The Bugle Dordogne - May 2014 by The Bugle

France has a new Prime Minister After a battering in local elections for the ruling Socialist party, a major shake-up of the cabinet has resulted in Manuel Valls becoming Prime Minister of France

>> Page 9

Dordogne May 2014 - Issue #11

First stone laid in Lascaux 4 project After years of uncertainty, the project to create an exact replica of the world-famous Lascaux caves, as well as their pre-historic cave paintings, has begun. Culture minister, Aurélie Filippetti, visited the region to see the caves for herself and to lay the first stone. money aside for the funding of Lascaux 4.” Now, with funding from the EU and an increased commitment from the government, the project is finally going ahead. There are already 2 other exhibits alongside the original Lascaux caves; Lascaux 2 is a replica of a part of the caves, although it is now 30 years old. Lascaux 3 is a moveable exhibition that is currently being shown around the world. The new and more ambitious Lascaux 4 project aims to recreate in full the entire cave network and its paintings and is set to open in June 2016. The Lascaux cave paintings were discovered by 4 local youths in 1940 in a story that could have been lifted straight from the pages of one of Enid Blighton’s Famous Five novels. The boys came

NEWS - Julie Gayet wins Closer damages

Gossip magazine Closer has been ordered to pay €15k in damages to actress Julie Gayet following publicity of her alleged affair with President Hollande >> Page 11

PRACTICAL - Tax return guide

We team up with Siddalls to bring you a quick guide to filling out your 2013 tax returns >> Page 15

BILINGUAL - Morris Dancing

We take a bilingual look at the uniquely British tradition of Morris dancing >> Page 16

rance’s culture minister, Aurélie Filippetti, visited Montignac in April to lay the first stone of the much anticipated Lascaux 4 project, which aims to produce an exact replica of the original Lascaux caves and their world famous pre-historic wall paintings. The project was originally launched in 2012 when then president Nicolas Sarkozy earmarked €16 million towards the cost of the work. Shortly afterwards, following her appointment as culture minister, Aurélie Filippetti herself removed the funding, along with that of several other national cultural projects. “What was promised before my appointment was completely unrealistic,” said Mme Filippetti at the time. “In reality, the preceding government hadn’t put any

INSIDE > > >

>> continued on page 6

The Bugle Business Directory

Organisers have released detailed schedules for this summer’s local Tour de France stages >> Page 4

Develop a habit that saves you money!

4 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 17-20

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

can tell that Spring is well and truly here as I spend most of my days suffering from an overwhelming feeling of guilt. Every time I go outside, or even look out of my window, all I can see everywhere in the garden are jobs to be done. I’m sure it’s not just my garden that goes mad at this time of year, but it does sometimes feel like somebody has been spraying it with steroids. I can look at a growing lawn or a new patch of nettles and think, “Hmm, I’m going to need to cut that in the next few days” and seemingly only hours later I no longer possess the necessary industrial equipment to even get close to taming the jungle that it has become. “It’s like watching paint dry” is often used as shorthand for something that is boring or slow moving, but at this time of year, “It’s like watching grass grow” could be used to describe something that is dynamic and exciting.

I swear that I can literally see it growing! Needless to say, it is a perennial battle that I lose. I’m not the biggest fan of the stifling heat of midsummer, but I’m already looking forward to it as it’s the only thing that can stem the tide of my garden. One advantage of the warm days we had in mid-April was the beginning of BBQ season! I had family over for a week and I think we managed five in that time. I have always been a traditionalist when it comes to BBQs: there should be far too much meat and it should be cooked on coal. For the first time, I questioned that logic recently when someone pointed out how much charcoal costs, and how many bags you can get through in a “season”. I know I should think about things like that more, but I always just throw a bag of charcoal in the trolley on my way to the meat counter without a second thought. In actual fact, when you crunch the numbers, a gas

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

BBQ is perhaps a far better option. I must confess I’ve never actually cooked on a gas BBQ, but it has always felt like sunbathing at Christmas... just wrong somehow. Anyway, I was lucky enough to have a BBQ cooked for me recently on gas and hot diggity dang if it wasn’t one of the nicest meals I’ve had in a long time - it is true, isn’t it, that meals are always nicer when they are cooked for you! I may have to reconsider my whole world view!! I believe I have mentioned this before, but I am a big fan of the various superstitions and “old wives’ tales” that exist in rural France. One of my favourites - and one which I take very seriously - involves the cuckoo. According to my elderly neighbours, if you have any money in your pocket when you hear your first cuckoo, it will be a good year financially. I’m sure most people will have heard their first cuckoo long before they read this, but I often hear mine when I am making my first futile efforts to battle the jungle out back... usually in old clothes and rarely with any money in the pockets. This year, however, I stepped outside my front door on my way to town and heard that distinctive call. Onlookers would have thought that I’d

accidentally locked myself out as I frantically patted myself down... 17 centimes, front right pocket... Result!! I’ve been saying for years that this will be the year that the economy turns around, but now you can forget what the IMF or Standard and Poor’s think... the cuckoo has spoken!! I hope you enjoy this edition of The Bugle. As ever, if you have any feedback, I’d be delighted to hear it. And don’t forget, if you do contact one of our advertisers, please do mention that you saw them in The Bugle as this helps everybody and means we can keep bringing you our unique brand of local and national news FOR FREE each and every month! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

INSIDE this edition 3-7 Local News 8-12 National News 13-14 French Life 15 Practical 16 Bilingual 17-20 Directory 21-24 What's On

CONTACT us Tel: 05.55.41.17.76 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales24@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions24@thebugle.eu Editor: Steve Martindale Write to: The Bugle Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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Centre Parcs announces new New Ryanair route to Brive venture in Lot-et-Garonne

here was much excitement in the Aquitaine recently when the Conseil général of the Lot-et-Garonne, just to the south of the Dordogne, cryptically announced that “a major project” was about to be unveiled. A few days later, in the presence of local politicians and businessmen, it was announced that the holiday firm Centre Parcs was looking to invest €170 million in a new site “between Bordeaux and Toulouse”. President of the Conseil général, Pierre Camani, revealed the project with barely concealed joy, telling journalists, “For 2 years now we have been in contact with Pierre & Vacances [owners of the Centre Parcs chain] about this,” underlining the fact that the project is a serious one. “We are looking for a site in the south-west between Bordeaux and Toulouse, in a wooded area popular with tourists and not too far from a major motorway,” added Jean-Michel Klotz from Pierre & Vacances. “The Lot-etGaronne seems to offer this pack-

Amongst the first arrivals - the Hume family from Tyneside

age.” The planned park will be smaller than others in France, covering 120 hectares and comprising 400 chalets along with the main 12,000m² aquatic centre. For the time being an exact location is not known, but management are hoping to have a site secured within the next six months. There would then follow an 18-month period for completing administrative procedures, meaning that work would begin in 2016 for a 2018 opening. Following the announcement, speculation was rife that a site

near the Landes forest was likely, possibly near Casteljaloux, less than 1 hour from the Dordogne. The project is good news for the region, with the park set to employ 300 people when completed, jobs that Pierre & Vacances have said will come predominantly from the local market. There will also be 250 to 500 jobs created for local businesses during the construction phase. The park will be open for 365 days a year and early estimates suggest that it could generate as much as €5 million annually in taxes for the department. ■

or Brits in the Dordogne, the latest route announcement from Ryanair means more good news. UK travellers around the Sarladais have been facing a trip to Bergerac or a trek to Bordeaux, Toulouse or Limoges, with the risk of more expensive seats. From the 2nd April, however, and until 25th October, there will be 2 Ryanair flights a week - Wednesday and Saturday - linking London Stansted and the airport at BriveSouillac Vallée de la Dordogne. With a flight time of an hour and a half and Ryanair’s record

for punctuality it seems a good option. One family, having driven from Tyneside to Stansted for the inaugural weekend flight was well pleased. “Our other option is Newcastle-Southampton-Limoges or Liverpool-Limoges,” explained Helain Hume. “There are four of us so price is as important as travel time. This new service has been perfect for us.” The airport is south of Brive at Nespouls (Corrèze), on the A20, just 10 minutes’ drive from the Dordogne border, gateway to the beautiful Dordogne Valley. ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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Le Tour timings released

rigueux, the penultimate stage of the race. After the rigours of the Pyrenees, the transitional stage into Bergerac is likely to be a comparative day off for the main general classification contenders, with a bunch sprint or a long-distance breakaway the most likely outcome. The caravan will set off from Maubourguet on 25 July at 10h30, with the riders beginning the stage at 12h30. The caravan will enter the Dordogne

s excitement grows over the return of the Tour de France to the Dordogne, final details of the route and timings have been unveiled. On Friday 25 July, the peloton will transition from the Pyrenees to the Dordogne with a stage from Maubourguet to Bergerac; the following day will see an individual time trial take place between Bergerac and Pé-

It is not yet known if Sir Bradley Wiggins will start Le Tour

and pass through Eymet at 14h50 with the the first riders expected at 16h25. The riders are then scheduled to visit Rouffignacde-Sigoulès at 16h46, Monbazillac at 16h56, with a predicted stage finish in Bergerac at 17h14. The following day’s time trial could prove to be the day when the winner is crowned; it is the penultimate stage, with only the procession into Paris on the Sunday to follow - tradition dictates that the Yellow Jersey is not attacked on the final day, with a bunch sprint the usual outcome. If the top of the general classification is tight as the peloton arrives in the Dordogne, all eyes will be on a time trial stage that will decide which rider wears the yellow jersey on the ride into Paris, before being crowned champion on the Champs Elysées. Riders set off every 2 minutes in reverse order (every 3 minutes for the top 20 riders), with the last placed rider kicking proceedings off at 10h05. The current holder of the Yellow Jersey will therefore set off at 16h23 and will pass through Beleymas, Villamblard, Manzac-surVern and CoulounieixChamiers before arriving in Périgueux a little more than one hour later.

The race avoided the Aquitaine region altogether in 2013 and the Dordogne has itself been a touch neglected over recent years. The Tour passed through the department without stopping in 2007 and 1995, but the last time the Dordogne hosted a stage departure or arrival was in 1994, when there was also a time trial between Bergerac and Périgueux. The Tour de France is a huge event, the third most watched sporting event globally after the Olympics and the football World Cup. Live coverage of the race will be beamed across the globe to 190 countries and hosting the arrival or departure of a stage, despite being a prestigious occasion, can also provide a massive financial boost to a city and the surrounding areas. Bergerac and Périgueux have a lot going for them when it comes to hosting a stage, particularly a time trial. The two cities are geographically close and have excellent road links, perfect for a contre la montre (time trial). Angoulême and Bordeaux, with their TGV terminals are not far away and Bergerac Airport provides excellent transport links to Paris for the next and final stage.

Although the Tour visiting is big news for cycling fans, it has been separately announced that the 27th Tour de la Dordogne has been cancelled - the second time this has happened in 5 years. The strictly amateur event was cancelled in 2010 because of financial problems, but

this year it was the health of a key organiser that was to blame. Serges Salles, president of the Amis du Tour de la Dordogne organising committee will be undergoing a heart operation in June and it has been decided to concentrate instead on the 2015 race. ■

Dordogne’s oldest lady turns 107

he department’s oldest woman, Odette Gaucher, needed all her puff last month when she celebrated her birthday by blowing out an impressive 107 candles. Five generations of her family were there to celebrate the occasion, along with local officials and the former mayor of the town. “Thank you for everything, monsieur le maire, you are very kind and the flowers are beautiful. So, are we going to drink this Champagne or what?!” She may be 107, but evidently has lost none of her cheek! Born in April 1907, today Odette lives in the Les Ecureuils retirement home in St-Astier, and has one daughter, 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Although she needs a frame to move around, she still keeps busy and says that she enjoys playing games with the “youngsters” in the home - the next oldest resident is a relatively sprightly 90! Odette claims that she does not feel much different to her last birthday, but maybe has “a little less memory”. She also told well-wishers that she looked forward to seeing them all next year for her 108th birthday. Odette still has a little way to go to become the country’s oldest woman, a title currently held by Olympe Amaury who will be celebrating her 113th birthday in June. The Dordogne’s oldest man is 109-year-old Marcel Cluzeau from Savignac-les-Eglises. ■

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

6 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

Lascaux 4 project under way Les Soufflaculs - the Nontron Bellows Festival >> continued from pg 1

n Sunday 6th April, the quiet little town of Nontron became a madhouse. Lunacy was in absolute control and disorder was the order of the day. In Nontron that can only mean one thing - Les Soufflaculs. The annual Bellows Festival. The Soufflaculs festival is so ancient that its origins and significance have been lost in the mists of time. Its various elements are easily identified: hundreds of people in nightshirts, painted faces, all carrying a pair of bellows; ladder-borne assaults on citizens’ windows to demand drink; black-faced, reeling gendarmes with a hirsute prisoner in tow; monks in a variety of ribald disguises; blizzards of confetti. As well as the deeply odd, traditional use of bellows up lady spectators’ skirts! from whence comes the name Souffle à Cul! (This is a family paper, you will have to look it up yourself). Put these parts together and it sounds a crazy way to spend a Sunday afternoon. And indeed it is, with that generous humour, goodwill and very French ability to have serious fun in the streets without malice, harm or yobbishness. The tradition dates to the Middle Ages, rooted in anti-clericalism, and protest against the rich and powerful. These were combined with added licence for outrageous behaviour due to the mid-Lent easing of restriction.

A gang of Soufflaculs do the Nontron Mairie Disguises and face paint reduced the risk of victimization. As for the skirts and bellows, that is clearly explained by the need to chase demons... or is it just an excuse for outrageous behaviour? One learned school of thought points to an injection of Latin-American ribaldry imported from Mexico by Louis-Napoleon’s returning troops after the November 1866 withdrawal. Choose your own interpretation or get closer to the mischief at: http://www.soufflaculs.net ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

across the entrance to the cave by chance when they were searching in a pine forest for a dog belonging to one of the group, who had run off chasing a rabbit. The group eventually found the dog scratching at the base of a tree that had recently been uprooted. There they found a hole, no more than 20 cm in diameter. Marcel Ravidat returned several days later with some more friends and an oil lamp and after throwing down stones, established that the hole led to a large cavern. After several days exploring the new caves, one of the group told his parents what they had found after they demanded to know why he kept coming home covered in dirt. Experts were called in and the importance of the find became apparent. The Lascaux cave paintings are estimated to be

17,300 years old and are regarded as one of the finest examples of prehistoric art. They primarily consist of primitive images of large animals, most of which are known from fossil evidence to have lived in the area at the time. In 1979, Lascaux was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The cave contains nearly 2,000 figures in total, broadly grouped into three categories: animals, human figures and abstract signs. Interestingly, the paintings contain no images of the surrounding landscape or the vegetation of the time. Most of the major images have been painted onto the walls using mineral pigments, although some designs have also been cut into the stone. Opening up the caves to the wider public proved popular, but came at a cost. By 1955, the carbon dioxide produced by the estimated 1,200 people visiting each day began to visibly

damage the paintings and the fragile underground chambers were closed to the public in 1963. The general public were then unable to see the paintings until Lascaux 2 was completed in 1983 and opened nearby. Some scientists fear that the success of this building - which attracts 250,000 visitors a year - may have disturbed the micro-climate in the original caves. In recent years the caves have been menaced by fungal invasions and any human presence is regarded as potentially destructive. They are usually only accessed once a week by one security guard for a few minutes at a time. During her trip to Montignac, Aurélie Filippetti was given a guided tour of the original Lascaux caves and later said on Twitter that the caves “were remarkably well preserved” adding that she was “deeply moved” by this “wonder of humanity”. ■

Strawberry festival cancelled

make that effort. It’s clear to me that there is something personal here.” Whilst a new committee was being formed, remaining organisers released a succinct statement, simply stating that the 24th edition of the incredibly popular festival was being cancelled. One member did comment further, however, telling La Montagne: “We do not want to cause an argument. It is simply a case of organisation. We judged that it was prudent not to rush things and do them badly for a festival that already needed a new lease of life. We are going to begin preparations now for the 25th anniversary festival next year.” The town’s incoming mayor, Dominique Cayre, couldn’t hide his disappointment, but conceded that the organising committee was compromised by the sudden resignations so soon before the event, adding that “the planning, notably financial, was in a bad state”.. ■

ollowing a political bust-up in the wake of the recent municipal elections, this year’s edition of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne’s famous Fête de la fraise has been cancelled. The annual event, which attracts ten thousand visitors to the small town in south Corrèze, had originally been planed for Sunday 11th May. “Everything was ready, it’s just a shame that no one wanted to carry the flame forward,” explained Yves Lavergne, former president of the organising committee, who resigned from his post, along with 2 other key members, the day after the recent local elections. “I quit the committee because I took a bit of a beating in the local elections, it was clearly political,” said Mr Lavergne, who was until recently a deputy to the also now ex-mayor Jacques Descargues. “All that was needed was to elect a new president, but the producers and local business owners didn’t seem to want to

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 7

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Dordogne lawn bowls season gets under way

he ancient English game of bowls, played on a grass lawn, is opening its 2014 Dordogne season. A game with a spotless pedigree, it continues to attract enthusiastic players from across south-west France to its more modern local home, between Brantôme and Angoulême. Often thought of as a very British sport, the game of bowls is certainly part of British history with an impeccably upmarket, macho image: in 1588 Sir Francis Drake insisted on finishing his game before heading off to destroy the Spanish Armada; Henry VIII banned his archers and arrow-makers from the game to prevent them spending too much time on the sport. Henry also levied a heavy licence fee for bowling greens. This made the game a rich person’s pastime. James I disapproved of football, de-

tested tobacco, but praised bowls as an occupation for gentlefolk. The licence fee remained in force until 1845 when all levels of society were able to play. The centuries have lent the game an air of gentility and gentrification that remain embedded in the civilized and courteous way the game is still run and played. That applies as much in its implantation in France as in the United Kingdom and the old Empire. The Dordogne has the only 6-lane lawn bowls rink in France. Hosted by “La Charrue”, just outside Vieux Mareuil on the D939, the Périgord Lawn Bowls Club has an international membership enjoying this highly social sport. The bowling season at La Charrue kicks off on 11th May with a programme of in-club competitions, just for fun. Then the 50-odd mem-

bers will get more serious with twice-weekly events as the summer warms up, arriving at President’s Day in June, where the competition is men versus ladies. Unusual, but great fun! Not to be missed as a spectacle is the Bastille Day tournament where all the bowlers wear tricolore costume. However, there is a downside to being the only bowling green in France, and that is the lack of away games. To remedy this in 2014 the club went on a Spanish Bowling Tour from 8th to 22nd February, based in Los Gallardos, Almeria. Peter Fillingham, bowler and ex-firefighter from Lincoln explained the game’s attraction: “Bowls is a great way to have fun and get some exercise. It’s not expensive. You can play on your own, with a team or just with friends. You don’t need expensive kit and you

by Brian Hinchcliffe

Match day at La Charrue don’t need to train up. It’s a game that works for all ages. It’s not about strength or fitness, it’s just skill and concentration.” To join the club is a modest €45 a year, with match fees only €2. Club games are played on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Nonmembers can play for €5. The club is usually able to

Cancer Support France gets a new president

specialist organisation to support English-speaking cancer sufferers and their families in France has just elected a new president. Tony Benstead, from St-Michel-de-Villadeix, between Périgueux and Bergerac, is taking over from Linda Shepherd as National President of Cancer Support France. Linda has been leading CSF for over 11 years and has now decided to step down and pursue her desire to be ordained. In her time in the chair, CSF has grown to a nationwide network in France dedicated to providing help and support of all kinds to anyone affected by cancer who wishes to have support in English. Linda has guided CSF through this hectic period of growth and overseen the spread of its activities and its increasing professionalism. She was presented with a handsome gift from CSF associations at the AGM in Benest (Charente) in March and was made honorary life president in recognition of her achievements. Linda’s involvement began when she was herself hit by cancer and as she recovered, as many expats in France do, she experienced that gap between the superb medical care and the lack of social and psychological support for people whose French is less than good. Tony Benstead also became involved with CSF when his wife, Angela, was diagnosed with cancer. Tony is the first to admit his weakness in spoken French and would have deeply appreciated the reassuring presence and practical help of CSF had he known of their existence at the time. He started a CSF association in his area the year following his wife’s treatment and has served as the president there for almost seven years. “CSF does not concentrate on the illness,” Tony explained. “Its focus is the people directly involved: the sufferers, their families and their friends.” A key strength of CSF is its emphasis on confidentiality. “Everybody is reluctant to talk about cancer,” says Tony. “It’s a difficult subject for all concerned. At CSF we guarantee that every victim and every family member will find a sympathetic listener in absolute confidence. Plus, of course, there is no charge at all for CSF support. Sometimes two partners may be supported by two different people to ensure total confidentiality if needed.” CSF is staffed by volunteers, and supported by enthusiastic fund-raisers. Many volunteers undergo rigorous training to become Active Listeners. The ALs are trained to be a moral support, a shoulder to cry on, a provider of information and guidance, or simply an ear to bend in times of stress. An AL can

Tony Benstead takes over from Linda Shepherd at the AGM arrange for an interpreter for a medical consultation, or have documents translated into English, all with the guarantee of absolute confidentiality. Most contact between listeners and clients is done over the telephone, and where it is desirable the AL will do a home or hospital visit. A client’s need for support can go on for years and ALs and clients frequently become close friends as a result. Tony’s first aim as president is to continue Linda’s work in developing CSF’s partnership with the French La Ligue contre le cancer, the country’s biggest cancer organization. An English-language phone-in service is planned at some stage in the future using La Ligue’s national switchboard. CSF already has an agreement with the Institut national du cancer (INCa) to translate useful booklets, etc. and the same agreement has now been agreed with La Ligue. “The fact that La Ligue recognizes our professionalism and the commitment of our volunteers and fund-raisers is a sincere compliment that CSF can be proud of,” said Tony Benstead. “We will continue to work through our local associations to consolidate our unified, professional, corporate identity.” In the longer term Tony hopes that CSF is able to introduce a programme of transitional support between the end of treatment and getting on with life. Of proven benefit, and in use in America and Canada, the programme has also enthusiastically been adapted and used by the Maggie’s House organization in the UK. To find details of your nearest CSF branch or confidential helpline visit http://cancersupportfrance.org, call the National Helpline on 05 45 89 30 05 or email cancersupportfrance@orange.fr ■ Brian Hinchcliffe

lend guests a set of “woods” to get them on the green and provide start-up coaching to get them bowling. On most playing days La Charrue holds an event, typically a specially themed meal, very often with live music and even entire musical shows - La Charrue has established a reputation for its “Tribute Nights”. Bowlers and guests have been hugely entertained by “stars” including Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Abba and even Sir Tom Jones! Very popular amongst club members and their

guests are the fund-raisers for the Twilight dog sanctuary, with a Boot Fair on 4th May, Talent Show on 18th July, through to a Christmas Fair on 5th December. Fancy a game or just curious? Call club secretary, Sue Carr, on 05 53 56 72 94. You can meet the Périgord Lawn Bowlers on their stand at the British Weekend in Brantôme, 28-29 June 2014. ■ Contact La Charrue on 05 53 56 65 59 or www.lacharrue.biz

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8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

The golden egg of the municipales As local councils across France swing to the right, with some outright wins for extreme right Front National candidates, a surprise winner from the municipales has been the humble chicken. As the cost of living and taxes on waste disposal increase, the chicken is being held up as a cost effective and non-polluting solution to voters’ problems. A chicken only costs around 10 euros, can eat 150kg of food which would otherwise go to waste, and can lay over 300 eggs a year. Figures show that the average Frenchman creates around 360kg of waste each year - meaning that just one chicken could slash this figure by 40%. Gilbert Meyer, the UMP Mayor of Colmar in eastern France, was elected after the first round of elections, so popular was his promise of “one family, one hen”. This follows on from Sarthe mayor Lydie Pasteau’s 2012 scheme to provide all interested households in her commune with a pair of chickens. She cited the educational benefits to children and the increase in responsibility which comes from welcoming a few winged friends into one’s life as reasons to take part in the scheme. In Britain, the Times even claimed French patriots were calling for cockerels to be given to every commune, a policy which has allegedly not been implemented for fear of noise-polluting crowing! The success of chickens, their male counterparts aside, was a rare positive to come from a municipales season characterised by the undignified fall of the Socialists across France and the very real fear that several towns such as Perpignan might fall under far-right control. The chickens didn’t escape unscathed, however. Louis Aliot, the Front National candidate for Perpignan, had this to say several days before voters went to the ballot boxes: “Gypsies steal chickens, but they aren’t bad people. There have been problems since the Maghreb lot came, though”. The comment has caused outcry among Front National members who are attempting to clean up the party’s notorious image from the heyday of Jean-Marie Le Pen. ■ Amaryllis Barton

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

M&S unveils expansion plans

ollowing the success of its flagship store on the ChampsElysées, Marks and Spencer has announced plans to open 250 new overseas outlets. The British retailer made a humiliating exit from Europe in 2001, closing or selling shops in countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal. Its latest expansion will see more stores in Paris and other major French cities as well as in Brussels and Amsterdam. There are also plans to find suitable sites in Italy and Spain. M&S are hoping that the expansion will increase international profits by 40% over the next three years. The move is being described as a “bricks and clicks” strategy: flagship stores backed by an online offering. “We need to build a brand internationally and be dotcom ready. That is

where our future is,” chief executive Marc Bolland told an investor seminar in Paris. “Our strategy of becoming an international, multi-channel retailer is more relevant than ever before because of the strong growth potential of international markets.” Steve Rowe, M&S executive director of food, said: “M&S Food is in much demand globally. From toasted crumpets in The Hague to red wine in China, our international customers are very quick to tell us what their favourite M&S products are.” Bolland told investors that leaving Europe had been a mistake and he set a new target to increase international sales by 25% and profits by 40%, although he did not specify exactly where these new stores would be located. Last year, M&S's international arm made profits of £120m on sales of £1.1bn.

M&S made a triumphant return to Paris in 2011 when it reopened on the Champs-Élysées. Bolland said the store had been a massive success so far and gave details of franchise partnerships that will see 30 more food stores open in the city over the next three years. France may be famed for its food, but M&S says that British specialities such as Scottish pancakes and Devon scones sell in greater volumes in Paris than they do in some of the company's biggest UK stores. Andrew Crooks, the head of retail in France, said that while French shoppers liked to buy their fruit and vegetables in markets, the M&S brand had “kudos”. “Our customers use the word exotic,” he said. “It makes them feel like they are going on a little voyage and are in England. We are bringing a little bit of England to Paris.” ■

Scandal over Parisian council flats

e earns €108,000 a year, is president of the French Tennis Federation and lives in one of Paris' smartest districts. But Alain Riou lives in a council flat - and he's not alone. He is one of many wealthy journalists, celebrities, architects, councillors - and even the son of a former culture minister - to be granted a flat in a social housing project. The fact that high wage earners such as Riou have been allowed to live in tax-payer funded housing is a peculiarity of the Parisian system. Both candidates for the mayor of Paris, NKM and eventual winner Anne Hidalgo, promised to scrap the scheme which allows high fliers to work the system in order to secure chic apartments in the centre of Paris for a fraction of the normal price. The flat rented by Riou was first leased in 2004 for €1,360 a month (including charges) and now costs him a mere €1,680, less than half the rate of a private apartment in the area. However, Mr Riou denied any allegations

of wrongdoing or string pulling in his application for his council flat. Indeed, local councillors claimed to be oblivious to fact that the system was being abused in such a way. This was supported by Pierre Aidenbaum, mayor of the third arrondissement since 1995. In a furious statement to Le Figaro, he said “I would never had given [the flat] to Riou if I'd known he was earning €9,000 a month!” The problem arises from the fact that in Paris, social housing is not intended for the poorest sectors of society alone - as it is in Britain. Instead, struggling middle income families are also entitled to benefit from council flat provision. However, critics of the Parisian system claim nepotism is rife, with the most prized properties being dished out to supporters of the mayor. The revelation has sparked a blame game, with Aidenbaum pointing the finger at Yves Contassot, deputy mayor of Paris responsible for the environment between 2001 and 2008, who in turn has denied any involve-

ment in bad practice. Each has accused the other of favouritism in an affair which has unmasked the farcical nature of the Parisian housing system. Indeed, one comedian, Frigide Barjot (real name Virginie Merle), was forced to leave her 173 square metre penthouse with a view of the Eiffel Tower; the situation had caused such furore that the authorities took the decision to make Merle, 50, and her husband, Bruno Tellenne, leave the property. Since the couple had technically done no wrong, apart from renting a sought-after property at a steal of a price, a novel reason for their eviction had to be found. In a comment reflective of this whole disastrous affair, it was claimed that the flat served as the unofficial headquarters for Merle's band of stand-up comics. However, with the embarrassment and scandal that this affair has caused, a laughing matter it is not. ■ Amaryllis Barton

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ollowing the recent municipal elections and the beating taken by François Hollande’s Socialist government, the political landscape has changed significantly. First to go was the prime minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, replaced by the former interior minister, Manuel Valls. The new prime minister then caused a degree of surprise and shock with the subsequent cabinet reshuffle and his choice of ministers to form the country’s “combat government”. Back to front-line politics came Ségolène Royal, the 2007 presidential candidate and one-time partner of the president, François Hollande, with whom she has four children. Ms Royal was given the ecology, energy and sustainable development portfolio. Perhaps the most surprising announcement, however, was the naming of the left-wing Arnaud Montebourg, from the opposite side of the Socialist party to Valls, as economics minister. Montebourg and Valls had previously

fought bitterly in a bid to become the socialist candidate in the 2012 presidential elections - in the end they both lost out to Hollande. The appointment of Montebourg has caused some concern in other European capitals. “Monsieur Made in France”, as he is known after urging economic patriotism, has previously voiced antiglobalisation views when serving as France’s minister for industrial renewal, and he leans towards protectionism. Many will now worry if France will remain committed to meeting EU economic targets, given Montebourg’s outspoken views on the damage he believes is being caused by the EU’s demands for lower public deficits. Montebourg will work alongside Michel Sapin, the former labour minister and new finance minister, who has replaced Pierre Moscovici in the new government. Sapin will formally have oversight over France’s public finances, which last year showed a deficit at 4.3 per cent of output - well above the EU target of three per cent.

The defence minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, foreign affairs minister, Laurent Fabius, justice minister, Christine Taubira, agriculture minister, Stéphane le Foll, and culture minister, Aurélie Filippetti, all kept their jobs. Of the 15 top cabinet posts, seven are now held by women. France’s far right Front national party, led by the charismatic Marine le Pen, again gained ground in the recent elections with its anti-immigration message and is expected to poll well in the upcoming European elections. Staunch supporters of the FN will no doubt be frustrated, however, by the fact that France’s new prime minister was in fact born in Spain. So too was the new mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. The Spanish edition of the Huffington Post celebrated this fact by running the headline: “Manuel Valls and Anne Hidalgo, two Spaniards at the peak of French power”. Others poked fun at the news, with one online user pointing out that in these times of crisis, “even

Spanish politicians have had to leave to find work in other countries”. With Le Pen’s Front national battling to join mainstream politics, not unlike the UKIP in the UK, Le Pen offered an olive branch to UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, by suggesting the two parties join forces on a European level, saying she would welcome collaboration with UKIP with “open arms”. Le Pen told BBC Newsnight that she believes many of the ideas Nigel Farage defends are “very similar” to those of her party. Farage rejected the suggestions, however, and caused a crossChannel spat when he said a coalition with the FN was out of the question because of “prejudice and anti-Semitism” in the party although he also said Le Pen had “got some good qualities” and was “achieving remarkable things”. Le Pen subsequently used an interview with the Sunday Times to hit back at the UKIP leader, saying Farage had made “defamatory” and “extremely disagreeable dec-

New prime minister apponted in reshuffle

Manuel Valls - France's new PM larations” in an attempt to boost his popularity. The FN leader said Farage was not in a position to cast aspersions on others. “He is often reproached for the behaviour and comments of a certain number of his party members,” she said. “Slandering your neighbour to try to make yourself look whiter than white, it’s not correct. He’s doing it simply for electoral purposes.” ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

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First rabies death in Mouton Rothschild sues winemaker named Mouton France for 11 years

he famous Bordeaux estate of Château Mouton Rothschild has again been throwing its considerable weight around the wine world by pursuing a small Burgundy vineyard for €410,000 in damages for “usurping” its name. The dispute is the latest in a string of complaints by top wine estates against smaller producers over trademark infringement. The accused in this instance is Laurent Mouton, a fourth-generation winemaker whose family estate has 12 hectares of vines in Burgundy. The small domaine currently produces around 60,000 bottles of wine every year under the name “Domaine Mouton”. The best bottles fetch up to €17.50 each, a far cry from the €540 currently being charged for a bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild's Premier cru classé 2011. The Bordeaux behemoth owns 207 acres of vines and produces half a million bottles every year. The Rothschild winemakers are staunchly protective of their brand, and lawyers representing the vine-

yard sent Mr Mouton a warning letter, which said: “This unauthorised reproduction amounts to counterfeiting of pre-existing brands belonging to Rothschild companies,” adding that wine-lovers, “might think that the Domaine Mouton label is linked to the Chateau Mouton Rothschild or Mouton Cadet brands”. This, they claim, displays a “clearly parasitic desire to ride on the great Mouton’s coat-tails”. The Rothschild group is asking for €410,000 for “damages and interest” over three years, an amount that Mr Mouton says will finish his modest operation, which has an annual turnover of around €700,000. “I’m not going to change my name to please them,” he said. “They are treating me like a common criminal.” His father, Gérard, 65, who still works on the domaine, said: “Châteaux like this shouldn’t attack a domain that has carried the Mouton name for four generations. I find this approach imperialist.” “They say that I am a usurper,” Laurent Mouton told wine website Decanter.com. “I wish to preserve the name Domaine Mouton. I do

not see why I should justify myself or my name. Their family name is Rothschild, not Mouton.” A spokesperson for Baron Philippe de Rothschild declined to comment. In November 2012, Mouton Rothschild lost a similar dispute with New Zealand's Osawa Wines. New Zealand's intellectual property office backed Osawa's “Flying Mouton” brand name, ruling that “mouton”, French for sheep, was simply a nod to the vineyard’s origins as a sheep farm. ■

French court has ordered gossip magazine Closer to pay French actress Julie Gayet €15,000 in damages over breach of privacy for revealing her ‘affair’ with President François Hollande. Closer caused a political storm in France on 10 January this year when it published images allegedly showing François Hollande and Ms Gayet meeting up at a Paris flat. The 7-page photo spread showed the comings and goings outside a Parisian apartment rented by Gayet. It included the night-time arrival and morning departure of Gayet and, separately, that of a man wearing a black helmet and said to be the president. Neither party has denied the affair, but Gayet filed a lawsuit alleging breach of privacy and had been seeking €50,000 in damages. Hollande chose not to sue. During court proceedings, Ms Gayet’s lawyer said she had been “hunted” by journalists, adding that “She was assaulted by swarms of photographers... it was like the hunt of a wild animal”. Closer’s lawyer maintained that the magazine was justified in publishing the photographs, saying they

were in the public interest because they raised questions about Mr Hollande’s security and also his “duty of transparency”. As well as awarding Ms Gayet the damages, the judge also ordered Closer to print the ruling on the front page of its next issue and banned it from selling or reprinting the photographs involved. In reality, the pictures were taken by a paparazzo and Closer does not even own them. As well as the civil suit, Gayet has filed two other criminal complaints: one for breach of privacy over separate photos published by Closer of her taken inside a car, which under French law qualifies as a private space; and another accusing paparazzi of “endangering others” by allegedly hounding her. The revelations by Closer brought to an end President Hollande’s relationship with his long-term partner Valérie Trierweiler, leaving France without a First Lady, or indeed a First Girlfriend as she had been called by some in the press - the couple had been together for 8 years, but never married. In a separate case, Ms Trieweiler also won an invasion of privacy lawsuit earlier this year against

Julie Gayet awarded Closer damages

Closer after they ran pictures taken in February while she was on holiday in Mauritius. This latest ruling again shines a light on the differences between France and the UK when it comes to handing down punishment to gossip magazines. France has very strict privacy laws, stricter than in the UK, but the relatively light punishments do little to dissuade publishers from breaking the rules. Closer had to print a further 150,000 copies of the edition carrying the Hollande affair scoop to meet demand and Closer’s editor, Laurence Pieau, has estimated that the magazine made about €2 million from running the story. In contrast, the €15,000 fine is unlikely to have her fearing for her job. ■

man has died in a Paris hospital in France's first confirmed case of rabies since 2003. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health announced in April that the man, who contracted the disease in Mali before travelling to France, died after being admitted to intensive care. Since 1970, there have been 20 cases of human rabies in France. In all these cases the disease was contracted outside of France; the last time the disease was contracted within France was in 1924. Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warmblooded animals. The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months and early symptoms include fever and tingling at the site of exposure, followed by violent movements, uncontrolled excitement and a fear of water. Once symptoms develop, the disease is nearly always fatal. France is effectively rabies-free

and last year the EU moved to loosen the restrictions on pet travel within Europe; the changes are due to come into effect later this year. There is currently only an average of one case of rabies in the EU every year. Worldwide, however, there are an estimated 55,000 rabies deaths each year, the vast majority coming from dog and bat bites in Asia and Africa. Following the recent case in Paris, authorities moved to offer “appropriate treatment” to the victim's immediate family. Human to human transmission of the disease is rare, but cases have been reported. There have been several rabies scares in France in recent years, usually involving illegally imported animals. A dog imported from Morocco in 2008 infected other animals and in August 2013, two children were vaccinated as a precautionary measure after playing with a dead bat that was later found to have the disease. In November 2013 five people were vaccinated when a 2-month-old cat died of the disease. ■

12 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Feminists have a beef with new magazine

news item which will be a favourite with pun-lovers everywhere is France's new men's food magazine: BEEF! It will not, however, be a favourite among feminists who have been quick to identify the beef they have with the magazine.

BEEF! food magazine was released in France this March and is 70% translated from the original German publication. The other 30% of articles are French - and it would appear something

was lost in translation. While the German version celebrates the role of women in the home, its French cousin, for 'men with taste', denigrates the fairer sex. An editorial leader made the magazine's stance on cooking and the sexes clear: women are unnecessary clutter, lacking the “strength, vigour and physical power” to bring real food to the table. Other articles in a section on “boys' toys” include a good knife guide, listing a different knife for every vegetable. The pièce de résistance, found on the centre page but presented more as a page 3 splash, is a leg of lamb. “We want to attract men

with attractive photos of food,” claimed the magazine's editor, Alexandre Zalewski. “We want to engage with something men really feel.” Indeed, this comment was supported by sociologist Daniel Welzer-Lang. He noted that men and women don't have the same tastes: “We all know that when it comes to cooki ng, men are more like machines; just think of the way they go at a piece of meat.” However, even Welzer-Lang suggested the magazine's focus was slightly anachronistic since fewer and fewer French men eat meat as they become more aware of the need to eat healthily. Healthy is not a word

Revolting food!

earing the word 'revolt' in relation to French politics might ordinarily stir up images of Marie Antoinette and the 18th century - not Elysée palace food. However, a menu that included foie gras with truffles, roasted poultry with mushrooms, and a chocolate and caramel dessert served at a Franco-Chinese state dinner were recently described as just that: “revolting”! Nicole Bricq, the foreign trade minister, was caught on camera badmouthing the presidential haute cuisine to then prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. Bricq, who subsequently lost her cabinet position following a reshuffle after the local elections, was unaware her microphone was still switched on.

She was heard to say: “At the Elysée, it wasn’t (up to scratch) at all... it was revolting. It has to be said.” To add insult to injury, the video clip is freely available on BFMTV. Bricq has been labelled as “spoilt” by commentators, a not unreasonable remark considering that Elysée cooking is presided over by a team of France's most prestigious chefs, many of whom are Michelin starred. Guillaume Gomez, the head chef, received a phone call and a visit from Bricq as she attempted to make amends and eat a little humble pie. Gomez, who is in charge of the 4.4 million euro budget for Elysée cuisine, was seemingly indifferent to the remarks. He posted on the official Facebook page: “We will continue to do our

which is given much thought in this particular magazine: the entrecôte and frites combination is elevated to an almost mythological status and other “male” favourites, such as barbequed, fatty or red wine soaked recipes, are also given pride of place. Derided by Le Monde as “full of sexist clichés”, cast aside by food critics as “macho” bravado, and likened to a comedy sketch by its own editor, BEEF!'s release has been something of an egg on face moment in France. This could all change, however, since a new edition has been planned for the les rosbifs in the UK. ■ Amaryllis Barton

job with the same passion and dedication.” Several days later, another FrancoChinese state meal was served - although the menu was kept secret. A variety of French foods were served in small portions, à la chinoise, in the private quarters of Versailles in a symbol of the growing relations between France and China. No women were invited to the event, meaning that a special triangular seating arrangement was required. Foreign trade minister Bricq was not invited back, leading some to note that she “had eaten her last” in the company of Elysée chefs. Significantly, the party of Chinese dignitaries who visited France avoided Britain on their European tour. According to commentators, this is a snub to Cameron who welcomed the Dalai Lama to St Paul's Cathedral in 2012. ■ Amaryllis Barton

Nicole Bricq left the banquet with egg on her face

Couple awarded damages Pooch takes to for mayor's noisy peacock the witness stand

French couple have been awarded a €4,000 payout after being left as “depressed insomniacs” by the constant noise made by their local mayor's peacock. According to local newspaper La Provence, the trouble started in the 10th arrondissement of Marseille when the mayor was given a peacock as a gift in 2008. Before long, the bird began escaping from its pen and would find its way to the couple’s home, where it would display its feathers and emit earsplitting squawks. After many complaints from residents and repeated, failed attempts by the local council to contain the bird, the pair decided to sue the town hall. Although they finally won in 2012, and documents produced in court showed that they had indeed been suffering from insomnia and depression, they were awarded just €100 in compensation. The couple also claimed that they had needed regular visits to a psychotherapist because of their problems.

Outraged, they continued their fight and the case was this year brought to the Administrative Court of Appeal, which has now ruled that the city of Marseille failed to take the necessary measures to keep the peacock from causing a disturbance and ordered the city to pay the couple €4,000 in compensation. The peacock itself has since been captured and relocated to a farm well outside the city. Despite their spectacular plumage, peacocks can be a regular cause of disruption when they are

kept near people's homes. The UK RSPCA's website has an entry under its Frequently Answered Questions dedicated to “Noisy Peacocks”, which says: “Peacock calls are best described as shrill raucous shrieks. They can be extremely noisy and annoying to some people. However, other people will put food out to encourage peafowl into their area so that they can admire these beautiful birds. If the matter cannot be sorted out in a friendly way, you are advised to complain to your local authority about the peacock causing noise pollution.” ■

French judge has hit the headlines after calling a very unusual witness to the stand in a murder trial - the victim's dog! In bizarre scenes at the pre-trial hearing in Tours, the judge summoned 9-year-old labrador Tango to the courtroom and ordered the suspect to pretend to attack him with a bat. The dog's reactions were then studied. In the interests of good science, however, the experiment was repeated with a second dog of the same age and breed... it is believed that the results were inconclusive. Unsurprisingly, the suspect’s lawyer, Grégoire Lafarge, said the whole affair was completely absurd. “So if Tango lifted his right paw, moved his mouth or his tail, is he recognizing my client or not?” Lafarge asked, speaking to RTL radio. “I find it very troubling for the French legal system. If a judge ignores the demands of reason and surrounds himself with experts who are unreasonable... well the system becomes very dangerous.” Although this may sound barking mad, it is not the first time that a prosecutor has subpoenaed a pooch in a

French trial. Only recently a vet was asked by a court in Paris to give his expert analysis when a dalmatian was shown the faces of two murder suspects. Based on the dog's reactions, the vet told the court it was likely the pair were responsible for the murder of the pooch’s owner. The first time a canine came to court is believed to have been in 2008 when a dog named “Scooby” was put in the witness stand and “barked furiously” when shown a possible suspect. In other dog-related news, it would appear that the iconic British bulldog is now less popular north of the Channel than its Gallic equivalent. In 2013, the Kennel Club received 5,769 registrations for British bulldogs, up by a seemingly impressive 20 per cent on the previous year. However, there were 6,990 registrations for the French bulldog, an even greater increase of 49 per cent. French bulldogs, known as “Frenchies”, are smaller than their British cousins and said to be easier to control and more intelligent - characteristics that have also in the past been directed towards their respective owners!! ■

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

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In the garden - jobs for May by Michelle Pierce

here is a magical moment when everything changes, somehow both imperceptibly and very concretely. What is it down to? ‘Simply’ the appearance of the leaves on the trees in late April! Suddenly landscapes and gardens change completely. Perspective and depth appears, with hidden corners, winding paths, field boundaries (when you are still lucky enough to have hedges and copses). My lime trees spring into electric green almost overnight, and their dappled shade completely redefines their corner of the garden and heralds the promise of cool shade in hot hazy afternoons. Gorgeous! So it is with gardens in this part of France - more so than in the UK, where the run up is a longer drawn out affair. And in the rest of the garden, this frenzied burst is felt, too. Suddenly the quiet of Sunday afternoons is disturbed by people mowing and rotavating, strimming, planting and weeding their gardens, which appear to be magically planted, almost overnight, since fewer and fewer people seem to actually sow seeds, and prefer to go out and buy their plants from garden centres or supermarkets. What a pity. If this is really the route you choose to go down, try and resist temptation to buy very tender plants too early (the shops have had geraniums and tomatoes available since mid April), and harden plants off well before final planting out. Sowing seed is so much more satisfying, and so much more economical! Now is the time to go totally crazy and sow anything you fancy, so off you go to the potting shed...! France still has an excellent range of heritage veg varieties commonly available in the shops, which are not too expensive, so try these out instead of the F1 hybrids. The earliest crops may soon be finishing - the winter mizuna and rocket sown last year has gone to seed in the tunnel and this is just about ready for collection for next year (or later this year), thus leaving space for another sowing. Self-sown seedlings have sprung up everywhere - lettuces, chard, spinach, etc. where a few plants were left to go to seed in situ. Great... crops with no work or effort whatsoever! Try and get on top of the weeds compost as many as you can (but not pernicious things like convolvulus or couch grass, which will just propagate themselves through your compost heap), and try not to clip back hedges or shrubs, to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Sow green manures on bare earth, or fast growing crops like radish, which will form a carpet around

Now is the time that lime trees really come to life, offering cool shade to a weary garderner

other plantings, and so suppress weeds. Mulch newly planted shrubs and trees, in advance of the summer dryness. Keep on top of the grass, but ideally leave some areas longer, to encourage wildflowers, insects and wildlife. There are now lots of images available showing how beautiful this contrast of manicured with shaggy grass can be, so get creative. It costs absolutely nothing. However, try and leave naturalised tulip, narcissus or daffodil foliage to dry off before you cut it down, so feeding the bulbs for a good show

in forthcoming years. Check out Le Jardin Plume http://www.lejardinplume.com/ and see how they use this to great effect. Put bedding plants, annuals and tender species outside after the risk of frost has gone - usually around the middle of the month. Sow more! Keep an eye on your fruit trees. Make sure there are no small branches growing in the wrong places - towards the centre of the tree. Cut or pull these off when they are small, and you save yourself lots of pruning a few years

later. If there is a very heavy crop of fruit forming, gird your loins and get rid of some. It goes against the grain but the quality of the rest will be the better for it. Prune off any dead wood. Get the garden furniture out of the shed, give it a good clean, and then dream of sitting lazily on it in balmy, warm summer weather. But of course you won’t have time because you’ll be too busy pottering around the garden...! Good gardening! ■

Le muguet - Lily of the valley by Michelle Pierce

Some things are poisonous, and we worry about them in our gardens, or think them hideous... and then there is the Lily of the Valley, or le muguet as it is known in France. And faced with such beauty, such heady perfume, who gives a monkey’s that it’s toxic?!! The etymology of its various European names shows that it’s a very ancient plant, known, grown and loved for centuries. In France, it has been sold by amateurs, free of tax, on Labour Day (May 1st) since the 19th century, as a symbol of spring. It is traditionally used in bridal bouquets - including that of Kate Middleton, and Grace Kelly. It is also the national flower, or national emblem of some countries. But, all in all, who cares? It’s just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous... so easy to grow in a shady spot in the garden!! There is a pink form, but it’s much less attractive than the white one. So if an old boy comes round peddling some muguet at the start of May, you know he’s perpetuating a centuries old tradition.

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

Windows XP - R.I.P.

fter 14 years, Microsoft has announced the end of their support of Windows XP. The day had to come, as it did for earlier versions of their operating system, but what does this mean for all of you who still have systems running Windows XP? First of all, it has to be said that you will notice no difference, your system will not stop or fail to deliver the service it currently delivers. But some changes need to be made in order to maintain stability and security. If you run Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) you will need to make alternative arrangements for the provision of an Anti-Virus solution, as support for MSE is at an end. And next, you will need to in-

stall an alternative web browser to Internet Explorer (IE). IE 8 was the last browser released by Microsoft that was supported by Windows XP, and that meant moving to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox in order to access or view certain websites. However, Google Chrome has stated that support for Windows XP will end in around a year, and as yet Mozilla have to make a statement regarding future support. A quick summary: no worries, make a couple of changes and it’s carry on as normal and no need to spend any money in the immediate future! However, you will probably need to start thinking about an investment in new technology within the next 12 months. It may be that your hardware is capable of supporting Win-

dows 8 (the latest Windows Operating System), and that you can purchase a new licence. However, in most cases that will not be possible, as the hardware of your desktop or laptop will likely be underpowered or incompatible with Windows 8. Technology, unfortunately for the user, is galloping along at a phenomenal pace and that makes it very hard to predict what will be the choice to make in 12 months from now. However, Mayday can help you make the best decision based on your budget and user requirements. Here to help as always! Mayday computer services pc • mac • network 05 55 68 47 33 06 82 26 31 54 maydaymayday@orange.fr

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pudding with

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Ingredients

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For the sticky toffe pudding:

550g dark brown sugar (cassonade) 9 whole eggs 375g unsalted butter (softened) 675g flour 675g dates (pitted) 600ml boiling water 3 tbsp baking powder

For the butterscotch sauce:

500ml full fat cream 35% 3 tbsp of black treacle

Recipe provided by Brett from Le Moulin du Breuil (23140 Pionnat) www.lemoulindubreuil.com - 05 55 80 37 70

Method for the pudding

Firstly you need to make a bain-marie (a water bath) to bake the pudding, so the tray you are going to bake the pudding in needs to fit inside the tray you are going to use for the bain-marie. A deep sided roasting tray is ideal for the job. Half fill the roasting tray with hot water and place into a pre-heated oven at 200ºC. Now line your deep sided baking tray with greaseproof paper ready to put your pudding mixture into - make sure it’s deep enough so the water in the bain-marie does not overflow into the mixture. Remove all the stones from the dates, then place them into a bowl or container and cover with the boiling water. Leave to soak whilst you prepare the other ingredients. Cream the butter and sugar together using a whisk, or a mixing machine if you have one, until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time - if the mixture looks like it’s starting to curdle add a little of the flour, this will bring it back together. Once all of the eggs are incorporated, gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Now place the soaked dates and water into a blender and pulse until the dates start to break down - you could puree the dates but I prefer to leave them quite chunky. Now add the date mixture to the other ingredients mixing it all together well. Place the mixture into the lined baking tray and place into the bain-marie in the oven. The water in the bain-marie should come half way up the side of the baking tray - if it does not, just boil the kettle and top it up to the required level. Bake for 20 mins (at 200ºC), then check the consistency by inserting a wooden skewer or small knife. There should be some residue of the mixture on the skewer - the centre of the cake should still be gooey or the cake will become too dry. Once you are happy with the consistency, remove the pudding from the oven and from the bain-marie and leave to cool. Serve straight away or portion and re-heat later.

Method for the sauce

Pour the cream into a thick bottomed pan, add the treacle and bring to the boil, whisking continuously until all the treacle has dissolved. Pour over the pudding... and don’t be shy!!

Bringing you news, views and events from across the Dordogne & surrounding areas. editor@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 www.thebugle.eu

PRACTICAL ♦ 15

MAY 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Spring is back and so is the season of property purchase in France Prune CALONNE, lawyer in Toulouse, gives you tips on the property buying process on this side of the Channel

nce you have found your dream home and you have made an offer that has been accepted by the vendor, both parties sign a sales contract and then the final deed of sale. Unfortunately things do not always go that smoothly. 1. Offer and acceptance To buy a property, like most goods, two parties have to agree on the item (la chose) and on a price (le prix). Once both parties have agreed on these two things, the sale is complete; the item is sold. The buyer has accepted to purchase the item as it is, at a given price and the vendor has accepted to sell the item at the same price. Things are no different under French law when you decide to buy a property, except that after exchanging consents, the purchaser and vendor have to officialise this agreement in writing via the drafting of a compromis de vente and a deed - acte authentique. It seems quite obvious, but once both parties have exchanged agreements on these two elements, no counter offer can be accepted because in theory the vendor is no

longer the owner of the property! Beware of this specific French rule, as the buyer could make a claim against the vendor and damages for breach of the original agreement could be awarded. The sales contract (compromis de vente) and the deed of sale (acte authentique) are the compulsory formalisation in writing of the exchange of consents, nothing more. Beware that in France the deed falls within the exclusive authority of the French Notary. In compensation for this sole competency, the fee of the Notary (notaire) is a set price, fixed by law, so for this specific task, Notaries are not free to set their own prices. In practice, I also recommend each party to choose his or her own Notary. The fees will remain the same as when only one is involved, and both parties’ interests will be fully protected. If you are a foreigner, I would recommend that you choose a French Notary who speaks English and who is used to dealing with foreign clients with cross border issues, assets, etc. 2. Sales contract (Compromis de vente) This contract may be drafted

either by a French Notary, a lawyer or even by an estate agent. It has to be drafted in French, BUT you may want to have this document translated into English so that you fully understand what it is written. I would suggest you do so even if you think that your French is quite good. The reason for this is that you might not truly and or fully understand every clause. It is important to get it right to avoid any difficulties at a later date. If translation is sought, ask your Notary. He or she might have professional contacts with translators used before in other transactions and who will do a good job. The following information should appear in this contract (non-exhaustive list): • Identity of the vendor and buyer • Description of the property • Purchase price and breakdown of fees and who is to pay each fee • Results of the legal reports on asbestos, termites, soil movements, etc. • Details on the mortgage, dates by which the mortgage offer is expected, etc. • Any let-out clauses (clauses suspensives) Let-out clauses could be the fact that the buyer has to get a

mortgage to complete the sale, or to get permission for a specific use of the building. Beware of any easement (servitudes) provisions before you proceed. Make sure you check that there are no rights of way, planning restrictions, or that you are fine with them. 3. Cooling-off period The process cannot be continued any further as a cooling-off period (période de réflexion) has to be respected for seven days. The deed cannot be signed until 7 days after the sales contract. Please note that if the buyer cannot get the mortgage, the vendor may request evidence showing that the buyer has made reasonable efforts to obtain the loan in the time frame. If no sufficient evidence can be provided, the deposit (generally 10% of the property value) can be demanded from the buyer in favour of the vendor. 4. Deed of sale The deed of sale or acte authentique has to be drafted by a Notary. Generally, most of the information found in the sales contract is found in this deed. However, parties should check it very thoroughly - it may state the date the property will be available to move into, for example. The following documents

might be required: ID, marriage certificate, pre-nuptial agreement and divorce ruling. Before the sale is complete and the deed is signed, the funds must be transferred to a special bank account held by the Notary. Make sure you have home insurance for your future property on the day the deed is signed. An attestation d’assurance will be requested by the Notary to check that you have effective home insurance on the day the deed is signed. If there are two Notaries involved in the property transfer, only one will be in charge of signing the deed. Some time later, a certificate will inform the buyer that the title deed has been registered under his or her name. The original deed is kept by the notary but you will be given a copy. ■ For more information, please do not hesitate to contact: Prune CALONNE, Avocat au Barreau de Toulouse, 117 route d’Albi, 31200 Toulouse Phone: 05 34 30 51 33 or 06 74 16 11 12 Email: scpcalonneadouedugast @hotmail.fr My firm can arrange appointments in CAHORS at our correspondent’s offices. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.

Quick guide: 2014 Tax Declarations

ll residents in France have an obligation to file a tax return at their local tax office “Centre des Impôts”. When must you declare?

The deadline for returning your completed declaration of income earned in 2013 is earlier this year i.e. midnight on 20th May 2014. Those of you already in the system should have received your partially completed declaration (or “préremplie”) in April. Additional time is granted for those who prefer to make their declarations online at www. impots.gouv.fr, with the online declaration deadlines dependent on the number of the department you live in. The online facility has been available since 16th April. The government has improved this year’s online service by creating a few new features. These include offering an immediate estimation of the tax bill and the ability to amend the declaration, at any moment, before the

given deadline dates. Those of you declaring for the first time, however, will have to collect a tax declaration from your local tax office, or download one from the website above. If you have moved to France part way through the year, you will only declare income earned since the date you became resident. A tax assessment is normally then issued at the end of August 2014. Once you have completed your first tax return, you can complete subsequent returns online at www.impots.gouv.fr What forms will you need? Whilst there are a variety of declarations the following are some of the main forms applicable: Form 2042 The “Déclaration des revenus” is the main tax form on which you should declare your worldwide income and gains. Form 2042C (“Complémentaire”) This is an additional

form which is required for a number of situations, including where you have received income from furnished letting or “chambres d’hôtes”, or where you have paid tax in the UK that needs to be offset against French tax.

to calculate your overall tax liability. The Double Tax Treaty will ensure, however, that you do not pay tax twice on this income, but these figures are needed to calculate the rate at which your other income should be taxed.

Form 2047 This is an additional form for any income received from outside of France. Foreign income must, therefore, be declared on this form, as well as on Form 2042.

What exchange rate to use?

Form 3916 This asks for details of any bank accounts situated outside of France. Alternatively, the information can be supplied on a separate piece paper. What to declare? As a French resident, all of your worldwide income and gains should be declared on your French tax return. Any income which is normally taxed out with of France, e.g. UK public sector pensions or UK rental income, will still be used

Some tax offices tell people to use the £/€ exchange rate at the end of the year. In theory, you should have kept a note of the exchange rates applicable to your Sterling based income as you received it. However, for income which is received regularly such as a pension, for instance, the authorities will accept the use of the average exchange rate for the year; details of which are made public from various sources, including the official French revenue website noted earlier.

Wealth Tax (“Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune”, ISF)

Those

you

with

taxable assets of between €1,300,000 and €2,570,000, as at 1st January 2014, will declare the asset figure on their income tax return. Only those with more than €2,570,000 of taxable assets will have to continue making a separate wealth tax return in June.

Peter Wakelin is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Dordogne since 1996. Telephone 05 56 34 75 51 - Email bordeaux.office@ siddalls.net www.siddalls.fr

16 ♦ BILINGUAL

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014 SIRET 502 409 212 00011 – APE 8559B

LEARNING FRENCH VIA INTERNET

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

TRANSLATION SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE

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

Morris dancing

orris dancing is a traditional folk dance performed at festivals across England by groups of men and women, especially on May Day. May Day falls on the first Monday of May each year and is a public holiday in the UK – it is the equivalent of Labour Day in France. Morris dancing is over 500 years old, but still exists to this day as the dances are passed down

xécutée par des groupes d’hommes et de femmes, notamment lors du «May Day», la «Morris dance» est une danse traditionnelle folklorique présentée lors de festivals dans toute l’Angleterre. Le «May Day» (Le Jour de Mai) est célébré chaque premier lundi du mois de mai et est un jour férié au Royaume-Uni ; c’est l’équivalent de la «Fête du Travail» en France. Ancienne de plus de 500 ans, la danse existe toujours de nos jours

from generation to generation. Regions of England, and even individual villages, will have their own dances that are unique to that area. There is a friendly rivalry between dancers from different areas, but morris dancing is rarely competitive. A typical morris dance is performed by a group of 8 men and women, usually in two lines of 4 people facing each other. Morris dancers wear different clothes depending on the part of

the country in which they dance. They are often dressed in white, with coloured belts across their chests. Flags, handkerchiefs and sticks are used during the dance that is accompanied by a musician playing a melodeon (a type of accordion). The dancers also have bells tied to their knees. Morris dancing is unique to England. There are morris ‘teams’ elsewhere in the world, but these are composed, almost exclusively, of English expatriates. ■

car elle se transmet de génération en génération. Chaque danse est spécifique à chaque région, voire à certains villages. S’il existe une rivalité amicale entre les danseurs selon leur provenance, la «Morris dance» est rarement compétitive. Une “Morris dance” typique est exécutée par un groupe de 8 hommes et femmes : habituellement, deux rangées de quatre personnes se font face. Les danseurs portent des costumes différents, selon la région dans laquelle ils dansent.

Ils sont généralement habillés de blanc et portent des écharpes de couleur sur le torse. Les danseurs utilisent des drapeaux, des mouchoirs et des bâtons et sont accompagnés par un joueur de mélodéon (sorte d’accordéon). Ils portent également des grelots aux genoux. La “Morris dance” est une danse typiquement anglaise. Les groupes de danseurs qui se sont constitués dans le monde entier sont presque tous exclusivement composés d’expatriés anglais. ■

Muguet - Lily of the valley

n the first of May, there is a tradition in France to give and receive small bouquets of muguets, or lily of the valley. You will see them on sale all across the country around this time. Today the flower has become associated with Labour Day, which is the official status of the May 1st public holiday in France, as well as across much of the world. However, the flower was first given on this date by Charles IX, nearly 500 years ago, long before Labour Day existed. Muguets flower in the month of May, a time that symbolises the rebirth of spring and the promise of a prosperous season ahead.

Charles IX gave muguets to those around him to bring them good luck for the coming year and the tradition soon became popular across France. The modern tradition is to give your friends and loved ones bouquets of these fragrant flowers on this date to wish them luck and happiness. This custom has become so popular that the flower is widely farmed, especially in the region around Nantes, specifically for this date. There is even a law in France that allows any member of the public to sell the flower commercially, free of taxation and without a licence. The only rule is that they must sell the flowers more than 100 metres away from the nearest florist. ■

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

Bilingual Crossword Clues in English - answers in French

Across:

5. bag (3) 6. friendships (7) 8. tortoises (7) 9. meadow (3) 11. feather duster (7) 14. here (3) 15. baskets (7) 17. textbooks (7) 18. street (3)

Down:

1. radius (5) 2. raincoat (11) 3. summer (3) 4. subway (5) 7. pen (5) 10. sailor (5) 12. ocean (5) 13. organ (5) 16. hard (3)

Bilingual crossword solution can be found on page 23

n France, le 1er mai, il est de tradition d’offrir de petits bouquets de muguet. A ce moment de l’année, ils sont en vente dans tout le pays. Aujourd’hui, la fleur est associée à «la Fête du travail», statut officiel du jour férié qui tombe le 1er mai en France, comme dans beaucoup d’autres pays. Cependant, il y a environ 500 ans, Charles IX offrait déjà cette fleur, bien avant que la fête du travail n’existe. Le muguet fleurit au mois de mai, une époque de l’année qui symbolise la renaissance au moment du printemps et la promesse d’une saison florissante. Charles IX offrait des brins de muguet à ses proches, comme porte-

bonheur pour l’année à venir. La tradition est rapidement devenue populaire dans toute la France. La tradition moderne est d’offrir à ceux qui vous sont proches des bouquets de cette fleur parfumée afin de leur souhaiter du bonheur et de la chance. Cette coutume est devenue tellement populaire que le muguet est cultivé à grande échelle, notamment dans la région de Nantes et spécifiquement pour le 1er mai. Il existe même une loi en France qui autorise les particuliers à vendre le muguet, sans imposition ni licence obligatoire. La seule réglementation impose qu’ils vendent leurs bouquets à plus de 100 mètres du fleuriste le plus proche. ■

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

MAY 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Accommodation

Animals & Pets

05 55 41 17 76 Auto Services

The Linden House Self-catering gîte in the Limousin Sleeps 6-8 Prices from €250/week

06.04.17.80.93 www.thelindenhouse.eu info@thelindenhouse.eu

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Building Services

Your advert here

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

ElsaConception

(Architecture/ Design/ Decoration) Need interior design advice? Planning a project? Giving a space a makeover? Need to submit a building permit or a declaration? I can support you in all your makeover, renovation or construction projects. Sarlat and surrounding areas (up to 100km)

Cats and Dogs Boarding Kennels

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

Tel: 06.87.09.38.94

Web: http://www.elsaconception.com

MOTOR PARTS

We offer a comprehensive Architectural Drawing Service for your projects.

Suppliers of Car & Van Spares & LHD headlights

05 45 66 14 62

Direct to France at big savings! also Mower Batteries and drive belts!

Siret: 494 030 919 00018

05 55 41 17 76

www.masterplans.eu

CHARENTE

Michael and Wendy Aldrich

sales24@thebugle.eu

Architectural Services

www.motorpartscharente.com Delivery via Parcelforce Worldwide to your door in France

JOHN SOWERSBY +44 (0)1377 255470 / +44 (0)7830 170761

motorptscharente@aol.com

Supplying all the necessary drawings, elevations & photo realisations for your application. We also offer a floor plan service. Dossiers compiled for: ● Certificat d'urbanisme ● Déclaration préalable ● Permis de construire

05 55 80 72 83 / 06 33 07 29 72 info@masterplans.eu siret: 790 016 984 00011

ADVERTORIAL

Can you fill them?

Not just in July and August but from May to October? “Stay in France” is a business committed to finding you your visitors. Our data is in the UK with such a vast database that we are able to send these business people messages about the South West of France and interest them in your offering. We also have a commitment to match the visitors to the properties, so our involvement will be to talk to the visitor and to establish their individual needs. This way we and you get repeat visitors each year and we appreciate that a lot of visitors like to see different places and that’s fine too. We currently do not expect you to sign a contract or pay us an annual fee, as we will

prove our value first. Our fee is just 10% of your charged booking fee and this would need to be paid within 7 days of you getting the booking. We have to trust our clients, we live in France like you and feel this is the best way forward and hope you will appreciate our business philosophy. ■

Make the call for more visitors: E: rod@stayinfrance.info

L: 05 53 57 50 10 M: 06 77 80 20 68

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

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

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

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

05 53 56 72 59 / 06 05 56 42 81 +44 (0)7448 466 662 Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com Siret: 498 843 051 00018

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

ADVERTORIAL

Intermediair24 – You’re going to need it! The New Service covering Every Field for British Expatriates in the Dordogne has been helping out British Expatriates (and future Expats) in the Dordogne who run into all kinds of problems since the beginning of 2014. “I’ve seen British couples coming over here, dreaming of a new house with a big pool, a beautiful garden and a little French car to drive, enjoying life in the French countryside. At first everything goes well, the estate agent is helpful in finding them a house, but the moment the sale is concluded they are left on their own. And then... then it starts. The phone line doesn’t work, the septic tank leaks and stinks, the pool pump

stops working, the water turns green and frogs move in! This is just the start of more things to come…” says local Dutchman Mike Westveer-Slinkers, founder and managing director of Intermediair24. “Few people have the guts to move to France and buy a house. After the purchase, things have to be done, but explaining problems to local artisans is tricky and the French language often gets in the way. Maybe ‘Franglais’ helps you out at first but later on you get stuck when the French talk quicker than lightning and then… ‘the going gets tough’. After paying the bill the problem returns, it has only changed in colour and size, so you’ve lost a

Building Services General

lot of money and the artisan has gone...” Mike came down to the Dordogne in 2002, building his own house from scratch and dealing with lots of problems, e.g. obtaining official documents, navigating rigid laws, dealing with artisans who came late or didn’t come at all and overdue deliveries, etc. Thanks to the fact that he speaks French fluently he could solve these problems and the house was built in just under 12 months. Over the last few years he has encountered many Expats running into nasty problems, and he has helped them out from time to time. In 2013 he thought of making all these “favours for nothing” into his

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Building Services

Painters/ Decorators

Harlequin Developments Electricians All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken.

Harlequin Developments are a Distributor and Installer for Solarventi, solar dehumidifying and water heating products, as well as a range of other renewable energies

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

Skilled Workman Building Renovations & Small Jobs • Velux Windows • Roof Repairs • Tiling • Plumbing • Plaster boarding • Garden Projects & Maintenance For more info please call Barrie

Leigh Dodd

ELECTRICIAN O5.55.48.95.86

www.saraleigh.com

Rewires, renovations and all other electrical needs Fully insured, 25+ Years experience Based near St-Yrieix-la-Perche Depts covered: 24, 87 & 19

contact@saraleigh.com Siret: 507 643 336 00013

BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

sales24@thebugle.eu

Available for all types of electrical work Small jobs, new builds, renovations, rewires Consuel assistance and certification service available Fully insured with 10 year workmanship guarantee Based near Châlus (87230) Covering departments 87 and north 24

05 55 41 17 76

Email: barwick.shaun@gmail.com

05.55.02.66.58 / 06.76.09.68.37 Or visit my website

www.bw-renovations.co.uk SIRET: 501 338 230 00011

own business and so he did exactly that in 2014. “We at Intermediair24 help people. Better said: we do it for them, we listen to the client, what they want, how and when. Then, we find an artisan and explain exactly what has to be done, following the complete process from start to finish. Do you remember ‘A Year in the Provence’ by Peter Mayle? Where everything that could go wrong did go wrong? A small fortune and much time was wasted, the language barrier being a real nightmare and working with local artisans... a pain in the neck! It was fun to see it happen to the Mayles, but what when it happens to you? Intermediair24 can avoid that, because

Tel: 09 72 35 74 73 Siret: 794 282 368 00016

we have been around and we understand. We find it very satisfying that after a foreseeable period of time, clients can really start to live to the full the life they have chosen, solving initial troubles and restoring the quality of their life in the French countryside”. Visit the English website

Food & Drink

and you’ll find out exactly what Intermediair24 can do for you. Fill in the form and you will be contacted within 24 hours. Then the process of solving your problems will begin! ■

www.intermediair24.eu Mob : +33 (0)6 79 66 70 84

The Dordogne Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you

Simon Carter

Montluc Painting & Decorating Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK experience, now based 24/87 border Specialist services: Interior & exterior painting, wallpapering, plastering & boarding, floor restoration, tiling.

Karen’s Kitchen Catering for you in the Dordogne

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

Specialising in home-made pastries: Sausage rolls, Pasties - Cornish, Cheese & Onion, Steak & Stilton, Vegetarian & Chicken. Eccles cakes. Scones made to order. All prepared and baked daily on the premises you cannot get fresher! Bacon, cheese, bread, tea bags & tinned produce all in stock. Find me at your local market: • Tue - Le Bugue • Thu - Eymet • Fri - Le Buisson • Sat - Villereal • Sun - Issigeac

siret: 792.130.932.00017

05 53 74 01 91 or 06 01 31 07 47

FREE QUOTES

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

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

05 55 41 17 76

All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm (except Villereal which is at Lunch time) Tuesday: Monsegur or Tremolat Wednesday: Issigeac Thursday: Eymet Friday: Lauzun Saturday: Villereal (Lunch time) See our website for full details:

www.thedordognechippy.com 05 53 74 01 91 or 06 30 02 46 67 siret: 444 925 630 00014

Garden Services

www.karenskitchen24.com email: karenskitchen24@gmail.com

La Poutre

Bar & Restaurant

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

French/International cuisine. Themed nights each Friday: 1st Friday - Curry night 2nd Friday - Quiz night 3rd Friday - Fish n Chips night “best around”!! 4th Friday - Live Music night Open Tue - Fri: 11am - 9pm (except Wed eve) Saturday 6pm - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 3pm, traditional English roasts served For further details call Steve:

05 53 80 29 54

or email: steve.francis24@gmail.com or facebook: Beaupouyet La Poutre siret 537 415 903 00013

Gardening & Property Services Stuart Fieldhouse All aspects of garden maintenance: hedge cutting, mowing, fencing, etc as well as property maintenance. References provided. Coussac-Bonneval - 05 55 70 59 75 email: smincky@yahoo.com

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

MAY 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Advertising with The Bugle SAT-ELEC - Satellite &

Broadband solutions

Computers & Satellites

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

WWW.CARDBUBBLE.COM BUY YOUR BRITISH GREETINGS CARDS ONLINE! QUALITY CARDS AT UK PRICES! E: ANGI@CARDBUBBLE.COM FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER €10 WORLDWIDE siret: 751 978 917 00019

Sat-Elec Formerly Electrosat

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

Transport, Removals & Storage

TOOWAY BROADBAND Approved Supplier

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

06 30 28 81 43

We only use our own qualified staff No call out charge Free quotations All areas covered Quality work from qualified Staff 5 Place de la Republique Sauviat-sur-Vige 87400 siret no 798 364 600 00014

Gifts & Crafts

Man & Van Transport

87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

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

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

the size rises quite rapidly: around Toulouse, a 1.25-1.5 metre dish is required and further south even bigger still. We also supply and install Wi-Fi and CCTV - call Mike G on 06 30 28 81 43 with your requirements. ■

General

Efficient parking for all types of vehicles Book now!!

Eco Entrepot aka The Shed

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

www.parkinglimoges.com

06 13 38 59 68 05 55 14 49 45

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

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

05 55 33 21 59

Ivan Petley

Parking For Limoges Airport

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French Spoken

3D Puzzle Maker

issing UK TV programmes? Need an extra TV point? Want to improve your French by watching French TV? Then call us at Sat-Elec for a free estimate - 06 30 28 81 43. There are some excellent Satellite Broadband deals at the moment, starting from €7.75 per month with SES pay as you go. You buy the kit, either have it installed by us or do it yourself and then only pay when you want it. Ideal for the short visit. At Sat-Elec we are official resellers for TOOWAY, SES and AVANTI. They all have different tariffs and it can be a bit daunting to decide which one is best for you. Our experienced staff will guide you through the whole process. Just call Sat-Elec on 06 30 28 81 43. There has been a lot of confusion over UK TV channels recently. There are no real problems in northern France, however as you move south the signal starts to reduce. In the centre of France (around Limoges) a 60 cm dish works perfectly well but as you go to the east or west then 80 cm is probably better. Moving south

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com Email: info@applicateur3d.com Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets

La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental

CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Specialists in all carpet and upholstery cleaning

PROCHEM trained and Qualified

10 years UK experience - Covering depts 24/47/33

06 32 32 64 54 / 05 53 58 00 98 email lucidservices24@gmail.com siret: 512 614 306 00011

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

sales24@thebugle.eu

ith 4 years’ experience delivering print advertising to an expat market, The Bugle represents one of the most cost-effective ways to let English speakers know about your business. An advert with The Bugle starts from just €13.50 HT per month – that’s less than 45 cents a day to put your business in front of 25,000 people each month. In the Dordogne we already have nearly 200 distribution points across the department where readers can pick up a copy for free, a number that is growing month by month. We also distribute 2,000 copies through Bergerac Airport, which means that we are in the perfect position to target not only residents and second-home owners, but also tourists and those new to the region. The Bugle is the only English language print media dedicated to the Dordogne - in fact, today, The Bugle is the only free English language newspaper in France and we are growing all the time. If you would like to discuss any of our advertising options further, why not give us a call today to find out more about the ways that we can help you grow your business.

SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

sales@thebugle.eu

05.55.41.17.76

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

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

model came together. How it works The principle behind Solarventi is simple: a small, 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 exceeded 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 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. ■

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

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €13.50/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 20,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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

6-Month Contract €108

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€18/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€24/month)

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€27/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€36/month)

€144 €162 €216

12-Month Contract €162

(€13.50/month)

€216

(€18/month)

€243

(€20.25/month)

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

30 words max

€324

(€27/month)

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

SUDOKU - EASY

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

SUDOKU - HARD

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

To advertise in The Bugle 05.55.41.17.76 / sales24@thebugle.eu

MAY 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

WHAT’S

ON in May

Les Floralies - Saint-Jean-de-Côle

For over 30 years, Saint-Jean-de-Côle has been organizing this great floral weekend which attracts several thousand visitors from all over the world. Over 100 exhibitors share their passion for flowers with a breathtaking array of plants and flowers, works of art, crafts, local products, new floral varieties, rare plants, garden decorations... You’ll see why Saint-Jean-de-Côle has a reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A delight for both its sights and smells, Les Floralies is not to be missed!

La fête des voisins - 23rd May

23rd May sees the 15th edition of Neighbours’ Day. Launched in 2000 in Paris, the festival is now celebrated around the world by millions of people and is an invitation to share a moment with your neighbours, to get to know each other better and develop a real sense of community.

WHAT’S ON ♦ 21 Les Floralies - Saint-Jean-de-Côle Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May “Des Carnavals et des Fleurs”

22 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ MAY 2014

The 38th edition of the Foire des Potiers brings together renowned potters from all over France and Europe. Halle des sports, 24360 Bussière-Badil. 10h-19h. Free entry.

The Jolly Jazzy May in Bergerac Bergerac becomes a jazz lover’s paradise this month with its Mai du Jazz. Concerts, masterclasses, exhibitions and conferences are held in different venues throughout the town and surrounding areas, culminating in the 11th edition of the Jazz Pourpre Festival from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May. The greatest names from the jazz world head to Bergerac for this 3-day jazz extravaganza and the programme features no fewer than 25 groups this year.

For more information visit www.jazzpourpre.com

CANTABILE

Fête de la musique 21 June, Eymet Church, 8pm CANTABILE is the Eymet based choir, which brings the French and British communities together through music. Formed some 20 years ago, the choir has an impressive repertoire of music, ranging from classical to popular. This year it is under the leadership of its new musical director, Simon Kenworthy, an acclaimed professional musician. Simon was musical director of the Scarborough Spa orchestra for many years, has appeared on TV and radio and still performs as a pianist and singer. For this year’s concert the variety of music continues. As well as traditional songs and the classical Fauré Requiem, Simon has composed a completely new work to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. He has also written new arrangements for a selection of Edith Piaf songs and music from Kismet (based on Borodin’s opera Prince Igor). The choir will sing in French, English and Latin. Entry to the concert is free. There are currently some 30 members and new members are always welcome. Contact Philippa by email: cogulot@yahoo.co.uk.

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

Got an event for The Bugle...? notices@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

WHAT’S ON ♦ 23

MAY 2014 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Is there somebody out there for Phoenix’s ALEX?! 2 year-old Belgian Shepherd X Beauceron

Alex has been at Phoenix for too long now. We’re worried people might be starting to think there is something wrong with him, but the truth is, only two people have ever asked about him! He requires a home where he receives plenty of exercise and discipline and a nice big, fenced garden, but surely there is someone out there who fits the bill?! Alex ADORES people, and LOVES to play (with people and other dogs). He’s a bit too bouncy for cats, though. He didn’t have a good start in life, so now he deserves to have a really loving home with a committed and energetic family. Please contact us if you are interested on 05 53 54 94 81 (leave a message) or email sheerik@wanadoo.fr (Alex is, of course, chipped, vaccinated and neutered).

www.phoenixasso.com

We understand that life can be difficult for expats living away from the UK and that sometimes assistance is needed. We will listen and try to help when that help is needed. As I am sure you realise, there seems to be this popular misconception that expats living outside of the UK live in large houses with hectares of ground and that nobody ever has problems. As we all know this is far from the truth and even the best laid plans can fall apart due to sudden changes in health, bereavement, family breakdown or a host of other unforeseen problems. Registered charity Elizabeth Finn Care is able to offer direct financial assistance to British and Irish nationals or residents who live overseas. We ensure that our help does not affect any means-tested payments.

Briefly we can consider assisting those who: 1. Are British or Irish residents or nationals. 2. Are living on a low income or means-tested benefits. 3. Have formerly been employed in one of a wide range of qualifying occupations. Have, or have had, a partner employed in a qualifying occupation. We are able to consider assisting financially in numerous ways. For more information contact: Mary Hughes - Case worker France, Elizabeth Finn Care tel: 04 68 23 43 79 or visit: www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk and: www.turn2us.org.uk

Market Days

Monday Beynac Le Fleix Les Eyzies Ste-Alvère

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

English speakers can now turn to L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne for help and support. A group led by English speakers now meets weekly in Bergerac. As a charitable organisation the Association cannot provide medical care or treatment. But as a social network we can offer support and guidance to anyone dealing with the day-to-day difficulties affecting those with dementia, their families and their carers and assist with how to access the best provisions of care. Our anglophone group meets on Tuesday mornings in our centre at 2, rue Emile Counord, Bergerac. Please feel free to drop in without appointment on any Tuesday morning after 10am to meet others who face the same challenges. If you are unable to attend the group you can also access our assistance through our English Helpline between 10am and midday on Tuesday mornings: 09 64 21 40 86. L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne 2, rue Emile Counord, 24100 Bergerac Mail: alzheimer.dordogne@orange.fr Website: www.francealzheimer-dordogne.org

Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac France Monthly circulation: 12,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

Bergerac Hautefort Jumilhac-le-Grand La Tour Blanche Montpon-Ménestérol Montignac Périgueux Piégut Pluviers Razac Sarlat Siorac-en-Périgord Vélines

Thursday

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

Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac France

Tirage mensuel:

12,000 copies

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

Friday Bergerac Brantôme Cubjac Le Buisson Ribérac Sarlat Sigoulès Vergt

Saturday

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

Sunday

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

24 ♦ WHAT’S ON