visited the cemetery the following morning, telling local leaders and members of the Jewish community: “It’s important for me to be here with you today. We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish.” That evening, the peace marches took place across the country, with 20,000 people taking to the streets of the capital bearing banners saying “Fraternity”, “Enough is Enough” and “Exit Hatred”. The marchers included political leaders from all parties, as well as former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. “I’m shocked by the anti-Semitism that has been growing,” one protester said. “At first I thought it was isolated incidents, now I realise it’s a deep-seated problem, an intolerance that is getting worse. I hear more and more anti-Semitic comments made openly, as if

people expect you to be in agreement. It has to stop.” Prime minister Edouard Philippe told L’Express magazine: “Anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in French society. We would like to think otherwise, but it is a fact. We must be totally determined, I would say almost enraged, in our will to fight, with a clear awareness that this fight is an old one and will last a long time.” Although much attention has been given to the recent links with the gilets jaunes protests, the increase in anti-Semitism pre-dates the movement and most believe that the problem stems from the weekly protests being hijacked by extremist agitators. Speaking on television, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said no one should confuse genuine protesters with extremists. “The yellow vests aren’t an anti-Semitic movement,” Jean-Yves Camus, of the Political Radicalisation Observatory in Paris, told AFP. “But it’s a leaderless, horizontal movement and extremist elements have been able to drown out the voices of its high-profile figures in the media.” This was evident in a video filmed recently in Lyon which showed a pitched battle between yellow vest protesters from the farright and the far-left. “I’ve never seen this in my life. It’s a civil war,” someone can be heard saying on one of the videos which captured the fight. Anti-Semitism in France has historically been associated with Nazism and the farright. During the Second World War, the collaborationist Vichy government of Maréchal Philippe Pétain helped the Nazis to deport 76,000 Jews to the death camps of eastern Europe - only some 3,000 returned. More recently, however, anti-Semitism has also spread among far-left pro-Palestinian extremists and radicals who point to a global Zionist conspiracy. France has the biggest Jewish community in Europe, numbering around 550,000 people. ■

Expat votes for life bill back on track

s reported in last month's edition of The Bugle, the debate on the right to vote for expats who have been outside the UK for more than 15 years was pushed back after a planned reading of a Private Member's Bill was cancelled in the ongoing Brexit parliamentary chaos. The bill, introduced by backbench Welsh Conservative MP Glynn Davies, had its first reading in the House of Commons in July 2017 and its first full debate at the second reading in February 2018 after which the government announced its intention to back the bill. The bill was scheduled to be debated again on 25th January and could have become law shortly after, but under parliamentary rules, Private Member's Bills can only be debated on one of 13 'sitting Fridays' each year. With MPs engaging in last-minute discussions over Theresa May's Brexit deal, the “Overseas Electors Bill 2017-19” missed its January slot, leaving many disenfranchised expats in despair. There is hope again, however, for a large number of expats looking to have their voice heard in any upcoming referendum or general election, with the news that the bill has been scheduled for its “report stage” and “third reading” on 22nd March. Once beyond this stage, the bill needs to pass through the House of Lords before becoming law by Royal Assent. Whether this third reading will go ahead, or indeed whether any changes would come in time for expats to take part in any future “meaningful vote”, remains to be seen, but campaigners are hopeful. The idea of so-called Votes for Life was unveiled as a government policy in the 2015 Queen's Speech and removing the 15-year-rule was again part of the Conservative Party's manifesto during the 2017 general election, but so far no changes have been made. ■

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

n amendment to educational reforms currently going through parliament will make it compulsory for all schools in France to fly the French and EU flags in every classroom across the country. The bill was put forward by right-leaning Les Républicains MP Eric Ciotti and would also make it obligatory for every school child to know the words to the national anthem, La Marseillaise. The European flag had not initially been included in the amendment but it was added later, with the MP calling it “an important step forward”. The bill has been approved by the lower parliament, the Assemblée nationale, but the late inclusion of the blue and gold-starred EU flag has angered many, particularly on the left, who do not believe sufficient time was set aside to debate the changes. The move would make displaying the flags mandatory in “every classroom throughout primary and secondary education, whether public or private,” said France's Minister for Education Jean-Michel Blanquer. “It will be applied in a very simple way with all costs covered by the ministry.” Despite being approved by parliament, the measure will only come into force once the entire education bill, being put forward by Mr Blanquer, has been voted through. Socialist MP George Pau-Langevin denounced the measure, saying it could be seen as a “mistrust” of teachers who should be in charge of their classes. Michel Larive from the left-wing La France Insoumise party said that it was “enough” to have flags on the front of educational establishments, which showed “respect for the country without drifting towards nationalism”, adding that “schools are not army barracks”. ■

Honest man returns gold delivery

man from the Morbihan department of Brittany has been hailed for his honesty after returning a package containing €20,000 of gold that had been incorrectly delivered to his house. Referred to in the French press simply as Julien, the 27-year-old was at home in the Breton town of Vannes when a small parcel was delivered. As he had been expecting a package for his wife, he simply signed for the delivery without checking the contents. “I didn't pay too much attention to the parcel I'd signed for, because I was expecting a swimming costume my wife had ordered,” Julien explained, who was later stunned to find the package full of coins and ingots, made of real gold, weighing 2050 grams each and dating from around 1900. “There was a total of nearly 700 grams with a value of

Max Pixel (Creative Commons Zero)

French and EU flags in every classroom

€20,000!” Inspecting the packaging, it quickly became clear that the gold had been delivered to the wrong address, but when the honest young man went to the correct destination a few kilometres away, he found it empty. After then visiting the local police, the rightful owner - a collector of historical gold - was tracked

down, and was understandably grateful! “The police congratulated me for bringing the gold in and took some photos. They were then able to reach the other man by telephone and I explained to him that he could come to the station to pick up his parcel.” After the story broke, the national gold broker Le Comptoir national de

l’or announced that it planned to send Julien a gold ingot of an unspecified size, to say thank you for his honesty in returning the original package. Although this may sound like a happy ending, one person was left disappointed: according to reports Julien’s wife is still waiting for her swimming costume to be delivered! ■

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Delivery driver Apple pays €500 million in back taxes steals €3 million

French delivery driver has been arrested after stealing more than €3 million while his colleagues were making a delivery in the outskirts of Paris. Adrien Derbez stole the cash while the team of three were making a routine cash delivery in their security van to a Western Union branch in Aubervilliers, in the Parisian suburbs. The two workers returned to find that the armoured Loomis had vanished, along with their colleague. “When they came back out, the van and the driver were gone,” a police source told AFP. The vehicle was soon found a few blocks away with its doors open, but there was no sign of the 28-year-old driver nor the €3.4 million in cash. Following a tip-off, police raided an apartment in Amiens two days later and officers allegedly found Mr Derbez trying to escape through a window, carrying several bags filled with banknotes. Police subsequently made three other arrests linked to the case, including that of a 29-year-old woman who was loading sacks of cash into a car. Whilst much of the money has apparently been recovered, a significant amount remains unaccounted for. “It makes me sad, because he was someone I liked, a good bloke,” said Didier Jumel, the driver's former boxing coach. “He had a good spirit, it doesn't sound like the guy I knew at all.” The theft has similarities to the famous case of Toni Musulin, who stole some €11.6 million in cash from the security van he was driving in 2009. He vanished, along with the cash, in November that year, briefly becoming an internet superstar in France for his meticulously planned and bloodless heist. Just over €9 million was found in a garage, and Musulin handed himself in to police in Monaco days later, eventually serving four years in prison, denying any knowledge as to the whereabouts of the missing €2.5 million. ■

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

echnology giant Apple has agreed to pay 10 years of back taxes to France, marking the latest victory for European governments pushing multinationals to pay their fair share in local markets. After reaching a confidential settlement with French authorities, it was subsequently reported that Apple will be shelling out close to €500 million in back taxes. For its part, Apple has not confirmed the size of the settlement, but did say in a statement: “The French tax authority recently concluded a multiyear audit of our French accounts and the adjustment will be reflected in our publicly filed accounts. We know the important role tax payments play in society and we pay all that we owe according to tax laws and local customs wherever we operate.” The deal followed several months of talks between Apple and French tax authorities and concerned the small amount of revenue the firm declared in France at a time when the sales it reported in Europe ballooned, thanks in particular to iPhone sales. According to L'Express magazine, which first disclosed the figure of half a billion euros, Apple's European revenues increased seven-fold, from €6.6 billion in 2008 to €47.7 billion in 2017, although most of this was declared in Ireland where the US firm has its European headquarters and enjoys significant tax breaks. Ireland has low corporate tax rates that have attracted many multinationals, but there are wide concerns that firms manipulate accounting rules to escape paying revenues in European countries where corporation taxes are higher. France is in the process of introducing a so-called “GAFA tax” - referring to Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon which would affect tech companies with global sales of more than €750m and €25m in France. That law would be retroac-

Playstation carrot scam goes wrong

lease, please, please do not try this at home or you too could end up with a criminal record. That said, you do have to admire the ingenuity of one French teen who recently walked out of a supermarket after paying less than €10 for a Sony Playstation 4 with a retail value of €340. The resourceful 19-year-old picked up the games console from the multimedia section of the supermarket before heading over to the fruit and vegetable aisle. Placing the PS4 on the scales, he printed out a €9.29 ticket for a low-value vegetable and then proceeded to the self-service checkout aisle to avoid the cashiers. Items scanned through these checkouts are placed on scales and the system checks that the item scanned is the correct weight, but does not check its size or volume. The man then left the store with his bargain con-

sole, which, according to police, he subsequently sold online for €100. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, greed was his downfall. When he returned to the very same supermarket to repeat the “trick” the next day he was caught redhanded, charged with theft and has now been handed a four-month prison sentence. While self-service checkouts are popular with many shoppers and help retailers cut costs, they have been open to abuse by unscrupulous consumers. Carrots are one of the heaviest yet cheapest vegetables and have proved a popular choice for thieves. The phenomenon first hit the headlines in the UK when one supermarket realised that they had sold more carrots than they had ever held in stock, with some customers “purchasing” as many as 18 kilograms in one shop! ■

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tive to the beginning of 2019 and is expected to raise €500m this year alone by taxing firms on the money they make in France and not on the profits they declare in this country. Apple's tax bill is the latest victory for France and the EU in their fight against the big tech companies. Amazon recently agreed to pay France €202 million to cover back taxes for the years 2006 to 2010 and also agreed to fully declare all its future earnings in the country. In 2016, Apple was ordered to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland by the European Commission, which said the company enjoyed a tax rate of just 0.005% on its European profits two years earlier. ■

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From the foundations to the roof - Established 13 years in France

he country's mainstream media has been rocked by a recent scandal involving a group of young media executives who ran a macho “boys' club” that harassed female colleagues online over a number of years. Their closed Facebook group “League of LOL” consisted mostly of men in their thirties and ridiculed female journalists, often using Photoshopped pornographic memes to attack and humiliate them. The group also targeted feminists, female journalists, writers of colour and gay people. Dozens of victims have spoken out since the group was uncovered by the major French daily Libération, which found itself at the heart of the problem: the newspaper's online editor Alexandre Hervaud is among those suspended and a well-known freelancer, Vincent Glad, has admitted to founding the group. Libération is currently carrying out an internal investigation into both journalists as part of a scandal that is being hailed as France's #MeToo moment. Mr Glad apologised on Twitter, saying that he now realised that “such practices were unacceptable and 'LOL' was not funny at all when it is done in a pack”. LOL is internet shorthand for “laugh out loud” and is used to convey humour or laughter. A number of prominent female journalists, including Nora Bouazzouni, Slate France reporter Lucile Bellan, and podcaster Mélanie Wanga, have all since described being targeted by the group. Victims have recounted how the attacks and pranks had pushed one woman to quit journalism and left another suicidal. One of those affected was Florence Desruol, a freelance consultant living in Lyon when the attacks began in 2009. Hundreds of abusive messages were posted, a false account was created in her name, and her head was Photoshopped on to pornographic images and published online. “I was called a slut, a whore, my face was grafted on to a picture of a naked woman having sex - it was all designed to humiliate and silence me,” she explained. “They were the Twitter stars of the moment, they seemed untouchable, but I took them on,” Desruol told the Guardian. She contacted one senior website editor in 2010 to complain about his staff, but the abuse continued. She went to the police, who struggled to understand and instead suggested she quit social media. She drafted a letter to editors of major publications to alert them to the actions of their staff. But before it was sent, the draft was leaked online and the abuse got worse. “At that point I had a burn-

out. I couldn’t open my computer, I couldn’t use my phone except to answer calls.” Martin Médus, a blogger who had a Jewish grandparent who was sent to the WWII death camps, had his head digitally added to the torso of a man with a swastika tattoo, an image which was then published online. Another writer who challenged the group was Photoshopped into a pornographic image that was then sent to children, including his own. The League of LOL also targeted science presenter Florence Porcel, seeking to humiliate her by getting group members to pose as the producers of a prestigious television programme offering her a job, then posting the recording of the fake interview online. “When the recording was made public, I cried from shame, humiliation and fear for three days. I didn’t want to go out,” Porcel said, adding that she had also featured in a “very degrading pornographic photomontage... that was their method”. David Doucet, editor of French magazine Les Inrockuptibles, confessed to being behind the fake interview and publicly apologised to Ms Porcel. Others implicated in the scandal include senior journalists and executives from major outlets including the Huffington Post, Slate France and public relations firm Publicis. In an apology published on Twitter, founder Glad said he had “created a monster that escaped”. “The object of the group was not to harass women, just to amuse ourselves. But quickly, our way of amusing ourselves became very problematic and we didn’t realise this. We thought that everyone visible on the internet, by a blog, or Twitter account or something else, deserved to be mocked,” adding that he didn’t realise that this could “become a hell for the people targeted”. Aude Lorriaux, a spokeswoman for the female journalists’ group Prenons La Une (Let's take back the front page) said it was positive that the culture had now changed enough for women to be listened to. “This is bigger than just the League of LOL - all newsrooms are affected. It’s massive, it’s year zero. We must deconstruct hundreds of years built on inequality.” In the aftermath of the scandal, Equality Minister Marlène Schiappa underscored that online harassment has been outlawed, and said she was considering extending the six-year cut-off for prosecuting alleged crimes: under the law as it stands, only abuse posted since 2013 can be prosecuted. ■

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League of not so LOL Lightsaber fencing

enerations of children have grown up dreaming of becoming a Jedi warrior. This fantasy has now become a reality after the French Fencing Federation (FFE) officially recognised lightsaber duelling as a competitive sport. The move gives the iconic weapon from the Star Wars universe the same status as the foil, épée and sabre, the traditional blades currently used in the Olympic sport. Luke's original was green, Darth Vader's was red and famously, Samuel L. Jackson only agreed to star in the prequels on the condition that his would be purple. Whatever colour is your favourite, one thing they all had in common was the satisfying swoosh sound they made, and the lightsabers being used by modern-day Jedi warriors look and sound surprisingly similar to those of the movies. But of course, the LED-lit, rigid polycarbonate lightsaber replicas can't cut through a blast door or slice a Sith lord in half! The FFE sees itself as part of the fight against the modern-day Dark Side: the sedentary habits of 21st-century life that are turning growing numbers of adults and kids into more Jabba than Jedi. The physicality of lightsaber combat, which combines elements of cosplay, sci-fi and fitness into one, is a large part of why the FFE threw its support behind the sport and it is now equipping fencing clubs with lightsabers and training would-be lightsaber instructors. “With young people today, it's a real public health issue. They don't do any sport and only exercise with their thumbs,” explained Serge Aubailly, the federation's secretary general. “That is why we are trying to create a bond between our discipline and modern technologies, so participating in a sport feels natural. Capeand-sword movies have always had a big impact on our federation and its growth. Lightsaber films have the same impact. Young people want to give it a try.” In building the sport from the ground up, French organisers have produced competition rules intended to make lightsaber duelling both competitive and easy on the eye. “We wanted it to be safe, we wanted it to be umpired and, most of all, we wanted it to produce something visual that looks like the movies, because that is what people expect,” said Michel Ortiz, organiser of one national lightsaber tournament. Combatants fight inside a circle marked in tape on the floor. Strikes to the head or body are worth five points; to the arms or legs, three points; on the hands, one point. Blows only count if the fighters first point the tip of their saber behind them. This rule results in longer sweeping blows which are more visually appealing and effectively remove the super-fast tip-first forward strikes typically seen in fencing. The winner is the first to reach 15 points or, if time runs out, the fighter with the higher score after three minutes is the victor. If both fighters reach 10 points, the bout enters sudden death, where the first to land a head or body blow wins, a rule to encourage enterprising fighters. ■

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The Easter bunny or the Easter bell?

any British expats bringing up children in France will probably have had the same awkward conversation with their young children: “Why do I have a tooth fairy but all my friends have a magic mouse?” Spring is another difficult time for for those with trusting children as, along with the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny apparently doesn't speak much French! In this country it is the Easter bell that brings chocolates for hungry young mouths. As is so often the case, the reason for these differing customs lies in religion. France is a traditionally Catholic country and Easter is a time of year when Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a sign of mourning, Catholic churches and cathedrals don’t ring their bells in the period between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On the Friday, young children are told that the bells have grown wings and flown to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On the morning of Easter Sunday, tradition says that these bells return, bringing gifts with them. The traditional Easter egg hunt then begins, when kids search for hidden chocolate bells and eggs around the house and garden. The Easter bunny, on the other hand, has its roots in pagan traditions which celebrated the rebirth of the land at this time of year. The Saxons and Germanic peoples worshipped Spring goddesses whose symbols were rabbits or hares, species closely linked to reproduction and fertility. One thing that the two traditions have in common, however, are eggs. While the Easter bunny brings chocolate bunnies and the Easter bell brings chocolate bells, both also come armed with vast quantities of chocolate eggs. Some people argue that these eggs represent the boulder at the entrance to Christ’s tomb, others say Mary Magdalene brought cooked eggs to share with the women at his tomb. A more practical explanation may be that, because eggs are outlawed by the Catholic Church during Lent, there is always a surplus of them to use up come Easter Sunday! This is also why large quantities of pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent. Originally these Easter eggs would have been real egg shells, which had the yolks and whites blown out before being painted and decorated. In 19th century Russia, members of high society began exchanging ornately decorated eggs at Easter, some of which were jewel-encrusted! These days, however, it more common to find them made of chocolate and wrapped in brightly coloured foil. ■

Many thanks to local French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for the translation of this month's bilingual article. Why not get in touch with Sophie to see how she can help improve your French! See her advert below.

e nombreux expatriés britanniques qui éduquent leurs enfants en France ont probablement été confrontés à cette conversation embarrassante avec leurs jeunes enfants : “ Pourquoi est-ce que j’ai une fée des dents alors que tous mes amis ont une petite souris ? ” Vient un autre moment difficile pour ces parents aux enfants qui leur font tant confiance : c’est quand arrive le printemps. Comme la fée des dents, le lapin de Pâques ne semble pas bien parler le français ! En France, c’est la cloche de Pâques qui apporte des chocolats pour les petites bouches affamées. Comme bien souvent, ces coutumes divergentes prennent racine dans les religions. La France est un pays traditionnellement catholique et Pâques représente pour les Chrétiens une période de commémoration de la mort et de la résurrection de Jésus Christ. En signe de deuil, les cloches des cathédrales et des églises catholiques ne sonnent pas entre le Vendredi saint et le dimanche de Pâques. Le vendredi, la tradition veut qu’on raconte aux jeunes enfants que des ailes ont poussé sur les cloches et qu’elles ont volé jusqu’à Rome pour être bénies par le pape. Ensuite elles reviennent dans la matinée du dimanche de Pâques et rapportent des friandises. La traditionnelle chasse aux oeufs de Pâques peut commencer et les enfants cherchent les oeufs et les cloches en chocolat cachés dans la maison et dans le jardin. Par contre, le lapin de Pâques est issu des traditions païennes qui célébraient la renaissance de la nature à cette époque de l’année. Les Saxons et les peuples germaniques idolatraient les divinités du printemps symbolisées par les lapins et les lièvres, des espèces associées à la reproduction et à la fertilité. Cependant les deux traditions ont un point commun, ce sont les oeufs... Tandis que le lapin de Pâques apporte des petits lapins en chocolat et que la cloche de Pâques apporte des cloches en chocolat, les deux arrivent chargés d’oeufs en chocolat. Certains affirment que les oeufs représentent le rocher à l’entrée du tombeau du Christ et d’autres disent que Marie-Madeleine apporta des oeufs durs qu’elle partagea avec les femmes devant sa tombe. Il existe une explication plus terre à terre : comme la consommation d’oeufs est proscrite par l’Eglise catholique durant le Carême, il faut écouler le stock le dimanche de Pâques ! C’est aussi pourquoi la tradition veut qu’on consomme de grandes quantités de crêpes à Mardi Gras, le jour précédant le début du Carême. Initialement ces oeufs de Pâques auraient été de vraies coquilles d’oeufs vidées de leur jaune et de leur blanc puis peintes et décorées. Dans la Russie du 19ème siècle, les membres de la haute société commencèrent à échanger des oeufs richement décorés à Pâques, certains étant incrustés de bijoux ! De nos jours, il est plus commun de les trouver en chocolat, enveloppés dans du papier aluminium aux couleurs vives. ■

12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

The benefits of a plant based diet

t is not just Brexit that is forcing people, in the UK at least, to examine what they might be eating in the very near future. Global warming, that powerful descriptive abandoned in favour of the more anodyne ‘climate change’ - in case the former scares people... isn’t scared what we all should be? - will alter the whole world’s access to food. About a decade ago, the BBC sent 9 volunteers to spend 12 days living in a tent on a diet based on what our ancestors ate and that would appeal to our closest relatives: the apes. The volunteers stayed in a covered enclosure next to the ape house at Paignton Zoo in Devon and were filmed eating up to 2,300 calories of fruit, vegetables, nuts and honey a day. It may sound like a reversal of Robert B. Sherman's lyrics for The Jungle Book: “Oh, oobee doo, I wanna be like you... You'll see it's true/An ape like me/Can learn to be human too.” But this project was serious an experiment to demonstrate how much our modern food habits cause health problems. A prescient programme indeed. The main culprits of contemporary diets processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats - were cut out completely. Instead, the volunteers, aged 36 to 49, ate up to a whopping 5 kilos a day of uncooked fruit and vegetables, to gauge the effect on their cholesterol and blood-pressure levels. This is a very large quantity indeed of any kind of food and probably why they were assigned a habitat with open sides! Not surprisingly, instead of going hungry, some of the volunteers were unable to finish their daily portion. The diet was devised by a King's College Hospital nutritionist and registered dietician and encompassed the foods our bodies have evolved to eat over thousands of years. The plant-based diet of primates was studied to come up with a three-day rotating menu of fresh produce safe to eat raw that met adult human daily nutritional requirements and provided the recommended number of calories for men and women. Nuts and honey were also part of the regime, as was water. In the second week, to embrace the

hunter-gatherer lifestyle, standard portions of oily fish were introduced. In the early stages, withdrawal from caffeine and certain favourite foods caused some distress. But very quickly, the volunteers' energy levels rose. One of them, a 36-year-old driving instructor, had never eaten vegetables. At almost 102 kilos in weight, his typical daily diet began with four slices of toast for breakfast, followed by a mid-morning bacon-sausage-and-egg sandwich, a late afternoon a portion of fish-and-chips and finally a Chinese takeout before bed. At the end of the 12-day diet, he had lost 5.6 kilos, his blood pressure had dropped, and his cholesterol fallen by 20 per cent. The increased intake of soluble fibre which binds cholesterol to the gut and forces its expulsion, as well as the increase of plant sterols, helped lower the cholesterol of the volunteers. The group's average blood pressure fell from the almost hypertensive level of 140/83 to 122/76, and each volunteer lost an average of 4.4 kilos. Salt intake was reduced from a group average of 12 grams a day to 1 gram. 6 grams is the guideline maximum. The group's saturated fat intake was reduced from 13 per cent to 5 per cent of calories. Inevitably, once the experiment ended, some of the volunteers gained some of their weight back. But they reported that they had developed the habit of only eating when they were hungry and had understood the relationship between eating well and good health. Socially, of course, all that fibre and the gases it creates can be tricky to deal with. And we're not likely to move into the zoo for our health. But it’s now widely understood that we need - for the sake of the planet as well as our health - to cut radically back on our consumption of meat, and increase our eating of pulses and vegetables. Here is a raw vegetable salad that will be enjoyed by everyone, whether they want to improve their cholesterol and blood pressure levels or not. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

Ginger Salad Ingredients:

55 g peeled and grated fresh ginger 95 ml fresh lime juice 95 g sugar Pinch of ground ginger Soy sauce to taste 1 small head thinly sliced green cabbage 1 large peeled and grated carrot Generous quantity of jarred pickled sliced ginger root, drained Handful roasted peanuts, roughly crushed

Image credit: Emily Han

by Julia Watson

In a bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. In a second bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrot and jarred ginger, then pour over the sauce and toss together well to coat. Leave the flavours to develop for 30 minutes, then scatter over the peanuts and serve - with grilled prawns, if wished.

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What are your UK pension options in France today? - Blevins Franks

ensions are often the key to longterm financial security, so it is crucial to take extreme care when deciding what to do here. Expatriates have the added complication of factoring in the tax rules of two countries, as well as the potential for Brexit to limit the range of opportunities. So what are today’s options for Britons living in France? ‘Defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pensions

This category includes most personal and employer pensions and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Here, what you are entitled to depends on how much you have paid into the scheme alongside employer contributions, tax rebates and investment growth. Since the pension freedoms of 2015, members of defined contribution schemes can usually do the following from age 55: • Take the whole fund as cash, technically called the ‘Pension Commencement Lump Sum’ (PCLS) – 25% will be taxfree in the UK. • Make cash withdrawals when you want – a quarter is free of UK tax each time (unless you have already taken the PCLS). • Take regular income through ‘flexible drawdown’, leaving the remainder invested. • Take a secure, regular income for life through an ‘annuity’. As UK pension payments are usually paid in sterling, conversion fees and variable exchange rates can reduce the value of income for retirees living in Europe. A no-deal Brexit may even prevent UK pension providers from legally paying benefits to British nationals in the EU. Expatriates have the option to trans-

fer UK pension funds to an EU-based Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) tax-free. QROPS advantages include the flexibility to pass pension benefits to chosen heirs, take income in euros or sterling and more investment choice. Once in a QROPS, funds are protected from future UK taxation, including lifetime allowance penalties. However, QROPS benefits and rules vary significantly between providers and jurisdictions. Also, a 25% UK tax charge applies on transfers to QROPS outside the EEA (European Economic Area). Many believe the UK government may tax EU/ EEA transfers after Brexit, so if you are considering transferring, act sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary taxation. First, make sure you take specialist advice to establish if transferring is suitable for you and navigate the complex options. ‘Defined benefit’ or ‘final salary’ pensions Here, your employer guarantees a proportion of your salary for the whole of retirement. While you cannot usually withdraw cash from this type of pension, you can transfer it to a defined contribution scheme or QROPS. Traditionally, this has been considered less beneficial than drawing a guaranteed pension for life. However, some providers have been offering higher than usual ‘transfer values’ to reduce their future pension liabilities, sometimes representing hundreds of thousands of pounds. Sensibly reinvested, a high one-off sum could potentially provide a retirement income that exceeds the original annual payment, but it is crucial to fully understand the consequences before giving up lifetime benefits. In any case, you should consider various issues before making pension decisions.

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www.thebugle.eu/classifieds It's FREE and updated daily!! To place an ad simply email details to notices@thebugle.eu

Taxation While 25% of cash withdrawals can be taken tax-free in the UK, if you are French resident they are usually taxable in France, as is other UK pension income. French residents accessing UK pensions will attract French income tax rates ranging from 14% for income over €9,964 to 45% above €156,244. For lump sums, it is possible to limit French tax to a fixed rate of just 7.5% with an uncapped 10% allowance. You will only be eligible if you have not already started drawing benefits from your pension and you take the entire fund in one go. Pension income and lump sums are also generally subject to annual social charges of 9.1%, unless you hold EU Form S1 or do not have access to the French healthcare system. So if you are under the UK state retirement age but able to access your pension, it may be worth delaying joining the French healthcare system to prevent unnecessary social charges. The exception here is UK government service pensions – including teachers’, local authority, army, police and civil service pensions – which remain taxable in the UK only (although the income is included when calculating your French final tax rate). For the best results and to avoid an unexpected tax bill, take specialist, cross-border advice before making any pension decisions. Making your pensions last Having the freedom to withdraw or transfer your pension does not mean that you should; you may be better off taking no ac-

tion at this time. If you do choose to take some or all of your benefits as cash, make sure you have a reliable plan to fund your long-term future that matches your personal circumstances and future goals. Beware that pension scams have never been more widespread and sophisticated – generally, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure any company you are dealing with regarding pension services is regulated with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Remember: unprotected investments risk losing your money, with no compensation if things go wrong. Even amongst regulated providers, check for quality. The FCA found that less than half of those transferring final salary pensions received suitable advice. Make sure your adviser takes account of your needs, objectives, personal circumstances and risk appetite to find the best solution for you and your family. Getting it wrong could have serious and unexpected consequences. Take care to explore your options now – before Brexit potentially changes the landscape – to establish your best approach for a prosperous retirement in France. ■ 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. Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com Web: www.blevinsfranks.com

14 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Champlong Chatterie

Animals & Pets

Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats

Animals & Pets >> pg 14 Antiques/Brocantes >> pg 14 Auto Services >> pg 14 Building Services >> pg 14-16 Chimney Sweeps >> pg 16-17 Cleaning Services >> pg 17 Computers/Satellites >> pg 17 Counselling & Support Services >> pg 17 Food & Drink >> pg 17 Garden Services >> pg 17 Gifts & Crafts >> pg 18 Handholding Services >> pg 18

RING BILL! Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad Below

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

Antiques/ Brocantes

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

05 55 80 42 47 or email

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

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. Free introductory trial: morning or afternoon. Nr. Châteauneuf-La-Foret, Linards. 30 mins from Limoges airport.

15€ / night

LA BRAUDERIE BROCANTE

Le Bourg, Chavanat 23250 Gorgeous French finds Open most days - ring to check! Tel: 07 80 00 46 23 UK Mob: +44 (0)7902 838 776 siret: 803 910 942 00025

Siret: 792 142 341 00017

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

Email: info@masterplans.eu www.masterplans.eu Siret: 790 016 984 00011

CARPENTER AND BUILDER

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SINCE 1986 Building • Roofing • Kitchens • Joinery

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

New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

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

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES: Plans, elevations, RT calculations, photo-realisations & all paperwork for planning applications (<150m2)

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

ACCOUNTING SERVICES: Accounts, taxreturns, annual submissions, book-keeping, etc. for small businesses & MEs

JOHN SOWERSBY

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: Help with French system admin, translations, letter writing, etc.

motorptscharente@aol.com

06 59 04 27 31

info@arcpod.org

www.motorpartscharente.com

based Bessines (87)

siret: 814 486 213 00014

Siret: 498 843 051 00018

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

05 55 81 31 85 ■ Services ■ Brakes ■ MOT Prep

Snooker/Pool/Billiard Table Specialist General Carpentry & Cabinet Making also undertaken

www.psandifer.fr

Tel: 05 44 30 16 78 Siret: 811 511 278 00020

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

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)

John Bonella

05 55 53 03 56

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

(Modern and Antique)

DAVID CARDWELL

87440 Marval

(contrôle technique)

Furniture Repair, Restoration & Upholstery

Mini Digger

with Driver for Hire

Registered Car Mechanic

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

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners

Portfolio available to view at

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

+44 (0)7830 170761

>> pg 18 >> pg 18 >> pg 18 >> pg 18 >> pg 19 >> pg 19 >> pg 19 >> pg 19 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20

Renovating your French property?

RING BILL!

SIRET: 494 617 798 00017

Tel: 05 55 80 72 83 Mob: 06 33 07 29 72

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

CHARENTE

waggingtails87@hotmail.com

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

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

Auto Services MOTOR PARTS

Call Jane: 05 55 00 34 79 or Emily: 06 71 15 15 65

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

Health & Beauty Insurance & Finance Language Services Pest Control Pools & Spas Property Maintenance Property Sales Retail & Commerce Transport/Removals/Storage General Businesses for Sale

john.bonella@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL

BUILDER

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

06 45 82 34 03 Siret 798 692 778 00011

Neuvialle Menuiserie

Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 / 07 61 76 97 41 see main ad below

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93 A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 9

Classical Carpentry

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

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

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

See full list of works carried out on the website Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

Pink Electrique

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

Email: pink-electrique@laposte.net www.pink-electrique.fr

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

87800 Jourgnac

Paul.rands@orange.fr

Siret N° 750 725 780 00019

SIRET: 501 144 596 00019

Fosse Septique 23

Barlow Bâtiment

Steve. JOHNS. SARL

Fosse Septique Specialists

All Facade Work Undertaken

05.55.64.11.73 06.70.47.52.96

Email barlowbatiment@icloud.com

siret: 824 706 444 00018

siret: 843 900 838 00015

see main ad below

www.roferenovation.com

& Property Services

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

05 55 62 63 82

• UK NICEIC approved Electrician • Rewiring • External & garden lighting • All aspects of electrical works • Fully insured - (10 year Decennale) • Satellite Installation • Departments covered 87, 23 & 19 05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71 email: rofesteven@yahoo.co.uk

06 49 66 44 25

Construction

E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

Electrician/Plumber

Steven Rofe 28 Years' experience

LVL

Les Vidanges Limousines ▪ Emptying septic tanks ▪ Unblocking pipes ▪ Cleaning wells ▪ Group rates available between neighbours Call David - 24/24 7/7

La Noneix

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

Carlos

Lumiere Service et Energie

SIRET: 788 709 871 00016

SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

Siret: 753 054 030 00014

Building Services Electricians

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

Building BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ Services Fosses Septiques

SAS Masters

www.masters-energies.com 05 55 78 66 35 see main ad - pg 2

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93 Building Services General

SALAMANDRE Davis & Davis

électricité Keith SLOPER

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

Pointing Sandblasting Rendering Interior painting & decorating Tel: 04 73 52 14 43

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

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management

wasteremovalmultiservices@gmail.com www.facebook.com/willwhiting87/

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments

siret 532 981 198 00015

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

No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

Siret: 498 203 652 00017

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66

A. Wright

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

see main ad - pg 9

SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

HANDYMAN/DIY Can I help you with those jobs you don't want to do?

• Painting/Decorating • Labouring • Pressure Washing • General DIY No job too small, just give me a call!! All areas covered - Based nr Aubusson (23)

05 55 83 02 77 / 06 30 90 58 90 jonathanpiddock@orange.fr Siret: 523 955 151 00015

Le Pic épeiche

Constructions & Renovations Traditional Carpentry & Roofing. Experienced, fully registered artisan. Plasterboarding. Full house/barn renovation. From start to finish. Contact Gareth:

07 61 28 87 34

Email: lepicepeiche@outlook.fr SIRET : 829.920.248.00012

Harlequin Developments est. 2007

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

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

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 06 33 78 24 23 - pg 3

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93 Classical Carpentry

ELECTRICIAN/PLUMBER

lorrainemquintana@gmail.com

05 55 62 63 82

siret: 829 638 741 00019

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

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

Siret: 802 265 728

FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO COMPLETE INSTALLATIONS BOILER SERVICING OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED - BASED DEPT 23

Visit our website

www.classicalcarpentry.fr

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE JOINERY

16 ♦ DIRECTORY Building Services General

upvc-solutions uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories

Available in white, beige & oak woodgrain. We now offer a supply only service on our made to measure windows. Visit our website for more information.

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

Paul Jones Renovation

Experienced and fully registered artisan, offering a high quality finish and service • 10yr Décennale Assurance • Plasterboarding walls and ceilings • Tape and Jointing • Kitchen Installation • Tiling • 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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

Building Services Groundworks RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 4

M&M EXCAVATION SERVICES

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 See main ad - pg 11

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad pg 14

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

or see

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

Email: akbrunnstrom@yahoo.co.uk

Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

06 34 24 64 11

www.lakesidebandb.net

christopher.willis@orange.fr

see main ad - pg 9

Building Services Painters/Decorators

Mini-Digger with driver

Simon Carter

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

05.55.53.03.56

Painter & Decorator

See Main Ad pg 14

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK

john.bonella@gmail.com Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Cherry Picker Services

Dave Cardwell - Builder

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

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

High Ground Development

STEVE'S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

siret: 842 233 108 00013

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

SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

Building Services Lifts & Scaffolding

t: 05 55 50 52 02 m: 07 66 52 33 47

UK scaffolding supplied and erected here in France Qualified and fully insured FREE no obligation quotes Call Ian on

SIRET: 799 067 939 00014

From the foundations to the roof Established 9 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 10

Roofing, Building, Renovations, Plastering & stud walls, ... and more! e: lowe.steven@orange.fr

MUMFORD TOITURE ANGLO CHRIS Roofing & Plastering/ Service SCAFFOLDING THE PLASTERER Plasterboarding 25+ years roofing experience A genuine plasterer HIRE All aspects of roofing, large or small

14.5 metres on a van lasout@live.com

Tel: 09 66 03 52 89 Call for a quote

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

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

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

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93 Building Services Plasterers

Able Plastering

French registered plasterer with over 30 years’ experience All internal and external works covered Plastering (English and French plaster) Rendering Concreting Floor Screeding Stud Partitioning Lime Mortar Pointing

Tel: 05 55 62 12 39 Mobile: 06 06 41 10 30 Siret: 527 906 614 00013

sales@thebugle.eu

15+ years experience plastering/boarding  Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007  Call Mark for a free quotation

05 55 44 71 44 / 06 78 60 96 16 mumford.toiture@gmail.com Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

Building Services Sandblasting Sand and Blast We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

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

www.sandandblast.com

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

M&M SANDBLASTING SERVICES

06 04 17 80 93

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57

Building Services Plumbing & Heating

Chimney Sweeps

See main ad - pg 11

Carlos

Electrician/Plumber 05 55 62 63 82 see main ad - pg 15

Experienced, Registered & Fully Insured No mess, no fuss

Building Services Roofing

Email: cinderssweep@gmail.com

T: 05 53 62 48 44 siret: 484 768 700 00011

Eurl Réno-Gén

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

LA RAMONEUSE

THE LADY SWEEP Established since 1986

Brush & Vacuum All types of chimney Fully Insured Call Ruth Clear

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

02 54 31 48 50

siret: 509 180 410 00011

siret 504 218 454 00016

Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr

06 25 61 84 95 (SMS only)

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93

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. Covering 40 km from Cussac (87150)

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Pension Drawdown for the over 55s Rosemary Sheppard, International Financial Adviser

f you have a UK Pension and you are over the age of 55 it may have occurred to you that you can access your pension for a lump sum and or income, be it to buy a holiday home or provide retirement income. So what options do you have? Option 1. Buy an Annuity Temporary or Whole life Temporary Annuity: Spend your money on a 3, 5 or 10 year capital protected temporary Annuity. This will provide an income for the term with some capital returned at the end of the term (that can be reinvested in another temporary annuity) or on death during the term. These can be set up on a joint life basis or own life basis.

Fixed Whole life Annuity: This option is a no risk income Annuity, i.e. giving your pension pot to an Annuity provider in return for a guaranteed income paid for life; this can be sole or joint life. This gives peace of mind to those cautious risk investors who want to know their income is safe. However, Annuity rates are linked closely to Interest rates and therefore the income is likely to be low in comparison, and if it´s a joint Annuity and some form of indexation chosen then the income will be lower still. Also on death of the Annuitant/s the income stops and the money is gone. Option 2. Drawdown: Capped (GAD) or Flexible Capped Income Drawdown: means what it says. The income withdrawals from the pension fund are limited under

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 Siren: 502 409 949

the Government Actuaries Department, (GAD), a set limit which is reviewed every three years. It may be possible to transfer to a Flexible Drawdown scheme, however strict rules apply. These are not now available to new applicants, however if you have one this should be reviewed. Flexible Drawdown: The ability to take money as and when required from your pension, with no restrictions. A simple example: if 5% pa of the fund is taken and the pension makes 5% pa growth, after all charges, then the pension pot would remain static, i.e. the same value. On the other hand, if the pension increases by more, this would provide an increase in the pot or income, but it could also go down of course. Quite often we find that not all UK Pension Providers offer the Pension Flexible Drawdown Options. If your pension is a Final Salary Scheme, or an older style

Computers, Satellites & Web Design WEBSITE No6 DESIGN before

- Free quote / discussion / meeting / assessment of current site - Refresh / redesign your existing site - Create new one page / multipage / shop / gite booking system site

Cleaning Services

contact@no6.co

during

afterwards

- Update your own site if you like! - Enjoy a fully maintained site - Enjoy full website support 06 38 75 32 97

www.no6.co Siret: 80493524500014

A cleaning business tailored to your needs Weekly/fornightly or gîte changeover

from €12 ph Call Nicola: 06 04 14 29 25 E: nickyminton1@gmail.com Based in central Creuse (23) Siret 841 476 526 00014

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 siret: 818 225 526 00016

Option 3. Taking a Lump Sum UK pension schemes allow for 25% of the pension scheme value to be taken as a UK Tax Free Lump Sum. Under UK Pension Freedoms it is possible to take all of your pension pot as a cash lump with the excess being taxable. Note: 25% of the plan value is available tax free to UK tax residents only. This tax-free allowance is not available to

Counselling & Support Services

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

Nicky... à la maison

personal pension then flexible drawdown is not available without a transfer to a SIPP or QROPS. With both of the income options above, when you die anything left in the pot is available to your beneficiaries such as a spouse. In addition, should you be in poor health then there is no need to purchase an annuity.

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)

Evelina Vuillemin English speaking psychotherapist in Limousin Face to face and online sessions www.evelinavuillemin-psy.fr

06 41 46 14 58

COUNSELLING

& PSYCHOTHERAPY Lesley Kidd MSc & Martin Simpson MSc

• Meet in person or via skype • Borders 87/19/23 (87130) • Individuals & Couples lesleykidd@hotmail.co.uk simpson.mj@hotmail.co.uk SIREN: 818 604 654

Food & Drink

siret: 353 613 227 00035

GOODWIN SATELLITE

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

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

"Les Combrailles" Bar, restaurant, hotel

St-Maurice-près-Pionsat (63330) Open: Tue to Sun, 10am - 2pm Tue/Wed, 5pm - 9pm. Fri/Sat, 5pm - 10pm Evening and weekend reservation recommended for restaurant Hotel rooms - call for info

Tel: 09 86 28 41 88

expats who are French tax residents. The biggest concern most people have is how long will the pot last before it runs out and what are their investment options? Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and have worked with clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound financial advice, we will be by your side both now and in the future. We can run an analysis of all available options for you and give advice as to which one is the right one for you. For the correct pension and investment advice please contact me by email Rosemary.sheppard@ blacktowerfm.com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70. Website: www.blacktowerfm.com

Try Something Different

26, Ecurat 23150

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

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:

Restaurant Ecurat Chez Jacques LeAtelier d'Art du Jardin

05 87 40 02 83 closed Wednesdays

Allo Allo

1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand Bourg

Rés: 06 73 37 45 01

Mandys-curry-2-go Mobile Curry Take Away

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

Garden Services Purple Solutions Garden Maintenance

For menus and venues:

06 72 87 87 14

Jardinerie & Café

www.mandyscurry2go.com

m : 07 70 39 12 23

see main ad - pg 16

St-Légér-Magnazeix (87190)

Parties 20+ & events catered for

Tel: 05 55 68 73 76

siret: 498 199 306 00016

see main ad - pg 10

Le Creusois

GARDEN SERVICES

Les Genêts, Azerables

All gardening work: Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge Trimming General Maintenance

Bar/Restaurant

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

British Market Stall

Les Remparts

+33 (0)6 79 23 57 09 +33 (0)7 69 14 49 73 see main ad - pg 3

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

see main ad - pg 4

facebook.com/britishmarketstall

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.

SIREN: 483 988 853

Bénévent-l'Abbaye Tel: 0811 381 511 see main ad - pg 6

Paul Brown

Dept 23 & Surrounding Areas

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity together.

How it works The principle behind Solarventi is simple: a small, builtin, 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 exceed-

Gifts & Crafts

ed all expectations. In Southern Europe, Solarventi 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

French lessons & handholding services

Ladies fashion accessories 05 55 53 03 56 / 06 04 08 29 53

Handholding Services

05 55 89 15 74 - pg 11

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

Hand painted silk accessories, candles, jewellery & more.

www.nsandifer.com

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.

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

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

The Spectrum IFA Group

Tony Farrell

International Financial Adviser

05 55 89 57 94 - see pg 9

Chez Boutique 05.55.60.08.46

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

See our Display Ad - pg 2

Gaitway Help Professional and efficient service, confidentiality guaranteed Providing assistance with: • Small business registration • CAF • Healthcare cover • Emails and letter writing • Translation, interpretation and negotiation for all your needs

06.43.83.62.33 nickygait@hotmail.com siren: 515 187 151

Osteopathy & Acupuncture Linda & Paul Bodimeade

Back, Neck, Joint Pain, Arthritic conditions? Anxiety, Headaches, Sports Injuries? Insomnia, Stress, Sinus, Hayfever? Based in Châteauneuf-la-Forêt (87130) siret: 793 539 826 00016

Artisan art for your garden

See our main ad - pg 13

Formerly La Petite Place

Tel: 05.55.80.29.98

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

management advisers

www.blevinsfranks.com

Health & Beauty

3D Puzzle Maker

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 15 78 18 04- pg 10

Blacktower

Financial Managment Group

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth

siret: 792 285 025 00013

Ivan Petley

Insurance & Finance

06 38 86 99 70 - pg 7

Jonathan Critchley jcritch.7@gmail.com

Siret: 811 512 094 00020

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

Rosemary Sheppard

05 55 62 50 38

Available to buy online

26, Ecurat 23150

Units start from €490 TTC.

Sophie Arsac

Très Jolie see main ad pg 19

Handmade Gifts

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. ■

Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE

Proud of your French? ... or ashamed?

New classes starting in March 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 with phone calls and paperwork • increase your confidence and give you coping strategies • 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. All levels. siret: 490 323 243 00025

Pest Control

Your advert here

Central France Pest Control

06 04 17 80 93

www.applicateur3d.com

Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

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

siret: 791 847 429 00010

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

Language Services

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

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

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 11

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Advertising with The Bugle

ith 9 years’ experience delivering print advertising to an expat market, The Bugle represents one of the most cost-effective ways to let English speakers know about your business. An advert with The Bugle starts from just €12.50 HT per month – that’s less than 42 cents a day to put your business in front of more than 30,000 people each month. In the Limousin we have more than 250 distribution points across the region and surrounding areas where readers can pick up a copy for free. We also distribute 3,500 copies through Limoges Airport, which means that we are in the perfect position to target not only residents and secondhome owners, but also tourists and those new to the region. The Bugle is the only English language newspaper dedicated to the Limousin - in fact, today, The Bugle is the only free English language newspaper in France and we are growing all the time. If you would like to discuss any of our advertising options further, why not give us a call today to find out more about the ways that we can help you grow your business.

Pools & Spas 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

Limousin Spas

The region's leading distributor of Spas, Swim spas, Saunas & Hot tubs

New for 2019

We are pleased to announce our new range of over 80 Spas, Swim spas, Hot tubs & Saunas from top European and U.S. manufacturers. *Platinum Spas* *Superior Spas* *Tuff Spas* *Zen Spas* *BeSpa* *Durasport* *Superior Saunas* *Baltic Hot tubs* *Baltic Saunas*

Prices from €2,000 Web: www.limousin-spas.com Email: sales@limousin-spas.com Tel: 05 55 63 26 20 Siret: 752 157 610 00011

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

06 04 17 80 93 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Property Maintenance

Creuse Property Care

Caring for your home in France when you can’t be there

Garden & Pool Maintenance General Maintenance & Small Renovation work including plasterboarding, tiling, painting, etc. Changeovers/House Cleaning Ad-hoc Assistance References available Contact Mark or Trudy...

T: 05 55 67 90 47 / P: 06 40 75 74 47 E: marktrudy0506@gmail.com W: www.creusepropertycare.com Siret: 479 965 758 00028

Inside Out Property Services Offering a wide range of building/joinery/fencing services

'Gite and Tidy'

Property management 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.

www.giteandtidy.com 09 82 12 69 73 (Home) 06 06 40 81 07 (Portable)

Property Sales

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.

Leggett Immobilier

Ring Dave: 05 55 64 22 98 Email: insideout288@googlemail.com

05 53 56 62 54

www.leggettfrance.com see main ad - pg 5

Siret No. 821 348 323 00014

Creuse Gardien

Landscaping, Gardening Gîte Maintenance Property Clearance Environmental Construction 50km radius from Boussac Richard Charlie Collier

creusegardien@gmail.com

06 43 92 28 37 siret: 838 728 145 00015

T: 06 04 17 80 93 E: sales@thebugle.eu W: www.thebugle.eu

Retail & Commerce

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com 05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 12

Moulin de Tintin Furniture, interiors & gifts

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

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. 8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

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

Naturalis Pools

Beaux Villages Immobilier

Your advert here

Houses on Internet

06 04 17 80 93

See our Display Ad - pg 3

www.naturalispools.com

www.beauxvillages.com

06 31 17 25 60

Freephone: 08 05 69 23 23 see main ad - pg 7

www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

see main ad - pg 2

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

06 04 17 80 93 sales@thebugle.eu

Très Jolie

Ladies Italian clothes and fashion accessoires Beautiful scarves, purses, handbags, jewellery & gifts

(See Notice Board for where to ﬁnd me)

Paula Bonella

05 55 53 03 56 06 04 08 29 53

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

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

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: “In spite of Brexit, this year started off extremely well. The number of sales are 40% higher than last year and the summer months are still to come. We still see British buyers, but also many other nationalities, 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 to people from 12 different coun-

tries, like France, Australia, Belgium, Holland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark and South Africa. “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

Man & Van Transport

Transport, Removals & Storage

Central France Storage

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage Brexit Busting Prices!! Vehicle storage options We also do internal moves! 14.5m cherry picker available

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

Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

www.transitionremovals.com see main ad below

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

06 04 17 80 93

house is online, we first connect 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 inter-

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

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

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

English & French Spoken

09 82 12 69 73

Buggs Car Hire

www.frenchvanman.eu

www.buggscarhire.com

Bergerac & Limoges Airports

87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

see main ad - front page

Siret 530 213 644 00012

Smart Moves

Your advert here

For a fully insured, careful service

06 04 17 80 93 SAFE GARDE Secure self storage units in Guéret

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

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

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

+44 (0)1253 725 414

www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk

Watson European International Removals

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

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk

www.safe-garde.com

Franklins Removals

05 55 63 58 85

safegardegueret@gmail.com siret: 821 846 318 00011

see main ad - pg 4

0044 121 353 7263

www.franklinsremovals.co.uk see main ad - pg 3

ested in it.” For more information on HOIGPS or to market your property through them, visit their website. ■

General

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

Cash paid for scrap

All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

Tel: 05 55 37 45 35 Mob: 06 74 21 47 71 www.facebook.com/willwhiting87/ siret 532 981 198 00015

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93 Carrefour du Bois Limousin

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 - see below

Houses on Internet Global Property Services www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

Businesses for Sale 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

A VENDRE: Pas-de-porte, boutique tous commerces. Immeuble de style dans avenue principale de Limoges. Parking facile. 60 m². 2 grandes salles 20 m2 & 25 m2. Une arrière salle, mini coin kitchenette, wc. Très bon état.

Tel: 06 20 82 89 43 agnespierre.tricard@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

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

Granulés du Limousin

TRANSITION REMOVALS

Phone: (+33) 05 55 34 19 46 - Mobile: (+33) 06 80 75 87 14 Email: p.evans@orange.fr - www.transitionremovals.com siret: 482 524 907 00011

LANGUAGE & GAMES ♦ 21

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €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 06 04 17 80 93 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.

SUDOKU - EASY

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

SUDOKU - HARD

The solutions to this month’s sudokus can be found on page 22

"Les Combrailles" Bar, restaurant, hotel

Saint Maurice près Pionsat (63330)

St Patrick's Irish night Saturday 16th March, 7pm start Free drink if dressed for the occasion!!

Bugle Notice Board

Call for more information:

tel: 09 86 28 41 88

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

Très Jolie Fashion Accessories

Unfortunately, we have been given notice to leave our shop at the end of February, so after 28th February we will no longer be there. We will let you all know as soon as we have located another outlet, but if you should need anything in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I shall be returning to Piégut Market every Wednesday from March, weather permitting.

05 55 53 03 56 / 06 04 08 29 53 tres.jolie1@orange.fr

Curry & Side Dish of the month: Dhansak and Onion rice Ste-Sévère-sur-Indre, Boussac, Gouzon and Guéret, Chilled pre-orders only! ... Wednesday 6th (3.15pm, 4pm, 4.30pm & 5.15pm) Aubusson, Chilled only! (place de la gare routière) - Thursday 7th (4pm-5pm) Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 8th (6.30pm) Peyrat-le-Château & St-Léonard-de-Noblat Chilled pre-orders only! ... Thursday 14th (12.30pm & 1.30pm) Le Dorat, Bellac & Limoges, Chilled pre-orders only! ... Friday 15th (1pm, 1.30pm & 3pm) Bourganeuf, St-Dizier-Leyrenne, Le Grand-Bourg, Dun-le-Palestel & La Souterraine... Chilled pre-orders only! Thursday 21st (1.15pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm) Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 23rd (6pm)

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

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

We are open, serving our Plat du Jour every Mon to Fri Call for more information: tel: 05 55 81 31 85 email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

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

WANTED

We are looking for a cleaner/housekeeper for an upscale manor house in 87430 Verneuil. Work references needed. We are also looking for a professional landscaper/gardener. Please call 06 78 86 14 41

22 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MARCH 2019

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities The Hope Association Charity Shop 87 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 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois near Guéret and provides an invaluable service to the community by rescuing dogs that otherwise would have nowhere to go. Each year we re-home over 100 dogs which find themselves at the SPA though no fault of their own. We have dedicated staff who work alongside a network of French and British volunteers, all of whom have one aim in life, which is to do the best they can for the dogs until they find their forever homes. In order to do this they need to raise funds; along with walking the dogs every day, volunteers also organise fund-raising events and vide-greniers throughout the year. We are a friendly bunch and always on the lookout for more like-minded people and so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or adopting one of our lovely dogs, then please visit our website www.spacreuse.com. Church Notices English-speaking church services Guéret "Come as you are" - This is an invitation to join us at our SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service, you are welcome at 3 pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Église Évangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, 23000 Guéret. We welcome all who want to share in our fellowship and children are very welcome. For more details please visit www.serviceinenglish.com Eglise Protestante Unie de France English Language services We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3 pm. (Two exceptions - August and December - second Sunday) Where? At the “Temple” in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – the chapel is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat. (Services in French every Sunday morning). If you want to know more contact Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86 or Zoë Horlock on 05 55 68 59 95. Fitness & Fun Bridge Club St. Junien Regular tournaments. Bridge lessons for beginners and intermediate levels (English-speaking teacher). Friendly welcome guaranteed. For further information don't hesitate to contact Mireille Drouet, President 06 30 20 45 13 / 05 44 24 10 92 / mireillemartin@orange.fr or John Slade 05 45 71 50 44 / johnslade@aliceadsl.fr Yoga Aubusson Classes at the Maison Sport et Danse, Dojo: Mon 15:45 Hatha 50+; Tue 17:30 Yin, 18:30 Hatha; Fri 14:30 Yoga for breast cancer or also very gentle yoga. 5 euro per class plus 10 euro adhesion. More info: Abbey 06 83 24 62 72 www. amovingspa.wixsite.com/equilibreyoga Cussac Bowls Club - Short mat indoor bowls If you’re a beginner or seasoned player come and join in with a friendly club. Weekly meetings starting Wednesdays 19:45 and Thursdays 9:45. Please call Peter on 05 55 78 66 45 for more info, email cussacbowlsclub@ gmail.com or come along to one of our meetings at Cussac gymnasium. Indoor Bowling at Oradour-surVayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play. If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150

Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it it's free. For further info tel 05 55 78 45 24 or email oradourbowlingclub@ outlook.com Zumba Dept 18 & 36. Contact: Coralie tel 07 78 66 52 01 Web: fun-life-attitude. webnode.fr Facebook: Coco Zumba Email: coralie.pouille@hotmail.fr 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 8 pm 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. 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. Chabanais Bowls Club As we roll into 2019, one thing you can rely on is the fact that short mat bowling at Chabanais Bowls Club is alive and well and all set to provide exercise and entertainment throughout the coming year. Our new mats are now in use, allowing the Club to carry out training and coaching sessions along with the normal members' games. Chabanais Bowls Club meets on Tuesday mornings, 10h-13h, and Thursday afternoons, 14h-17h, at the salle des fêtes in the centre of Chabanais. For further information ring Brian on 05 45 29 05 73 or Jane 05 45 30 63 10. Photo Club La Meteorite (87) Rochechouart All welcome, all levels; we meet fortnightly at 3-5 pm on Sundays. Field trips, friendly critique, conversation and competitions (to contact and more details go to photoclubmeteorite.org). La Chance de Danser (Adults) St-Léger-Magnazeix – Salle des fêtes: Tue 9.15-10 Beginners Tap; 10-11 Stretch & Tone; Thu eve 5-6 Advanced Tap; 6-7 Dancersize. La Souterraine - 29 bd Mestadier, Gymnasium: Mon eve 6.30-7.30 Dancersize; Wed morning 10.30-11.30 Ballet. Email lachancesdedanser23@gmail.com - tel 09 66 96 44 85. 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 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. Contact: inspirations.droux@gmail. com 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. Walking Football, Dun-le-Palestel If you think your footballing days are over, then think again! Our association, Entente Cordiale, is trying out a new venture – Walking Football, a slower version of the beautiful game! And it's for all adults over the age of 50. We meet every Monday from 16h-17h in the Gymnasium, just opposite The Apollo. Walking football is designed to give you the chance to play the game you love, but at a much slower pace. It's a great way to keep fit, learn skills,

have fun, and socialise at the same time, so why not come along? If you used to play football, but now find the pace a bit too much, or if you’ve never had the chance to be involved before, Walking Football is the perfect introduction to playing football for you – no running allowed! At the moment, all sessions are indoors, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Also now – Badminton! Playing Badminton helps to improve your fitness, and is great fun too! Come and join in with us every Tuesday afternoon from 16h-17h in the Gymnasium. Everyone welcome. For more information email eccreuse@ yahoo.com Laurière Carpet Bowls Club Registered & insured. For some gentle exercise with a friendly social club, learn to play Indoor Bowls at Lauriere, 87370, in the Haute-Vienne. No experience required. Come and take a look. It is great fun and easy to play. Join us any Monday at 2 pm until 5.30 pm at La Maison des Jeunes (Community Centre), on the route de St Goussaud (D28) just off the D914 at Lauriere. Parking available. Session includes short refreshment break with home-made cakes (€2.50 per person). For info, please call 05 55 71 23 83. Currently, we have British, French, and Dutch members. We look forward to seeing you. American Line Dancing (French Style) The Phénix Country Club welcomes new members - men & women, beginners & experienced dancers - to the salle des fêtes at LACS, near LA CHÂTRE, dept 36. Learn French & learn to dance in a friendly environment every Tues & Fri evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 1st 2 sessions are free. Annual subscription is 80 euros per person. For more information in English contact Annette on 06 85 39 83 41 or email our French Présidente at phenixcountryclub@gmail.com Art Classes in Bujaleuf in French and English Caroline welcomes you at her workshop in Bujaleuf for drawing and watercolour painting. 2 courses weekly: Tue and Wed afternoons, 10 euros per person for a two-and-a-half-hour session. The classes are in both French and English, a good way to share languages and cultures in a friendly atmosphere. New students welcome. For further information please contact Caroline on 06 72 08 26 15 or at carolineplatter87@gmail.com.

12th - Christmas Party.

Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Meet Thursday afternoons, dates below. 2.30 pm in the Mairie at St-AmandlePetit. Everyone welcome. Contact: pjlimousin@gmail.com. 2019 Programme: Jan 17th - Bird and song identification; Feb - No meeting; Mar 21st - Drought: sedums, sempervivums and succulents; Apr 18th - Soil testing - knowing what to plant; May 16th - Gardening for the bees; Jun 20th - Car rally and lunch; Jul 18th - Fragrant plants for all year; Aug 15th - Very Berry shrubs; Sep 1st - Annual Show; Oct 17th - AGM followed by Plant Name Origins; Nov 21st - Natural dyeing using plants; Dec

Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We offer an easy-going and relaxing range of social functions to bring members of the French and English communities together, and a range of language courses for different levels of experience in English and French in Rochechouart (87) and Brigueil (16), as well as a Life & Culture in France course in Rochechouart. All lessons are in small groups with qualified teachers for just 7€ per hour; membership costs only 15€ per year. Visit www. learningtogether.moonfruit.com or email apprenonsensemble@orange. fr for more information. For help and advice on choosing the right course telephone 05 55 58 02 88 or email frenchlessons.learningtogether@gmail. 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 wellbeing of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year, plus social activities including coach trips, activity days, charity events and regular lunches - all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. If you already live in the Poitou-Charentes or Limousin regions of France or are thinking of moving here, CLE is your key to unlocking the secrets to a happy and comfortable lifestyle. Web: www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Aubusson’s Network Each week, for 5 years now, we meet between 11.30 am and 1 pm every Saturday at the café "Aux Baladins" opposite Aubusson’s Gare Routière car park. We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages. We like to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers. You can contact us by phone: Viviane 06 32 96 54 2 - Jo 09 72 41 40 47 Catherine 06 86 17 80 88 - Jan 00 44 74 68 20 66 12 - John 05 55 67 37 60 Association Rencontres FrancoBritanniques The association of 120 members, based in Bourganeuf, aims to help British people become integrated in their communes and local life. We organise a range of cultural and social activities for our members. A list of our activities is on our website www. francobrit.com Our fortnightly conversation groups give the opportunity for British members to improve their spoken French, and our French colleagues their English. We would very much like to welcome new people, both French and English, into the association. The annual subscription for membership is €12 per person or €22 for a couple. Contact: Christine Gee 05 55 64 22 25 Email: cgeeinfrance@gmail.com

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.rc@gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-leChâteau Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-le-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters, as well as with practical matters where language is a problem. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-lechateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@ orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-le-Château Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-laPerche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Four levels taught: Level 1 Beginners - Mon 10h30 - 12h; Level 2 - Thu 10h30 - 12h; Intermediate - Tue 10h30 - 12h; Advanced – Wed 14h30 - 16h30. All courses are held at our premises 1, rue de la Piscine, St-Yrieixla-Perche 87500. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, email afr2.styrieix@wanadoo. fr or visit www.famillesrurales.org/ styrieix 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 ten 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. Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-sur-Gartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community. The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, when various

EASY

MEDIUM

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Gardening

Integration

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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.

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COMMUNITY ♦ 23

MARCH 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 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. Café Franglais Organised by the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB). Every Wednesday evening at 18h30 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. From 9th January until 24th April without stopping for Easter. Break for the summer, then recommence 4th September until 11th December. For more info please email angela.dave@icloud.com. Open Door Association – English Language Library & Cultural Exchange Group The association organises a variety of cultural activities throughout the year. These have included events such as a Burns' Supper, Afternoon Tea and Art Exhibition as well as visits to vineyards, sites of historic and artistic interest and sites of natural beauty. Our programme is constantly being updated. We also run an English-language library based in the Old Mairie at Morterolles, commune of St. Pardoux-Morterolles where we have a selection of around 5,000 books, DVDs, jigsaws, etc. The library is open Mondays and Saturdays from 2-4 pm. Feel free to drop in and browse, borrow, chat, enjoy a free tea/coffee or join in the jigsaw that's always in progress! We welcome new members of all nationalities. For further information, visit our website at www.opendoor23.com or contact the President, Peter Edmondson, on 06 47 54 20 09 or peter.edmondson@orange. fr Tea Time Cultural exchange workshop designed to bring together those who want to practise their French or their English in a friendly and fun environment. Held at the old school in Sussac (87) every Tuesday morning, 10 am till 11.30 am, except school holidays, the session includes group discussion/ chat, structured role play and games for grammar practice, specific weekly topics, a small library of English/ French books, CDs and DVDs and an exchange of recipes, thoughts and ideas, followed by tea/coffee and cake. Cost: €144 for the year, plus €25 annual membership fee to the Foyer Rural. Contact: Jasmine (en français or in English) on 06 41 36 05 03. Bilingual Montessori Workshops At the Foyer Rural in Saint-Léonard-deNoblat for children aged 3 to 8 years old, run by Catherine Hutchinson and Sue Greenbank. The children are immersed in an atmosphere where both French and English are spoken. The workshops take place on Wednesdays from 13h30 to 15h30 and on Saturdays from 10h to 12h. The workshops take place without the parents. For further information please contact Catherine on 07 70 46 57 70 or Sue on 06 52 26 54 79. Libraries & Books Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisillesur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of second-hand books (both English and French) from 9 am 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 4,000 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 Anglo-French conversation groups in association with the municipal library in La Souterraine. There are also a number of thriving special interest groups, such as the Gardening Group, Camera Club, Singing Group, etc. We also provide support & assistance in bureaucratic and administrative matters for both existing British residents as well as newcomers to the area. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most welcome. We are open from 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, email info@ lasouterraineenglishlibrary.fr or visit www. lasouterraineenglishlibrary.fr

CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE Charente Plus Free confidential support for Englishspeaking people touched by cancer

CSF 24 HOUR HELPLINE - 0800 24 02 00 email: csfcharenteplus@gmail.com

Facebook : Cancer Support France - Charente-Plus The English Library – La Bibliothèque Anglophone, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 12 years, is part of the Anglo-French Association Entente Cordiale and is situated in the route des Ratteries, adjacent to 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 browsing through our extensive collection of around 10,000 books, talking books and DVDs. Thanks to donations and an active purchasing policy we are able to offer something for everyone. For our new acquisitions we concentrate on recent publications, as well as member requests for older books. Open Thu 10h-13h & Sat 10h-12h30. Entente Cordiale hosts a wide range of other groups and activities too, including English lessons, French lessons, Traditional Dance Group, Art Group, Theatre group, Les Troubadours, Traditional Embroidery Group, Walking Football and Badminton. For more information email eccreuse@ yahoo.com

and musicians can come along to sing or play their own compositions or covers. All styles are welcome... celtic, classical, comedy, country, folk, jazz, music hall, pop, swing, etc. Why not join us? Alternatively, just come along and listen along with the evergrowing enthusiastic audience. Doors open at 7.30 pm. Join our Facebook Group - FolkGalerie - for more information or contact folk.galerie@gmail.com if you would like to take part. Support

Nina has spent 7 months at the refuge and like all dogs of her age, she has boundless energy and can sometimes be a bit overwhelming when you first meet her. Every now and again, though, you see the soft side of Nina and realise that beneath all that bravado, she is really still a baby and just desperately looking for someone to love her. To her credit, she is smart, learns quick, can live with other dogs and cats but does need an experienced dog owner as she can be a little wilful. One thing is for certain, though, with the right person, this dog will flourish.

If you think you you can help Nina then please contact the SPA de Creuse (Guéret), 21 Le Clocher, 23000 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois www.spa-creuse.com tel 05 55 81 99 31 (answering machine) or email spa.gueret@orange.fr

Orphee - Bruno de Jura from SPA 87 Orphee is a lovely hound who was found after having had an accident and today is a happy 3-legged girl. She is so gentle and sweet and loving, we just hope that after that shock in life she’ll find the best of all homes. Hounds are normally good with all animals, even with cats and rabbits! Orphee is only 3-and-a-half years old, so hopefully has many happy years to come. Please come and meet her at the SPA of the Haute-Vienne. If you need language support, call 06 66 24 85 49 (volunteer Katharina).

Music OuiRock Choir

Do you enjoy singing? Fancy being part of a great group of people who come together once a week? If you do, why not come along to a taster session. We meet every Monday at Le Bar Central in St-Sulpice-les-Feuilles (87160) from 18h30. For further details contact us on Facebook @ouirock87 or via email on: ouirock87@ gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you! L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52. Le Chambard du jeudi Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 2nd Thursday of the month, from 19h to 23h at “La Maison des Associations", place du 8 mai 1945, ChâteauChervix (87). All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around songs and singing, 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. JJ's Music Club Hosted by L'Authentique Restaurant, 25 rue Principale 23360 Lourdoueix-Saint-Pierre. Singers and musicians of all styles and levels will be warmly welcomed on the last Friday of the month. Free entry. Please reserve food in advance (05 55 80 21 67) - 17 euros for 3 courses. For more information email Jacky at jjsclubdemusique@gmail.com Live music sessions, Rochechouart Our acoustic music sessions take place every second Friday of each month at the Salle Jacques Brel in Rochechouart where singers

Nina This beautiful girl is Nina, she is a year old and was abandoned as a puppy.

Dadais and Razemotte 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 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 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 website at www.aafrance.net Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Free confidential support for Englishspeaking 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 – we are on the 1st floor upstairs) Tue & Wed from 10 am – 4 pm. Cancer Support Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87) and Creuse (23). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, helpline@cshautevienne.org or visit www.cshautevienne.org Association France Alzheimer in Dordogne We offer English-speaking support as a part of the national French charity supporting families affected by dementia. Our network of English speaking volunteers works across Dordogne. A support group meets near Bergerac on the first Tuesday of each month. Website: www.francealzheimer. org/dordogne Email address: alzheimer. dordogne@orange.fr Telephone: 05 53 27 30 34

These two old hunting dogs were recently rescued from some abandoned kennels in the woods where they had been discarded like rubbish and left to die. Dadais is an Anglo French hound and Razemotte is a fox terrier type and both are aged between 14 and 16 years of age. Dadais unfortunately has a few health issues but little Razemotte is in great shape. Both dogs have very nice temperaments and are just looking for a loving home and warm hearth where they can spend their last days together. I know to find them a home will be nothing short of a miracle, but they deserve a chance. If you think you can help, then please email Faye at faye.jones23600@gmail.com ... Thank you!

Peyrat Film Club The CINEMA in Peyrat-le-Château, run by the volunteers of the Association Bande Originale, regularly shows VOST films (original version with French subtitles), especially for all the non-French speakers in our region. In March we will be showing: Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars – Friday 1 March, 20h30 Colette – Saturday 2 March, 17h00 Welcome to Marwen - Saturday 9 March, 17h00 Green Book - Saturday 16 March, 17h00 The Favourite - Saturday 30 March, 17h00 Ticket price €5, but just €3.50 for members of the Association. See our website for dates & times, etc: http://bandeoriginale.jimdo.com In March the cinema in Peyrat will also show live retransmissions on a BIG screen of the matches of France in the 6 Nations rugby tournament. Free entry, doors open 15 minutes before kick-off time. Check our website for dates and times.

CHARITY SHOP

Do please come in and visit us. We are located at: 3 rue Nationale, 16150 Chabanais (entrance opposite the mairie, directly behind Petticoat Lane – we are on the first floor upstairs)

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm Sorry – no books or electrical goods

24 ♦ WHAT’S ON

The Bugle Film Club Thursday 14th March

What? The Favourite Where? Cinéma Sénéchal, 1 rue du Sénéchal, 23000 Guéret When? 19h00, Thursday 14th 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!!)