The Bugle Limousin - Nov 2017

Pétanque for the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Pétanque has been put forward as an official entry for inclusion at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 >> Page 7 November 2016 - Issue #85

Limousin

Your local newspaper for life in France

November 2017 - Issue 97 - FREE!

Butter shortage leads to empty shelves Increased demand, a drop in production and sky rocketing wholesale prices have left many supermarket shelves empty where the butter used to be. empty supermarket shelves is becoming increasingly common.

The reasons for the current shortage are complex, but the problem stems from the phasing out of EU dairy quotas in 2015. This led to a flood of milk supplies entering the market and a collapse in global prices that prompted some dairy farmers back out of the industry and others to slash their output. These falling levels of milk production combined with poor weather last year - 2016 was not a good year in France for growing animal feed and that means lower milk yields in 2017. At the same time, demand for butter has surged across the world.

The Chinese in particular have discovered a taste for

>> continued on page 8

Limoges voted 2nd best French city - pg 5

Surge in mushroom poisonings - pg 10

A bilingual look at Concorde - pg 12

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 15-22 © @k1664nz (Instagram)

S

acré beurre!

If you have been down to your local supermarket in recent weeks, you may have noticed rows of empty shelves where the butter used to be. As reported in The Bugle in July, France is undergoing a butter shortage as worldwide demand increases and wholesale prices go through the roof. Everything may not be as it seems, however.

Whilst the country's bakers have been sounding the warning bell for many months, the public have finally taken notice as the problem became starkly apparent in shops across France. French daily Le Figaro has called the shortage “the worst since the Second World War” and reported that the sight of

It's official - beer improves your language skills! - page 6

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

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Welcome to

I

The Bugle

t feels like I say it around this time every year, but blow me down with a feather if The Bugle isn't one year older. And the numbers are starting to get a little scary: 8 years, 150 editions across the Limousin and Dordogne and something like 2 million copies distributed, but crucially - at time of going to press - zero divorces... although it's come close a few times!

I never imagined when I sat down and planned my first edition all those years ago, with little experience and no idea what I was really doing, that The Bugle would establish itself as part of expat life for so many people. It's not always been an easy ride. I launched the paper at the start of the worst financial crisis in a generation under the misguided impression that if I could ride out the first few years, the economy would rebound and we could all start making lots of lovely, delicious hay under clear blue skies. With hindsight, my naivety was almost cute!

I have seen a lot of businesses come and go over the years, but it is a source of enormous pride that if you go back to those first few editions in late 2009

and early 2010, many of those who joined us from day one are going strong and still advertise in these pages. Whilst the economy is not quite there yet, these days I read far more positive stories about the state of the country than negative ones (see page 8 for the latest), so I am confidently going to sharpen my scythe and predict some haymaking in the not too distant future. I didn't come to France to farm on industrial levels... a few bales will do me just fine.

I should also take this opportunity to say a few thank yous to the people that help me get this paper produced and distributed each month: Bill, Paula, Jonathan, James, Michelle, Brian, Martin, Julia, Laure... the list goes on. It is an incredible amount of work to get The Bugle out and without these people's help, it just wouldn't be possible.

It was interesting to read a bit about the history of Concorde when I was researching this month's bilingual article (see page 12) - another thank you is due here to Sophie for her translations! It is easy to forget what a feat of engineering Concorde actually was. Growing up in the 80s,

Concorde was always just there and I never stopped to think just how far ahead of its time it was. There was a time when countries would just build things because they could.

Projects didn't need to make sense or even make a profit, it was more about pushing the boundaries and seeing what was possible. For me Concorde fits in that camp. Over one and a half billion dollars in the 60s... that is a crazy sum of money, but what a machine they built.

I was listening to an interview with Richard Branson the other day where he was discussing his Virgin Galactic brand that is developing commercial spacecraft.

Bonkers, but brilliant. He's a clever man, so I imagine he has half an eye on the commercial aspect, but you get the impression that his motivation is not primarily financial. By all accounts, they are quite close and I must admit that if I did have a bucket list, looking down on Earth would be right at the top.

If I can hang on long enough, I'm sure that will be something that I can achieve in my lifetime without winning the lottery, given the pace of change. I am always reminded of a family friend I only really knew as Mrs Gates. She was born in 1900 and one of her great ambitions in later life was to receive a telegram from the Queen on her hundredth birthday. Sadly, she passed away in 1999, but she lived a happy life and was sharp as a tack right to the end.

When I think about the changes she saw in her

lifetime, it blows my mind.

Two world wars, man on the moon, the birth of the computer generation... how different was her life in her last years compared to her first?! I don't know if the pace of change has slowed - probably not - and I can't imagine what the world will be like when I receive a royal email on my 100th birthday. By then, emails will almost certainly seem as quaint and outdated as telegrams do today.

I imagine it will be hard to explain to my grandchildren one day that in my childhood the internet didn't exist and knowledge came from an encyclopedia, not wikipedia... and people read newspapers!!

Don't say that Steve, the hay loft is empty... there's plenty of life left in print... here's to another 8 years!!

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

INSIDE this edition

3-5 Local News

Until next month!

6-11 National News

Steve Martindale, Editor

12 Bilingual 13-14 French Life 15-22 Directory 23-25 Community 26-28 What’s On Copy deadline:

15th November for December's print edition

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Carte grise applications McDonald's opens in St-Yrieix-la-Perche move online only

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Screenshot - ants.gouv.fr

B

ought a new car?

Importing a vehicle from the UK? Had a change of address?

All of these scenarios will require you to apply for, or make a change to, your carte grise the French vehicle registration document. For years, anything to do with vehicle registration required taking a trip to the local prefecture, taking a ticket, taking a seat... and then often taking your time!

This chore will soon be a thing of the past, however, as from 6th November all changes to your carte grise can be done online from the comfort of your own home... in fact, they can only be done online. The change is part of the wider administrative move known as the Plan préfecture nouvelle génération that will see public access to local prefectures phased out and an increasing number of services only being available online.

For those without access to the internet, the interior ministry has said it will set up public points numériques equipped with computers, printers and scanners.

Whilst for most people queueing up at the carte grise desk was a necessary evil, for many expats,

human interaction - and the occasional smattering of English from a local fonctionnaire - helped those of us who don't speak too much French through what can seem a complicated task. At time of writing, the new online website for vehicle registration - https:// immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr - is available in French only.

The new online service is free - although a fee is still payable based on the age, size and type of your vehicle. However, as happened when the Crit'Air pollution stickers were unveiled earlier this year, a number of

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

websites have already sprung up offering to handle your carte grise application... for a small charge. All they will be doing is forwarding on your request via the government's website and you will still need to supply exactly the same information. The only difference is that you will be paying for it.

If you are going to use a third party to apply for your carte grise, such as the garage where you bought the car, then make sure they are registered with the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS). ■

he region's newest McDonald's served its first burger in October with the opening of an 80-seater restaurant in St-Yrieixla-Perche. The opening comes hot on the heels of anther large retailer, Fnac, choosing to invest in the town on the Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Dordogne borders.

“Saint-Yrieix is a dynamic city with strong economic development, with a potential clientele of not only Haute-Vienne, but also Corrèze and the Périgord,” explained Alain Besson, the owner of the new business. “The catchment area here is 40 to 60 kilometres! It is all about being well placed, with passing customers.”

For the local mayor, Daniel Boisserie, the move is another positive step for the town of 7,000 residents. “We know full well that McDonald's do not build restaurants just anywhere, even if we do have a catchment area of 80,000 people. We have now created 300 jobs in 5 years, but the attractiveness of the town is the fruit of enormous work by local authorities.”

The mayor believes habits are changing for local residents.

“Where young families might go to Limoges to watch a film and

have a McDo, now they will stay here and visit the local cinema.”

As is often the case, not everyone is a fan of the Golden Arches.

Whilst the local “traditional” restaurants do not feel in competition with the world's largest fast food retailer, those offering sandwiches or other lunchtime snack menus are worried how the arrival of McDonald's will affect their business. On the day of opening, a few dozen protesters gained access to the restaurant and staged a sit-in picnic, handing out leaflets attacking the company's employment record and tax structures.

They were eventually removed by local gendarmes.

Whilst McDonald's continues to invest heavily in the country's major cities, it is also increasingly moving into rural areas. Further restaurants are planned to open next year in Bellac (Haute-Vienne) and Objat (Corrèze). ■

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4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

Maya the elephant could Lots of lovely local butter retire in the Limousin plaint against the owners of an elderly elephant, Maya, arguing that it has been mistreated for years. The association says that she has “multiple scars” and described her condition as “extremely alarming and one that must be evaluated by an independent veterinarian, specialising in elephants, designated by the authorities”.

A lawyer for the group said that it is highly unusual for the tribunal administratif de Bordeaux, which will rule on the case, to grant a hearing on complaints of this nature. “This does not mean that we will be successful,” Arielle Moreau said. “But we should at least get back reports on her condition. We will take advantage of this to ask for an explanation on the reluctance of State services to act while an elephant is suffering greatly.”

If successful, the group says that it has already reserved a place for the elderly elephant, which is

kept in a circus based in the Lot-et-Garonne department, at the Elephant Haven sanctuary in Haute-Vienne.

After years of planning, campaigning and fundraising, the sanctuary recently received the official permission that will allow it to welcome its first three elephants next year and Maya could be among that number.

The Elephant Haven sanctuary is run by Tony Verhulst and Sofie Goetghebeur, who each have 20 years' experience working with animals at Antwerp Zoo. As more and more zoos are choosing - or being forced - to phase out live animals from their shows, the aim of the project was always to offer a place for elephants to live out their days in peace, as sadly, the alternative is often euthanasia.

To find out more about Tony and Sofie, their project and how you might be able to help, please visit their website: elephanthaven.org ■

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© Steve Martindale

I

n recent years, more and more countries have taken steps to ban animals from circuses.

Austria, the Netherlands and Greece are among the countries to have already implemented bans and this summer Latvia and Romania joined the growing list of European countries to legislate against live circuses.

Former prime minister David Cameron had pledged to introduce a ban in the UK in 2015, but this was not followed through and the practice also remains legal in France. Animal rights campaigners have long targeted circuses over their treatment of animals, however, and a legal case being heard in Bordeaux could see one of the first elephants arriving at the Limousin's brand new sanctuary, Elephant Haven, near Bussière-Galant in southern Haute-Vienne.

The animal rights group One Voice has filed a com-

s France undergoes a butter shortage (see our front page story), the “crisis” provides a great opportunity for expats in the Limousin to take one step closer to being a locavore (a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food). Whilst the big national brands are sold out in many supermarkets, there are two types of butter that can currently still be found in most aisles: high end premium brands and... local butter!

One striking example of this is the butter made at Les Fayes, a farm near Isle just south of Limoges. At the time of writing Les Fayes butter can be found in large quantities across the supermarkets of Guéret (see image) and a recent article in local daily Le Populaire confirms the same is also the case

in Limoges. Not only can our team confirm that the butter is delicious, it has also not travelled half way across Europe.

Alternatively, why not take a trip to your local market? “Butter? Of course I've got butter,” assured Jean-Claude Cathalifaut, a cheese seller at the covered market in the centre of Limoges, who said that the furore has brought him many new customers. “I've more than doubled my butter sales, both from new customers finding me and my regulars filling up their freezers!” Jean-Claude is supplied directly by small producers in the Lot and Poitou-Charentes and has had “no shortages and no price changes”.

The same story is being told in Bio shops across the region where butter supplies are in no danger of dwindling and prices have not drastically changed.

Nothing causes the public to panic quite like an empty shelf at the supermarket, but there is still plenty of butter out there if you buy local! ■

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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A British Christmas in the heart of Aubusson

© Helen Clarence

During this time, many of the artisans will be present in the shop demonstrating their craft and you will have the opportunity to discover how everything is made, from inspiration to the finished product.

If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, then why

In October, L'Express magazine published its annual list of the most attractive French cities to live and work in. Under the title “Quitter Paris”, the magazine ranked the 100 largest cities in the country based on a number of categories encompassing quality of life, housing costs, work opportunities and climate, among many others.

When the numbers were crunched, Limoges came second in the “Best place to live” category, just behind Rennes which took the top spot. Another central French city fared well, with Clermont-Ferrand placing a very credible fourth.

The weekly explained that beyond the classic criteria such as the job market, cultural life, medical institutions, universities, levels of crime, and of course paying for housing without breaking the bank, Limoges and Clermont-Ferrand had two additional assets: high air quality and pleasant, stable weather.

© Helen Clarence

T

here has been a resurgence of life in the beautiful town of Aubusson in the Creuse. Following on from the inauguration of the Cité internationale de la tapisserie last year, a new boutique, “La Maison des Artisans d’Art”, was opened in the Grande Rue in June. This boutique features artisan products from pottery to painting, jewellery to clothing, textile art to leather goods and much more. The boutique is not a temporary seasonal shop, but open all year round serving both the thousands of tourists that descend on the town in summer and also the locals who are looking for unique and unusual products that can be found on their doorstep.

Over forty artisans are featured in the boutique, many of whom live and work in the Creuse, together with artisans from other parts of France. But wherever they are from, one thing remains the same, all the products are handmade and unique.

For those who have not yet discovered the boutique but would like to, and for those who have already crossed the threshold but would like to know more about the artisans involved, there will be an opportunity to do just this in November when the shop will celebrating everything ‘Britannique’. From 21st November to 2nd December there will be a British feel to the shop with displays, in particular, of British Christmas products and traditions.

If Christmas isn't Christmas without crackers, they are pleased to offer a solution. On sale will be bespoke crackers where you can choose your own special gift from the many artisan gift ideas in the boutique for the inside of the cracker as a unique present for a loved one, as well as adding to the decoration of your Christmas table.

Limoges voted second best city in France to live

not take the opportunity to participate in a special event to be held on Saturday 25th November. There will be a private viewing of the shop, a chance to meet the artisans and taste British Christmas delicacies such as mince pies and Christmas pudding whilst trying a whiskey or whiskey cream made in the neighbouring Allier department! And what better way to complete the evening than with a meal at Le Lissier restaurant, also found in the Grande Rue. This restaurant is offering a British menu to mark the occasion: prawn cocktail, steak and ale pie with vegetables and sticky toffee pudding, together with wine and coffee. The whole event (apéro and tasting with private viewing and the restaurant meal) is great value at only €25. Admission to the evening is by prepaid ticket only and you can order your tickets by telephoning Helen Clarence on 05 55 81 00 97 or purchase them directly from La Maison des Artisans d’Art (9 Grande Rue, 23200 Aubusson) or from Le Lissier Restaurant (84 Grande Rue 23200 Aubusson). ■

It should be noted that Limoges did not figure in the top 20 of the “Best places to work” list, which featured many of the country's larger cities. Nantes topped that list followed closely by cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. The reports show that whilst these might be great cities to work or launch a business, they do not offer a corresponding quality of life.

According to the magazine, which has published the list annually since 2011, more than 200,000 people leave the capital each year to move to “the sticks”. In 2018, many of those may now choose central France!

“You have to be wary of bad reputations” concluded L'Express. ■

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

It's official... booze makes you better at being bilingual!

A

s if you needed another excuse! A study

by British and Dutch researchers has confirmed what many of us already knew... a couple of drinks does indeed improve our language skills!

Many of us will have been quietly impressed with our own linguistic progress over an aperitif with a friend or neighbour, but now we know that it is literally just the drink talking!

Researchers from the University of Liverpool, Maastricht University and King’s College London studied 50 native German speakers who had recently learned to read, write and speak Dutch.

Participants were given either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink and asked to have a conversation in Dutch for a few minutes. The amount of alcohol they were given was adjusted for body weight, with a 70kg male receiving just under a pint of 5% beer. The subsequent conversations were recorded and their foreign language skills rated by native Dutch speakers, who didn’t know which participants

had consumed alcohol.

After analysing the data, the researchers found that participants who had consumed alcohol had significantly better observerratings for their Dutch language, specifically better pronunciation, compared to people who didn't have the alcoholic beverage.

“Our study shows that acute alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects on the pronunciation of a foreign language in people who recently learned that language,” explained Dr Inge Kersbergen, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Liverpool. “This provides some support for the lay belief among bilingual speakers that a low dose of alcohol can improve their ability to speak a second language.”

The exact science behind the improved language skills is not yet known. “Given that executive functions are important when speaking a second language, one might expect that alcohol would impair the ability to speak,” the researchers said. “On the other hand, alcohol increases self-confidence

and reduces social anxiety, both of which might be expected to improve language ability when interacting with another person.”

Before expats the world over start packing a bottle of wine for every trip to the post office or bank, researchers were keen to point out that higher levels of alcohol consumption are almost certainly not beneficial when speaking a foreign language. As you can see from pubs and clubs across Europe, language skills - even in your mother tongue – definitely decrease rapidly with excess alcohol consumption! ■

The price of a standard stamp to rise by 10%

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s people's habits change and the world turns increasingly to the internet, the cost of sending items through the country's postal service continues to rise. After significant year-on-year rises over the last decade, the Arcep (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes) has now authorised La Poste to increase prices by an average of 5% in 2018.

From next year, the price of a 20g priority stamp (timbre rouge) will go from 85 cents to 95 cents - a rise of 11.8%! The price of a timbre vert, which will see your letter delivered in 48 hours in mainland France, will increase from 73 cents to 80 cents (9.6%).

There are more modest rises for parcels, with Colissimo prices increasing by 1.5% from January. One other major change will be the introduction of a “suivi” sticker that can be purchased for 40 cents and allow the sender to track the progress of their letter through the postal system.

Whilst the price hikes will also raise a few eyebrows, the recent decline in traditional postal services means the modern family spends significantly less on stamps than it did even one decade ago. Today, the average household spends €43 on postal services, so the changes will only add €3 to the annual budget! ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Pétanque at the Paris Olympics?

F

ollowing the recent confirmation that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics, attention has turned to which sports may be introduced at the world's largest sporting event. The Olympic Committee has for many years stated its intention to introduce more sports and diversify both the summer and winter Games. “The Olympic Games do not need to be bigger, they need to be more diverse,” President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, said in 2014.

As such, the 2020 Tokyo Games will feature five new sports - karate, surfing, climbing, skateboarding and baseball/softball - and, with hosting countries able to put forward their own choices, pétanque is now an official candidate to be introduced at the 2024 Olympics.

“Pétanque has become a true sport of the highest level. That did not happen overnight, but has come about over the last fifteen years,” said Michel Desbois, head of the Fédération française de pétanque (FFP). “We now have to take the next step. Our legitimacy as a sport has been proven. This discipline requires the same qualities of skill, resilience and balance seen in so many other sports that are already present at the Olympics.”

Whilst some may scoff that to have pétanque at the Paris Olympics is like the UK applying for darts at the London Games, the sport colloquially known as boules has a strong argument for inclusion. The game is indeed huge in France, with more than 300,000 registered players, but is also played by 200 million people across 262 federations in 165 countries around the world!

Pétanque did feature at the 1992 Barcelona games as a demonstration sport, meaning that the tournament received minimal coverage and no medals were handed out. Supporters are now hoping it can go one better in 2024, and not just so that France can climb the medal table. “It would be the perfect occasion to establish a national pétanque centre and help us to

professionalise as a sport,” said Michel Desbois.

As part of the FFP's efforts to promote the sport, they are also campaigning to have pétanque introduced to the national curriculum - so far, two lycées in France offer courses. The FFP has helped to train the lycées’ pétanque teachers, and financed all the necessary equipment. Students have four hours of pétanque lessons a week, but are not graded, so that they are encouraged to improve their confidence and ability without judgement. ■

Pointer (verb) – to place – throw your ball in such a way as to leave it as close to the jack as possible Tirer (verb) – to fire or shoot – to throw your ball with the intention of making contact with another ball You can’t play pétanque amongst Frenchmen for long (and 86% of all registered players in France are male) without hearing the phrase « Tu tires ou tu pointes ? » Mettre fanny (verb) – to fanny – to beat one’s opponents 13-0. The figure of a bare-bottomed lass named Fanny is ubiquitous in Provence wherever pétanque is played... (see right!)

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Government targets its own employees in phishing scam

veryone knows these days that clicking on unknown links in emails is unwise and opens your computer to viruses, hacking... or worse. The bad guys often prey on our greed and sometimes what we are being offered seems too good to be true and there is a strong temptation to click anyway and see what happens.

In October, the country's finance ministry conducted a “phishing” experiment against its own staff to see how cyber-safe its workers were. Using fake accounts bearing the names of famous literary figures and authors, such as Emma Bovary or Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (birth name of actor and playwright Molière), the ministry sent out an email to all its staff offering them free cinema tickets if they clicked on the below link.

Shockingly, of 145,000 employees at the ministry, more than 30,000 (over 20%) clicked on the link within just two hours on the morning the email was sent out, according to Yuksel Aydin, one of the managers of the scheme, speaking to Le Figaro. “Cybersecurity is not just lines of coding,” he said. “It is also about making sure users are aware of the dangers.”

Those employees duped by the email were taken to a web page reminding them of the steps to take to avoid becoming the victim of cyber attacks... such as not clicking on random links in emails! Not everyone was fooled, however, with one worker confirming to journalists: “Yes, I received an email from Isabelle de Merteuil, from Dangerous Liaisons!” ■

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Ref 3833 - € 71,500. Located in a hamlet at 15 minutes’ drive from the Lac de Vassivière, three bedroom house with a garden of 1012m2. It comprises kitchen, dining room, large lounge with a fireplace, shower room, boiler room/laundry, wc, three double bedrooms. Oil fired central heating which is mixed with a wood cooker. Large courtyard where you can park your car and just opposite to the house, there is a garden. Possibility to buy a barn with its garden close to the house. DPE Vierge.

Ref 3828 - € 109,000. Close to Bourganeuf, pretty property comprising two houses with a garden of 3633m2. The main house is habitable and it comprises large garage, boiler room/laundry room, cellar, kitchen, lounge/dining room, two double bedrooms, shower room, separate toilet. Gas central fired heating. Double glazing. The second house is in need of renovation and it comprises kitchen/lounge, shower room, toilet, four bedrooms. Little outbuilding with a bread oven. DPE D 227 & F 62 Ref 3826 - € 199,800. Splendid modern property built in 2009... a real palace! It comprises generous entrance hall, lounge/dining room, fully fitted kitchen, utility room, wc, bathroom, bedroom/bureau and large garage/boiler room, five bedrooms one with en-suite shower room, plus bathroom. Heating is with wood and solar for hot water, plus the property is connected to mains drainage. In the garden of 2074m2 is a shed/ workshop, plus a covered wooden summer kitchen/dining area. Walking distance from Bourganeuf. DPE C 129 & A 1

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

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>> continued from pg 1

In further good news for the French economy, the country's statistics gathering body, INSEE, has increased its forecast for economic growth this year to 1.8%, which would be the fastest expansion in six years. The 0.2% increase is in line with recent predictions made by ministers.

The organisation now expects 0.5% growth in the third and fourth quarters of the year - an end-of-year rate that experts have hailed as “unheard of” since 2012, and the fifth quarter in a row that growth in France has hit that level.

The news will be welcomed by President Macron who has built many of his policies around a strengthening economy, and the strong growth will help the government as it works to keep its pledge to drag the public deficit below the EU limit of 3% - France is hoping to keep public spending below 2.9% of GDP this year.

Elsewhere, optimism is high with both businesses and consumers. The private sector has welcomed the election of Emmanuel Macron and the new president's labour reforms have proved popular with business leaders. Business investment has hit its highest level since 2011 and the INSEE now expects the country's unemployment rate to fall to 9.4% by the end of the year, a significant drop from the 10% recorded at the end of 2016.

Workers are also enjoying private-sector wage increases of 1.9% and household investment is at its highest level for 11 years, INSEE reports ■

Western-style pastries, which require butter as an essential ingredient.

Across America and Europe, consumption has also risen in recent years following the discovery that butter, once associated with a high risk of heart disease, poses less of a health risk than previously believed.

Today, the demon ingredient is sugar. All these factors have led to a perfect storm of higher demand, lower production and soaring wholesale prices; the cost of industrial butter has risen from €2,500 a tonne in April 2016 to €7,000 this summer.

France’s agriculture and food minister, Stéphane Travert, has insisted the shortage will not last because milk production levels are expected to rise soon. Industry and farming insiders, however, have warned the situation could continue through the autumn and into winter.

Many of these factors affect every country in Europe, not just France, so why is it that only the French shelves are bare? The answer lies in large part in the rigidity of the French supermarket pricing system and the fact that there isn't really much of a butter shortage at all - there is still plenty of it out there, it's just not in the shops.

In France, butter prices are set annually in negotiations between supermarkets and producers. The next round of talks is not due until February, so until then the supermarkets are only offering to pay what was agreed nine months ago, when butter was much cheaper. Despite there being nearly-empty shelves, you may have noticed the prices haven't actually gone up.

French producers are not fools, so many have decided to sell their produce on the open market for a far higher price than they are forced to under the supermarket deal.

France still makes plenty

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of butter - it has the second biggest dairy industry in Europe after Germany - it just isn't where you might expect to find it.

Hugues Beyler, director of the Federation of Commerce and Distribution (FCD) said for the moment there are only “occasional shortages, often linked to problems of logistics”, but the situation has not been helped by the butter-loving French public panic buying as news of dwindling stocks spread.

The crisis was met with typical humour on the

internet, with one man placing a piece of buttered baguette online at LeBonCoin.fr for €5. “Tartine for sale covered in real Breton butter, bought just a week ago,” the cheeky post read. Several other resourceful people have placed blocks of butter online with prices ranging up to €49!

When the industry sits down with the supermarkets in February, the price of a block of butter may not reach €49, but consumers can currently expect significant rises... and full shelves! ■

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

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Contactless payment limit increases to 30 euros

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ince their introduction in 2012, contactless payments have proved incredibly popular with consumers and businesses alike. With the number of contactless transactions rising steadily, the limit on these payments has been raised from €20 to €30. In July this year, there were 108 million paiements sans contact across France, an increase of 112% on the previous year.

If your bank card features the contactless symbol, which looks very similar to the wireless symbol on many tablets and computers, then your card already contains contactless technology with a €20 limit per transaction. Any new cards issued from October this year will feature the increased €30 limit. In order to pay for your goods, you simply need to hold your card close to the payment terminal - no pin number is required.

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Huge autumn rise in mushroom poisonings

T lower than €20,” explained a spokesperson for the CB group, a figure that he believes justifies the change.

“This will further encourage its usage; shopkeepers are already very pleased with the increased speed through the checkout and 80% of consumers say that they are happy with the technology.”

When contactless payments were first introduced, many were suspicious and feared that they would lead to increased levels of fraud, but this does not appear to have been the case. In fact, according to the Observatoire de la sécurité des moyens de paiements (OSMP), which monitors payment

security and fraud, contactless cards have a “generally stable fraud rate” of 0.02%, with instances exclusively linked to card theft; overall levels of card fraud are 0.029%.

Furthermore, there are certain protections already in place for consumers.

“Even if your card is stolen and the thief manages to make several contactless transactions, the consumer will be fully reimbursed and the payments are guaranteed for the shopkeeper,” explained the CB group.

The most popular places to use contactless payment are supermarkets, followed by fast food restaurants and bakeries. ■

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RESTAURANT

he arrival of autumn and the accompanying wetter weather always hails the start of mushroom picking season... and with it comes a startling increase in the number of cases of mushroom poisoning. In the three months to October, the Direction générale de la santé (DGS) reported 1,179 cases of mushroom poisoning, resulting in one death and two further people needing a liver transplant.

In total, 32 people have been treated for severe infections at the 10 poison centres across France since the start of the annual surveillance period, an increase of 50% on last year.

“This rise in the number of cases of poisoning can be seen to run in parallel with the return of the rain, which encourages mushrooms to grow and therefore be collected,” explained the National Institute for Health Surveillance (InVS).

If you are a mushroom forager, it is worth bearing in mind that pharmacists in France are trained to recognise the most common types of mushroom, so if in doubt, you can take any you have collected into a pharmacy for advice. It can also be wise to photograph any mushrooms you do collect as this will help to identify them in the event of illness.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, vertigo

and problems with eyesight and generally appear around 12 hours after ingestion. If you believe that you may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, dial 15 to contact the SAMU (Service d'aide médicale urgente).

The advice of regional health authorities includes: • Only pick mushrooms you recognise and seek advice if you are unsure (for example, from a pharmacist).

• Only pick mushrooms that appear fresh and pick the whole mush-

•

•

• • •

room to help with identification.

Do not pick mushrooms close to sources of pollution, e.g. roadsides or industrial sites, as mushrooms concentrate pollutants.

Never store mushrooms in plastic bags as this speeds up their decomposition.

Store different varieties separately.

Store your mushrooms in the fridge and eat them within 2 days.

Cook any mushrooms you have collected - never eat them raw. ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Bournemouth fan's shirt France celebrates food wastage week goes viral in France

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Screengrab (SFR Sports)

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Bournemouth football fan received a shock recently when a social media campaign was launched by French club Nice to track him down and offer him free tickets to a game. An eagle-eyed viewer in France spotted the fan in question wearing an old Nice replica shirt in the stands of a recent Premier League match involving the southern side.

When images of the fan hit Twitter, Nice Football Club got involved and called upon AFC Bournemouth to help them find him. A few days later, the man was identified as Jim Attridge, a history teacher and Bournemouth season ticket-holder, who had lived in Nice for four years while working in Monaco between 2002 and 2006. He told the French club's website that he alternates his 2002/03 Nice shirt with his Bournemouth shirt when supporting his local

team - the two red and black striped kits are almost identical.

The Ligue 1 side were clearly delighted to hear why the expat had chosen Nice over their more glamorous neighbours Monaco during his time in France. “I worked in Monaco, but for me, it was all a bit fake. I immediately chose Nice, for its soul and its culture. In Monaco, everyone looks at you, it’s ar-

tificial, you get the feeling that you are in a fish bowl.

It was impossible for me to go there. However, Nice is something else…”

Jim Attridge returns to Nice every couple of years, but has never visited the team's new multimillion euro Allianz Riviera stadium.

This may soon change, however, as the club reiterated its promise of free tickets the next time he is in town. ■

uch has been made in recent years of food wastage across the developed world. France itself has followed many other countries in taking steps to oblige large retailers to find outlets for their produce approaching its best before date rather than throwing it away, but the public's habits are also being targeted.

October saw the French National Day Against Food Waste (Journée nationale de lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire) take place in France, with the government releasing figures that show the average French person throws the equivalent of one meal in the bin every week. Overall, 10 million tonnes of edible food are thrown away by the public each year in France - 29 kg per person - with an overall value of €16 billion.

When the entire food production chain is taken into account, this figure rises to 155 kg per person!

Whilst this may seem staggeringly high, the French are far from the worst offenders: Europe-wide figures from 2010 show that the British each squeeze 236 kg of food into their bins, but even they are far behind the wasteful Dutch who top the table with well over half

a tonne of wasted food per person per year.

As part of an information campaign, the public were urged once again to be aware of the difference between “use by” dates (in French: DLC - date limite de consommation) and “best before” dates (DDM - date de durabilité minimale). “Use by” (DLC) dates should not be ignored as they are used for perishable items such as meat or dairy products which can be dangerous if eaten after this date.

“Best before (DDM)” dates, however, show that food may be past its best after the date shown, but is not likely to be dangerous, and could probably still be eaten for a few more days or weeks - for example dried pasta, chocolate or jams.

One group raising awareness is the Remplir les ventres, pas les poubelles (Fill stomachs, not bins) association, which recently held a banquet for 500 people in La Rochelle using food being thrown out by supermarkets. The menu consisted of gazpacho, panzanella, potato curry, chocolate cake, and fruit crumble - all home-cooked by members of the organisation - and was available to anyone, as long as they brought their own plate and cutlery. ■

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Concorde: the miracle of Franco-British engineering

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other aircraft (at more than 2 000 km/h) Concorde also flew higher, cruising at over 50 000 feet (15 250 metres). At this height, not only could passengers see the curvature of the Earth, but there was also less turbulence, resulting in a smoother ride. To this day, Concorde still holds the record for a transatlantic flight: 2 hours and 56 minutes from London to New York. The journey was quick, but there was no in-flight entertainment on Concorde... however, you did get free champagne and high class food served on Wedgwood crockery!

On 25th July 2000, an Air France Concorde crashed shortly after take-off from Paris when debris from a punctured tyre ruptured the fuel tank. The aircraft crashed into a small hotel and restaurant. All 109 people on board died - 100 passengers and 9 crew members; 4 people on the ground were also killed.

Although the fleet did take to the skies again the following year, the accident marked the beginning of the end for Concorde and one of the greatest feats of Franco-British engineering made its last flight in October 2003. ■

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’un des exemples brillants de la coopération franco-britannique de ces dernières années est le développement du Concorde. Premier avion commercial supersonique, cet appareil emblématique transporta pendant des dizaines d’années les personnalités riches et/ou célèbres à plus de deux fois la vitesse du son. Le projet fut toutefois toujours l’objet de controverses : la consommation excessive de carburant, la pollution sonore due au bang supersonique et les coûts d’exploitation faramineux entraînèrent finalement la disparition de l’avion le plus reconnaissable parmi ceux jamais conçus.

Le projet Concorde fut mis en place entre la France et le Royaume Uni par un traité et non point par un accord commercial, ce qui signifiait que les deux gouvernements étaient engagés dans le projet et qu’ils devraient subir de lourdes pénalités en cas de désistement. Le budget initial de 70 millions de livres explosa rapidement et atteignit 1.3 milliards de livres, un montant très conséquent il y a 50 ans, et ce coût financier signifia d’emblée que le Concorde ne serait jamais viable commercialement.

A l’exception des deux seuls clients Air France

© Alexander Jonsson (WikiCommons)

ne shining example of FrancoBritish collaboration in recent times is the development of Concorde. The iconic plane was the first commercial supersonic aircraft and for decades flew the rich and famous around the world at twice the speed of sound. The project was never without controversy, however: high fuel consumption, noise pollution from the sonic boom and huge operating costs eventually led to the demise of the most recognisable aircraft ever designed.

The Concorde project began not as a commercial agreement between France and the UK, but as a treaty. This meant that both governments were committed to the project and would face heavy penalties if they pulled out. The initial £70 million budget quickly exploded to £1.3 billion - a lot of money 50 years ago! - and this financial cost meant that Concorde would never be commercially viable.

When all other interested airlines withdrew their orders, the only remaining customers for Concorde were Air France and British Airways – only 20 planes were ever made. The British and French governments had agreed to cover the development and manufacturing costs, meaning British Airways were able to purchase their seven commercial Concorde for £1 each... the entire British fleet cost just £7!

The name Concorde was chosen as the word had a significance in both French and English, reflecting the co-operation between the two countries. Following a diplomatic spat, however, the name was officially changed to Concord (a more anglicised version) by Harold Macmillan after the British prime minister became annoyed that his French counterpart, Charles de Gaulle, had cancelled a meeting because he had a cold.

The “e” was later reinstated by the British government.

Concorde took to the skies in March 1969 and the first commercial flight left the runway in January 1976. As well as flying faster than

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

et British Airways, toutes les autres compagnies aériennes initialement intéressées se retirèrent du projet et seuls 20 avions furent construits.

Comme les gouvernements français et britannique s’étaient engagés à couvrir les frais de développement et de fabrication, British Airways put acheter chacun de ses sept Concorde au prix d’une livre et… la flotte britannique ne coûta que sept livres !

Le nom Concorde fut choisi car de signification identique en français et en anglais, il symbolisait la coopération entre les deux pays. Cependant, suite à une querelle diplomatique, le nom fut officiellement changé en “Concord” (version plus anglicisée) par Harold Macmillan après que le Premier Ministre britannique eut pris la mouche car son homologue Charles de Gaulle avait annulé une réunion à cause d’un rhume. La lettre “e” fut rétablie plus tard par le gouvernement britannique.

Le Concorde prit son envol en mars 1969 et le premier vol commercial quitta la piste en janvier 1976. Le Concorde n’était pas juste plus rapide que tout autre avion (sa vitesse dépassait les 2 000 km/h), il volait aussi plus haut, à plus de 50 000 pieds (15 250 mètres). A cette altitude, les passagers pouvaient non seulement voir la courbure terrestre mais comme il y avait également moins de turbulences, le trajet était plus confortable. A ce jour, le Concorde détient toujours le record du temps de trajet le plus court pour un vol transatlantique : 2 heures et 56 minutes de Londres à New York. Le trajet était certes court mais il n’y avait pas de divertissement à bord… cependant le champagne était gratuit et une cuisine de premier ordre était servie dans de la vaisselle Wedgwood !

Le 25 juillet 2000, un Concorde d’Air France s’écrasa sur un petit hôtel restaurant peu après le décollage au départ de Paris. Les débris d’un pneu crevé avaient causé la rupture du réservoir de carburant. Les 109 personnes à bord (100 passagers et 9 membres d’équipage) furent tuées ainsi que 4 personnes au sol. Bien que la flotte continuât de voler l’année suivante, l’accident marqua le début de la fin du Concorde et le dernier vol de ce qui représentait l’un des plus grands exploits de l’ingénierie franco-britannique eut lieu en octobre 2003. ■

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What tax will you pay on your savings and investments next year? - Blevins Franks

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s part of his election campaign, President Emmanuel Macron promised various tax reforms, particularly on how investment assets and income are taxed.

The aim is to encourage people to save more by simplifying taxation on financial income as well as aid business growth.

The draft French budget for 2018 was presented to Parliament on 27th September 2017. A balancing act of tax and spending cuts, it includes the promised tax reforms. The budget will now work its way through parliament before being approved at the end of the year, so changes are possible.

The main measures affecting expatriates in France are summarised below.

Flat tax on investment income Investment income is currently taxed at the scale rates of income tax, but from 1st January 2018 it will become liable to one fixed rate of 30%, regardless of the amount earned.

This 30% rate includes both income tax (12.8%) and social charges (17.2%).

It will only apply to investment policies over €150,000 (per person, so €300,000 for a joint policy), whether in an assurance-vie or not. Lower income households can continue to opt for the progressive income tax rates, so that they do not have to pay more tax under the new system.

Assurance-vie Note that for assurance-vie, the new system will apply to all policies set up on or after 27th September 2017 but the 30% flat rate system will not start to be applied to withdrawals until 1st January 2018. This is because the French Constitution states that 70 days have to elapse between the budget being proposed to

parliament and it being approved.

While most of the reforms were expected, this early date for assurance-vie was a surprise. However, the flat rate can actually be more beneficial for individuals with a higher marginal rate of tax.

If your assurance-vie policy was set up before 27th September, the old fixed rate system is still available, as is the ability to elect to use the scaled tax system.

Policies held for more than eight years will continue to benefit from the €4,600 prélèvement libératoire allowance (€9,200 for married couples / PACS partners).

Your assurance-vie policy will no longer be subject to wealth tax (see below).

There are no changes to the succession tax treatment of assurance-vie.

Wealth tax The budget released on 27th September proposed that wealth tax will be abolished from 1st January 2018 and a new real estate tax will be applicable. Savings and investments, including assurance-vie policies, will be exempt from this tax.

If you own or are thinking of buying investment property, it may be worth considering moving the funds into capital investments instead.

The current threshold of €1,300,000 will stay in place; the wealth tax scaled rates will apply to property, and main homes will still enjoy the 30% abatement. The 75% limit will also continue to apply.

As at the time of writing on 12th October, this, along with the rest of the budget, still needs to be debated by parliament and approved. There have been reports that, to counter criticism that M. Macron is a “president of the rich” he will extend the new wealth tax to include items like precious metals (so possibly jewellery) and luxury yachts and cars.

PROPERTY AUCTIONS

Ventes aux enchères immobilières

I

n France, property auctions take place in court. In the Creuse, they take place once a month on Tuesday afternoons at the Guéret tribunal de grande instance. The auctions are open to the public and are opened by the judge at 2:30 pm. In order to bid, a lawyer must be instructed prior to the hearing.

The first property is put under auction for one minute and thirty seconds. During this time any lawyer from the Creuse Bar is allowed to bid for their client. If after 1 minute 30 seconds nobody has bid, the price is reduced by the creditor (usually the bank). If after one minute only one lawyer has bid, another 1 minute 30 seconds starts again to give the opportunity to another potential buyer to bid through their lawyer.

The conditions of the sale, together with the legal documents, are available from court. A property may be withdrawn or sold prior to the auction. All properties are sold vacant in the Creuse,

unless otherwise specified.

It is possible to find out the auction costs prior to the auction (usually between €3,000 and €5,000 – these are not included in the starting price). In order to bid in the Creuse court, the potential buyer needs to give their lawyer €3,000 (no other currency allowed) by cheque. If the buyer's bid is successful, the cheque is given to the seller after the hearing. The buyer then has to pay the remainder of the full amount due within the next 2 months, otherwise the sale is cancelled.

For more information on this, or any other legal issue, contact: Laure Chaveron Avocat 36 av Pierre Leroux, 23600 Boussac Tel: 05 55 82 18 99 email: l.chaveron@avocatline.fr website: www.chaveron-avocat.com Facebook: “Cabinet Laure Chaveron Avocat”

Social charges Social charges for all forms of income are increasing by 1.7%, as follows: • Employment/self-employment income from 8% to 9.7% • Pension income from 7.4% to 9.1% • Investment income (including rental income) from to 15.5% 17.2% Taxe d’habitation This property tax will be abolished for around 80% of households in France, based on their level of taxable income.

This will be implemented over a threeyear period, starting with a 30% reduction in 2018.

You will benefit from this 30% reduction in your 2018 taxe d’habitation bill if you are a single person with a net income lower than €27,000 or a couple with an income under €43,000. If you have dependent children, this threshold increases by €6,000 for the first and second child and by €12,000 for each child after that.

Income tax Income tax rates will remain the same, though the income bands increase by 1% in line with inflation. The 2018 scale

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

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

rates of income tax (for 2017 income) will therefore be:

Up to €9,807 €9,808 - €27,086 €27,087 - €72,617 €71,618 - €153,782 Over €153,783

– – – – –

0% 14% 30% 41% 45%

Not yet approved Remember that all these reforms still need to be debated and approved by parliament, and so changes are possible.

Take personalised advice from a professional wealth manager to establish how these reforms will affect you.. ■ Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com Web: www.blevinsfranks.com The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

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In the garden - jobs for November

T

oday has been a glorious, sunny day, warm with blue skies. Hard to believe November is upon us, even though the swallows (hirondelles) have long gone, and the grues (cranes) have flown over towards Africa. Listening to their fabulous soft chattering calls must surely be one of the highlights of the year, even though their southward migration signals the start of the cooler months. So we can expect the cold to be coming, and it's often the case that there is a fairly radical change from one week to the next, so be prepared!

Firstly, go round and look at your containers, if you have any. Keep an eye on any sensitive plants that you had out in tubs - like agapanthus, gaura, plectranthus, salvia, cosmos atropurpurea, geraniums and other frost sensitive plants. Put them in frost-free environments to overwinter. Remember quite a few of these plants are actually perennial if you can keep them from getting too cold. Replant for winter colour with pansies, violas, heathers, spring bulbs, ivies, grasses, etc.

Go round the garden and look at what needs pruning back immediately and see if you can use it as a mulch, laid directly on the earth surface. Discard anything that is diseased. Remember to collect free bracken from the road verges to help protect sensitive plants, especially in containers.

Sowing can continue now for a while if it's done under fleece or cloches, or if

O

by Michelle Pierce they are at hand should need be, to help protect the young seedlings. It's often a good idea to sow and then lay a layer of mulch, straw, dried bracken, even sawdust directly over the seeds, to help protect them from the cold. Alternatively, sow under a plastic cloche.

“A la Sainte Catherine, tout bois prend racine” - this basically means this is a good time of year to plant roses, trees, shrubs, etc., before the real cold sets in.

Also, plant your spring bulbs now like tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinth, etc. If it turns cold after doing this, use the leaves coming down off the trees - an excellent free resource to collect. Spread them in a thick layer on clean beds, or pop on the compost heap. I put a thick layer in my polytunnel, and as a mulch over dahlias and round trees, shrubs, and over bulbs not in grass. If they are very thick leaves it doesn't harm to run the lawnmower over them, to shred them up.

Things can be cut back now, hedges, branches, herbaceous perennials, but remember that if you leave the debris in a pile something or other will try and shelter in it over the winter. It's best to decide straightaway if you can leave it in a heap all winter, or if it's going to get on your nerves and end up being tidied away.

If this is the case, do it immediately, to avoid disturbing wildlife; it makes a good addition to the compost heap... and acts as a less kitsch insect hotel.

The weather has been mild, so things

may well be in the early stages of growth if you've been sowing winter veg recently. Have a fleece handy to pop over them when the nights seem cold, and keep them well watered if the temperatures drop. Stuff sown in September should have made good progress, and may need thinning out. Some may even be ready for harvesting soon, as young plants for salads, or baby greens.

November is a good month to take a little time and wander round the garden thinking about any changes you might want to make. The majority of perennials still have their volume, so you can see whether they will be short of space or not next year. If they look as if they're going to be crowded, it's worth splitting up the clumps now and replanting the offshoots elsewhere. The same could be said for trees - branches that look as if they're going to go in the wrong direction, or crowd each other out need to be removed, preferably before the real frosts begin.

So in a perfect world the veg garden is under control, with some beds under cover waiting for the spring, and some planted up with winter veg. The blackcurrants have been pruned back as needed, with the cuttings shoved into the ground to make new plants for next year and the raspberries and strawberries have been sorted out, with the extra plants removed to new homes, and the beds thickly mulched. Old canes or plants have been removed or cut back.

The tayberries and loganberries have been similarly dealt with, with the recent new growth tied up to the supporting structures so that they don't sucker, and the gooseberries have had growth cluttering up the centres of the plants taken out. The apples have been collected and stored in well ventilated areas, as have the squashes, walnuts and hazelnuts. The grass is under control, with some areas left a bit longer for the wildlife, and others kept shorter, for the spring bulbs.

These have been bought and planted in various areas of the garden, at reasonable depths (roughly twice the depth of the bulb) and their location carefully recorded in your garden notebook. Seeds have been saved.

The Virginia creeper has been pruned back after its glorious autumn colour and any invasive things have been a little reduced in volume. The water features have had the extra oxygenating plants removed, especially things like water hyacinths which are not hardy, and been a bit tidied up. Water butts will be emptied as soon as the big freezes start happening.

The bird tables and feeders are in place, well away from cats and other pests, as are shallow water dishes. There are some places for the small mammals, invertebrates and insects to overwinter.

All is well in your garden and you're ready for the winter.

Good gardening! ■

Mincemeat - a non-meaty treat!

by Julia Watson

ne Christmas, living in Washington DC where I became infected by the American enthusiasm for extreme festive decoration, I set fire to the house. Twice. I had, in the local way of things, laid branches of pine along a mantel piece in the sitting room and along the mantel piece in the dining room. I had nestled in among them several fireproof glass balls and hung others from more artistically lichen-covered twigs.

Each was set with a tea light which I lit. The effect was so ‘Shelter’ magazine, I should have had the photographers around at once. Instead, I had the firemen. The glass balls, contrary to their description, were not fireproof and had delicately exploded, a sound not to be heard by the raucous guests celebrating their about-toarrive turkey dinner.

When the firemen left with the flames extinguished and a lovely tracery of carbon smoke across the ceiling, we sat down to our feast.

Then the glass balls in the sitting room exploded. I’d forgotten about them or I would have put their candles out. Fortunately, the firemen were still stumbling down the garden path in their massive, inhibiting yellow fireproof jackets. So we called them back.

Mortified, I handed out the mince pies that had just come out of the oven, warm and clovescented. The firemen looked suspicious. “And these are what?” “Mince pies,” I said cheerfully. “Mince?” “Strictly speaking, mincemeat - dried fruits.” They missed the reference to dried fruits, drawn, appalled, only to the ‘meat’ part of what had been described as an English dessert, and left in a hurry.

Originally, mincemeat always contained meat. These days, the only meat connection is

the suet - and even that can be replaced by vegetable suet. It’s a recipe that goes back as far as the 15th century, much influenced in ingredients by the plunder of the spice trade routes.

Clove, mace (the outer husk of a nutmeg), nutmeg itself and cinnamon were all used in meat dishes for their antimicrobial properties that preserved fresh meat through the winter. They have become the main source of flavourings in mincemeat which once sugar began arriving in Britain in affordable quantities, moved mincemeat from a savoury into a sweet dish served for dessert. By the end of the 19th century, meat finely chopped into a mince had disappeared from the recipe and the booze quotient was upped, along with the dried fruits.

There isn’t really any commercial mincemeat that can compare with home-made. Even those who think the whole idea of mince pies quite revolting can be converted by homemade mincemeat. And mincemeat doesn’t have to be the exclusive preserve of the little Christmas pie. It’s good stuffed down the cavity left behind when an apple is cored for baking. This is the time to make your own - in quantity, because the longer it is left to mature, the better it gets. Like Christmas puddings, if you start off making plenty of it and make a little more each year, the earlier batches are the ones to celebrate with while the later ones are left to become richer and richer. If you can’t get the exact dried fruits, substitute others, such as pruneaux d’Agen finely chopped, to make up the total quantity. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

Mincemeat - makes 3 kg 450g apples (preferably cooking apples, but any will do) peeled, cored and finely chopped 225g suet or vegetable oil or butter 350g raisins 225g sultanas 225g currants 225g whole mixed peel, finely chopped

350g soft dark brown sugar Grated rind and juice of two lemons Grated rind and juice of two oranges 50g slivered almonds (optional) 4 teaspoons mixed spice ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Half a nutmeg, grated 6 tablespoons brandy

Mix all the ingredients except for the brandy with clean hands very thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. Cover with a cloth and leave for 12 hours or overnight.

Place in a cool oven, 120C, to prevent fermentation, for 3 hours.

Allow to get completely cold then stir in the brandy and spoon into sterilized dry jars. Cover with wax discs and shove into the back of a dark cupboard until Christmas or after, labelling them with the year’s date.

The very best possible pastry to use for mince pies is the following as it is crisp and short without actually crumbling. Nor is it claggy as is the pastry on so many shop-bought mince pies.

Pastry for mince pies - makes 2 dozen

285g plain flour 30g ground almonds 170g butter 85g caster sugar

Finely grated zest of one lemon 1 egg yolk 3 tablespoons milk

Sift the flour into a mixing basin and add the ground almonds. Add the butter, cut in small pieces, and rub evenly into the mixture. Add the sugar and grated lemon rind.

Lightly mix the egg yolk and milk and stir into the dry ingredients. Mix to fairly firm dough, turn onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes before using.

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY Animals & Pets

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CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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DIRECTORY ♦ 17

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu CHIPBOARD type P5 18mm and 22mm tongue and grooved water repellent, chipboard comes in 8ft x 2ft sheets, specially bought in this size to make your life easy when trying to get this upstairs into your grenier and also suitable for one person to handle.

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wasteremovalmultiservices@gmail.com

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

siret 532 981 198 00015

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

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

05 55 41 17 76

Masonry & More

Paul Jones Renovation

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

www.maxhuggett.com

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

Davis & Davis

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

Harlequin Developments est. 2007

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

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

From the foundations to the roof Established 9 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 8

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

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

siret no: 495 067 829 00020

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com

Stephen Cullinane & Son

Offering a broad selection of building services in depts. 87, 19 & 23.

From one off installations to complete renovations, construction, decorating, landscaping and ground works.

E: info@maxhuggett.com

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

Kitchens fitted and tiled Replacement doors and windows Parquet flooring Oak framed porches Plasterboard and Insulation

SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance

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

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

05 55 61 93 07

Max Huggett

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97 SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

Steve Johns Assainissement

fosse-septique23.com

05.55.64.11.73 - see pg 10

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 13

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Building Services Groundworks Mini-Digger with driver

e: lasout@live.com

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

FREE QUOTES

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

05 55 41 17 76

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

See our Display Ad - pg 14

MINI DIGGER Building With driver for hire

Work to High standard Concreting work undertaken Contact Michael: Mob: 06 44 24 10 17

Building Services Painters/Decorators

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

experience, now based in Haute-Vienne.

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

05.55.80.00.57

See Main Ad - pg 16

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Registered for 11 years in France

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK

RSW Entreprises

john.bonella@gmail.com

Siret: 498 203 652 00017

Paul Goldsmith Interior Renovations

Painter & Decorator

Your advert here

05.55.78.62.29

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

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

Simon Carter

Services Plasterers CHRIS

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

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

CALL KATH

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

Painting and Decorating

Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

Interior and Exterior Colour Consultations Room Re-designs Kathleen Willis

05 55 63 53 06

kathleen.willis@orange.fr siret 802 262 35200015

christopher.willis@orange.fr SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Would you like to have all your financial questions answered in one go?

M

oving to and living in France is a wonderful adventure, but it is often overshadowed by the huge amount of bureaucracy and paperwork that you have to wade through, much of which can be very confusing and have several options available to you.

I have often thought how great it would be to have a group of professionals all in one place, in an informal setting that individuals could meet with to talk about their concerns and questions.

Building Services Plasterers

Well, I have joined forces with some fellow professionals to provide a free drop-in session for exactly this reason.

On Tuesday 14th November I will be at the English-owned ‘Le Patio Café’, 10 rue Jean Jaurès, 24160 Excideuil from 10 am to 1 pm along with Lauren Cook from AXA, Sue Cook from Currencies Direct and Paulette Peterson from PetersonSims Chartered accountants, to have a chat and help you with your various needs.

Between us we can help you with: • Your financial and retirement planning.

• Answer tax questions.

• Give you help with health insurance and give you advice on getting into the health system in the first place, including advice on getting your carte vitale.

• Help you get the best rates for your currency exchange.

• Forward planning in this changeable

Building Services Roofing Eurl Réno-Gén

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

chrisandrews331@hotmail.com siret: 830 316 485 00010

Building Services Plumbing & Heating

POWERFLOW A Plumber that speaks your language Honest – Professional - Affordable Servicing, Repairing & Installing gas, oil & LPG appliances An expert in cleaning and protecting heating systems to make them run efficiently using modern cleaning pumps & Thermal Imagery Call the best, flush the rest

www.powerflowfrance.com

05 55 67 35 02 07 69 22 26 30

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

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

Contact Phil Andrews:

Mob: 06 42 38 54 22 Tel: 02 54 30 11 20 Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr

financial world.

Quite often these are all things that are thought about, but put aside, as they sometimes seem too daunting to tackle. However, the harsh reality is that ignoring this could actually be costing you money right now.

If your financial affairs are split between the UK and France you could easily be paying unnecessary tax on your savings. The value of your pensions and investments could be being eroded year on year by inflation or simply the fact that your portfolio is not being actively managed. Worse than that – if you don’t adequately plan ahead you could face a nasty shock when it comes to inheritance tax liabilities. Were you aware that this could potentially create a tax liability of up to 60%?

You will have the perfect opportunity to get some professional, independent advice and if needed you can arrange

Building Services Sandblasting Sand and Blast We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

service for wood, stone and metal.

Perfect for stripping away years of grime or paint.

Contact us for a free quote, or see our website:

www.sandandblast.com

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

Chimney Sweeps

siret: 509 180 410 00011

MUMFORD TOITURE Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

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

LA RAMONEUSE

THE LADY SWEEP Established since 1986

Brush & Vacuum

06 78 60 96 16 / 05 55 44 71 44

All types of chimney

Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

Fully Insured

mumford.toiture@gmail.com

PMC BATIMENT

Call Ruth Clear

Roofing Specialists

02 54 31 48 50

see main ad below

siret 504 218 454 00016

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

www.pmcbatiment.fr

06 25 61 84 95 (SMS only)

a follow-up meeting with any of us to discuss your personal circumstances in more detail.

As expats we have plenty of things to ‘worry about’ at the moment as negotiations continue on the Government’s Brexit proposals, so let us help you ease some of those worries and come and join us for a coffee and a chat on Tuesday 14th November.

Or if you would prefer to arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation, please contact me by email: Rosemary.sheppard@blacktowerfm. com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70.

Blacktower Financial Management has over 30 years’ experience helping expats to make sure that their money works for them..

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional

adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

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

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

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72

Cleaning Services MIMI HOME CARE Bilingual home care near Guéret (23) - Cleaning & Ironing - Grocery shopping - Tutoring (for children under 11) - Baby-sitting (for children over 3) - Pet-sitting - Help for elderly or impaired people (walks, meals, conviviality...)

- English and French lessons - House maintenance during absence (watering the plants, emptying mailbox, looking after pets...)

Siren: 502 409 949

TOUTE SWEEP Chimney Sweep Service Due to illness Barry Manning will not be working until next year.

Tel: 06 21 33 60 99

After a small stroke in April I was planning to start work this month but this will not now be possible.

Email: mimihomecare23@yahoo.fr siret: 818 225 526 00016

Sorry for any inconvienence and thank you for your custom over the past 6 years.

Nettoitout

Best Regards, Barry Manning

Professional Cleaning Services

SIRET: 534 351 754 00039

Windows Conservatories Garden maintenance Offices

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

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

07 81 39 21 49

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

sales@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

50,000 sq ft of covered showrooms & 2 large external display areas - P5 18mm tongue and grooved water repellent chipboard. Available in 8ft x 2ft sheets.

- C.L.S. stud work: 2.4, 3 & 4.8m lengths.

- OSB 8ft x 4ft sheets, 9mm and 18mm in stock.

- Plywood all in 8ft x 4ft sheets. External grade, suitable for construction use.

- Skirting board & Architrave in stock.

- Insulation earthwool, 100 & 150mm. R value for 100mm - 2.25.

- Rigid board insulation Xtratherm R: 40/75/80/90 &120 mm. R value for 40mm - 1.73.

Open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 6pm - www.reclamation-yard.com - Only 1km from Confolens on the D952 Ansac-sur-Vienne road

CONTACT : PAUL CHARLESWORTH TEL : 06 28 28 04 63

pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr www.pmcbatiment.fr

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience.

CA

R

N PE

T

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AN

TI-

S MO

S

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C

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ND

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S

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Based St-Junien. Covering Depts 87-16-24.

Siret : 531 655 231 00011

ND

AS

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

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

6-Month Contract

12-Month Contract

€84

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€14/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€18.75/month)

€134.40

(€11.20/month)

€112.50 €126

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€21/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€28/month)

€168

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

€180

(€15/month)

Small Directory Ad 46mm x 46mm

€201.60

(€16.80/month)

(Actual Size)

30 words max

€268.80

(€22.40/month)

Directory Advertising is available either in black and white or colour, and in either small (30 words max) or large (45 words max) format.

Directory adverts may only contain text - no logos, images or artwork are allowed. The minimum contract length is 6 months.

Advertising is payable on publication. All prices are HT.

Computers, Satellites & Web Design

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

GOODWIN SATELLITE

SALES & INSTALLATION OF ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS & AERIALS. FAULT FINDING. Dept 23 & surrounding areas

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

Call Patrice:

06.79.07.91.56

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 52 38 67 65

libre.antenne87@gmail.com Fast dependable service

siret: 453 067 910 00019

siret: 353 613 227 00035

Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr

Big Dish Satellite www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98 see main ad - pg 6

WEBSITE No6 DESIGN before

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

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

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Restaurant du soir.

Our menu changes monthly.

Special occasions and parties welcome.

Fish and chips and mushy peas €11,50 the last Friday of each month.

Open Mon - Sat * Reservation in advance please* For more information:

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

Le Tambour Cassé (The Broken Drum)

Petticoat Lane

8 Place Saint Jean, 87320 DARNAC Friendly local bar with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Open daily:

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Bar & Cafe

Mon: 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-9pm Tue: 11:30am-2:30pm Wed: 11:30am-2:30pm Thu: 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-9pm Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm Sat: 5pm-10pm Sun: 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-10pm

Meals served during opening hours.

Live music once a month, check out our website and Facebook page for details on all our upcoming events.

www.brokendrum.fr

Based Séreilhac (87)

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix.

Your advert here

Try Something Different

Bar Bistro

05 55 41 17 76 Food & Drink

Chez Jacques Marsac (23) • Cosy atmosphere • Speciality Crêpes • Large burger menu • Over 100 single malt whiskeys • Selection of bottled British ales • Book corner, pool table • "Mouclade" nights • Curry nights

05 87 40 02 83 closed Wednesdays

- Update your own site if you like!

- Enjoy a fully maintained site - Enjoy full website support 06 38 75 32 97

Le Restaurant Ecurat

www.facebook.com/thebrokendrum

afterwards

contact@no6.co

26, Ecurat 23150

Allo Allo

Restaurant AUX CEPES

1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand Bourg

www.no6.co Siret: 80493524500014

Rés: 06 73 37 45 01 see main ad - pg 6

LA veytiZoU, 87130

Tel: 09 64 00 14 51 see main ad - pg 10

09.66.80.32.41

Le Bon Appétit

4 rue des Tanneries, 23210 Bénévent-l'Abbaye Winter Hours: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun - 6pm-10pm For lunches or groups, please book ahead!

Themed nights (French specialities) Large beer garden - Groups welcome Homemade burgers - Eat in or take away For more info, see our website:

www.bistrot-lebonappetit.com

or find us on Facebook: @BBBonAppetit23

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Visit: www.petticoatlaneshop.com E-mail: sales@petticoatlaneshop.com English groceries, Fresh Beef & Steaks (to order only), Gammon Steak, Bacon, Sausage & Cheddar Cheese.

Wide range of frozen items including vegetarian.

Traditional English beers, Sherries & Wine.

Cards for all occasions.

Opening hours: Tue - Sat, 10am- 6pm Visit us and compare our prices

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

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

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

m : 07 70 39 12 23

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

sales@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76 Wanted Experienced shopfitters Experienced shopfitters required for installs all across France.

Granulés du Limousin

Joiners, electricians and labourers also required.

Email: contact@reactive-resource.com

Très Jolie

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

(See Notice Board for where to find me)

Paula Bonella

05 55 78 62 29 06 04 08 29 53

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

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Online radio station for English-speaking expats

Le Creusois Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

Our live “Coffee Morning” chat shows with station founder, Dave Hailwood (an expat from the UK) and our regular guests from around Europe. We feature regular topics such as women’s issues, gardening, sport, travel, cooking and schooling... in fact anything that affects expats.

Our audience is encouraged to join in via email or phone with comments, questions and requests. Ex-pat Radio aims to be an international station, with an approachable local feel to it. To our surprise we also won “Best Foreign Radio Station” in France as voted by the readers of Paris publication “Expatriates Magazine”, which we won with 75% of the vote.

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

see main ad below

Sherrie et Steve Jardiniers All general

Gardening

High quality British & French food at reasonable prices.

Menu du Jour €12, Traditional Pub Food, Vegetarian dishes, Childrens & Snack menus also available

No job too small. Reasonable prices.

Contact Steve or Sherrie

www.lecreusoisbistro.com

E: sherrieetstevejardiniers@gmail.com

05.55.63.90.79 SIREN: 483 988 853

Your advert here

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 Gifts & Crafts

M: 06 58 72 03 43 Siret No: 811 161 835 00001

Mon Chic Cottage

GARDEN SERVICES

Le Dorat 87210

Tea Room

Paul Brown

www.monchiccottage.com

Dept 23 & Surrounding Areas

Chalk Paint, Little Greene Paint, Fat Quarters, Annie Sloan Paint Workshops

All gardening work: Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge Trimming General Maintenance

05 55 41 17 76

Wed-Fri 10h-16h

Siret: 483 059 242 00030

Tel: 05 87 77 95 59

Garden Services

T.A.D. 23 (Travaux d'Accès Difficiles)

www.teamjardin.fr

Reliable, professional and friendly garden services.

Garden Maintenance. Land Clearance.

Garden Construction.

Bespoke long-term maintenance plans.

Tel: 05 55 37 18 03 Mob: 06 33 66 17 45 e-mail team@teamjardin.fr Siret No. 752 549 907 00018

brownpaul006@gmail.com

All aspects of garden maintenance • Tree Surgery • Garden Clearance • Strimming • Pruning

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

www.ex-patradio.com

Coming soon: "Treasure Hunting with Charles Hanson" If you have any treasures you would like valued send us in details and photos of your items to expatradio.request@gmail.com and Charles will value for you. We will also have a page on our website. If any valuable items are found, we can arrange to have them shipped to the UK to be auctioned off at Hanson's Auction house.

'ROUSSIS MAID'

HAND-CRAFTED CARDS AND APRONS All products made in France.

Cards also available at Carole's Hair Stylist at Le Buisson, near Saint-Bazile.

Handholding Services

Email for more details: ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

Sophie Arsac

See Notice Board for details of where you can find us at local markets.

Send an email to sign up to the newsletter

French lessons & handholding services

Tel: 06 86 89 81 02

05 55 89 15 74 - pg 12

siret 528 539 448

Undertaken

Tel: 05 55 89 57 40

Team Jardin

Email us with requests, stories, jokes, local events in your area, sports groups, and anything else. We want to hear it all...

So get typing to: expatradio.request@gmail.com Like us on Facebook: "expatradiofrance" Tweet us: @ExpatRadioCom And listen live now!

‘Musicial Memories’ with Sir Owen Gee ‘Sunday Bandstand’ with Chris Helme ‘Writers Salon’ with Hazel Manuel ‘The Message Kids’ with Expat Kids And lots more new shows coming soon!

26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Artisan art for your garden

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

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

HAND sales@thebugle.eu A HELPING Translation/interpretation Dealing with utilities/banks 05 55 41 17 76 Permis de construire

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Sourcing/supervising artisans Notaire/tax/hospital meetings

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

Health & Beauty

Très Jolie

Osteopathy & Acupuncture

see main ad pg 19

Back, Neck, Joint Pain, Arthritic conditions?

Anxiety, Headaches, Sports Injuries?

Insomnia, Stress, Sinus, Hayfever?

Based in Châteauneuf-la-Forêt (87130)

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

Linda & Paul Bodimeade

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker Handmade, fully interlocking, multi-layered 3D puzzles from just €9.

Keyrings €2 plus other unique gift ideas.

Customisation and personalisation possible.

Come and visit the workshop by appointment.

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

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

lindabodimeade@eircom.net paulbodimeade@eircom.net

siret: 791 847 429 00010

Food & Drink

• • • • •

siret: 793 539 826 00016

Ex-patradio.com is an online internet radio station, which launched live on 21st March 2016. The station is designed for English-speaking expats around the world. The aim is to have a variety of shows, ranging from chat shows through to music programming, covering a full spectrum of musical tastes.

Our shows include: • ‘The Golden Oldies’ with Mick Hennell, featuring tracks from the 50s and 60s • ‘The Beat Goes On’ with Steve Bell, showcasing new expat bands, musicians and singers • ‘The Blend’ with Ira, our American presenter, with the best of Creole and Swamp music through to rare blues cuts • ‘The All Day Special’ with station founder, Dave Hailwood • ‘The Roast Beef’ with Wayne Allen, also “Nashville Calling” • ‘The Retro Chart Show’ with Dave Mac • ‘In Bed with the French’ Talk Show with Christine Caldi • ‘Country Classics’ & ‘The Nostolgia Club’ with David Sibbald • ‘Bridget’s Mix’ with Bridget Waterhouse • ‘Classical Gems’ with Bridget Waterhouse • ‘Digital Blues’ with Ashwyn Smyth • ‘The Culture Gap’ with Vincent • ‘Soul Time’ with Max Morrison • ‘Essential Rhythms’ with Peter Simmons

Chez Boutique

Formerly La Petite Place

05.55.60.08.46

See our Display Ad - pg 7

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

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

pawsonbeverley4@gmail.com

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

DIRECTORY ♦ 21

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

A

simple solar energy system that runs on its own, even when you are not there! – And provides a free heat supplement in winter.

The Solarventi air panel was invented more than 20 years ago

by Hans Jørgen Christensen, from Aidt Miljø, with the backing of the Danish government.

He wanted to use the sun’s energy for airing and ventilation of the thousands of holiday homes on the West coast of Jutland, - houses that were left empty and unheated for long periods - houses with damp problems, mould and bad odours - houses that left their owners with discomfort, lots of work and expense. He wanted a system that would be safe, simple, without the need for radiators, water and/ or mains electricity. Slowly but surely, the first Solarventi model came together.

How it works The principle behind Solarventi is simple: a small, built-in, solar cell powers a 12V fan that is connected to an air vent, a control unit and an on/ off switch.

Whenever the sun shines, the air in the solar panel is heated and the fan, receiving power from the solar cell, introduces warm, dry air into your home at the rate of 20 to 100 cubic metres per hour.

The initial models were more than capable of keeping the cottages dry (and ventilated), even with the limited sunshine hours available in Denmark during the winter season. Since that time, the technology has really come along in leaps and bounds. Now, more than 20 years later, the 3rd and 4th generation Solarventi have exceeded all expectations.

In Southern Europe, Solar-

venti is not only used for ventilation/dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution?

The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is.

There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance

COUNSELLING

The Spectrum IFA Group

UK Reg. Counsellor & Psychotherapist Senior Accred. MBACP 548379

Independent Financial Adviser

Lesley Kidd MSc

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

05 55 38 33 35

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

Mobile hairdresser Grand-Bourg & surrounding area

Call Teddy:

06 11 96 19 78- pg 8

House Clearance debarrasser87

House Clearance Specialists www.ferraille87.com see main ad - pg 16

Insurance & Finance Blevins Franks International tax and wealth management advisers

Tony Farrell

05 55 89 57 94 - see pg 7

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Language Services AmiLangues

Administrative support www.amilangues.fr

06 37 08 92 09 - see pg 7 Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE

Sympathetic French Tuition 87120 Eymoutiers

Not too late to make a difference to your life here by Christmas!

• Speaking and Understanding for life in France • Relaxed but purposeful • Confidence-building • 4 levels Beginners to Advanced.

Email me asap to be sure of a place.

Free taster class (3hrs)

homer.jennifer@gmail.com

www.blevinsfranks.com

If you have French friends who would like to improve their English, maybe they would like to join my TEFL classes, Beginners or Intermediates.

Blacktower Financial Managment Group

AQUA TRANSLATIONS

See our main ad - pg 13

Rosemary Sheppard 06 38 86 99 70 - pg 11

Units start from €490 TTC. Several ex-demonstration models available at reduced prices, call for details.

Ecole de Langue 26 Rue Ajasson de Grandsagne, 36400 La Châtre

All your language needs under one roof!

02 54 31 12 55

www.ecole-de-langue.net

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 12

Pest Control

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

HiFX

www.hifx.co.uk

aquatranslations@gmail.com

06 82 87 63 11 Siret 831 733 357 00014

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

Dave Roberts

Fibreglass Specialist Fibreglass swimming pool linings that can be applied over all finishes: tiles, marbelite, concrete, etc.

Perfect for new pools, old pools, or pools leaking water Laminated on site, one piece and seam free For more information or a quote, contact Dave: +44 (0)1903 893 451 +44 (0)7825 916 573

www. fibreglass-lining.com

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

All our spas are manufactured to the highest standards & have full manufacturers warranty.

These spas have relatively low power requirements & are very economical.

Pools & Spas Self Install Pools naturalispools.com 06 31 17 25 60 see main ad - pg 5

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Property Sales Leggett Immobilier www.leggettfrance.com

05 53 56 62 54 see main ad - pg 8

Transaxia

Bourganeuf-Creuse-Limousin www.transaxia-bourganeuf.fr 0033 (0)6 83 66 83 09 - see ad pg 10

Prices start from €3,750.

Models seat 2 to 7 people.

For more information on our range check out our website:

Beaux Villages Immobilier

www.limousin-spas.com or telephone: 05 55 63 26 20

Freephone: 08 05 69 23 23

Numéro Siret: 752 157 610 00011

Property Maintenance

SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

French <-> English

Call or email for a free quote

International money transfer

- 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. ■

Inside Out Property Services Offering a wide range of building/joinery/fencing services We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship, providing the client with a high quality finish at competitive prices.

Servicing 23 and surrounding areas.

Ring Dave: 05 55 64 22 98 Email: insideout288@googlemail.com Siret No. 821 348 323 00014

www.beauxvillages.com see main ad - pg 12

Cendrillon - Bourganeuf Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 7

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

See our Display Ad - pg 3

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

22 ♦ DIRECTORY Retail & Commerce R.S.M.DISTRIBUTION

Furniture & UK mattresses NEW STOCK HAS ARRIVED

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF RRP

DORDOGNE WAREHOUSE Sarlande (24270)

www.fudgejj.com email: ray.mole@wanadoo.fr

Tel: 05 49 87 67 34 By appointment only

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com 05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 4

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

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

Eco Entrepot

www.frenchvanman.eu

siret: 821 846 318 00011

Siret 530 213 644 00012

Watson European

Central France Storage

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

International Removals

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk

Removals

see main ad - pg 4

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

87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage to suit all needs Vehicle storage options We also do internal moves!

Tel: 09 66 03 52 89

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

Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

www.transitionremovals.com see main ad - pg 7

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

Email: lasout@live.com

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

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

Your advert here

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

05 55 41 17 76

Smart Moves

General

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

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 8

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk

+44 (0)1253 725 414

Businesses for Sale FOR SALE:

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

For a fully insured, careful service

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

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com 05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 19

siret: 494 123 847 00019

Please call Mick for further info

Get down The Shed

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

09 82 12 69 73

05 55 63 58 85

MICHAELS MOVERS

VAN ROUGE

safegardegueret@gmail.com

English & French Spoken

www.safe-garde.com

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

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

To raise funds for the SPA dog rescue centre in Guéret.

High chair, buggy, travel cot (plus mattress/bedding), changing mat, etc.

Each item will incur a hire charge of 10 euros, plus a refundable 10 euros deposit.

For more INFO or to HIRE Call Vanessa: 05 55 64 32 08 or email: eq6763@gmail.com

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

We offer a moving service that will guarantee you a smooth move.

Our service includes moving from the UK to all EU countries and from anywhere in the EU to the UK. We do not charge VAT, we are fully insured.

Moulin de Tintin

Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local + Europe + UK runs Now also available for House/Barn clearances!

14m3 capacity 4.2m load length

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

We specialize in domestic and commercial removals

SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Furniture, interiors & gifts

Secure self storage units in Guéret

POLISH MOVERS

www.buggscarhire.com see pg 2

Man & Van Transport

SAFE GARDE

Transport, Removals & Storage

06 38 39 33 99

Cash paid for scrap All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

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

FOR SALE: Commercial Lease For a shop (all types of commerce) on main street in Limoges. Easy parking.

60m2. 2 large commercial spaces of 20m2 and 25m2 with a room to the rear kitchenette, WC. Very good condition.

Contact for more information.

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

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

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

The solutions to this month’s sudokus can be found on pg 24

SUDOKU - HARD

COMMUNITY ♦ 23

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Un Matin d'Avril Ladies Fashion 10% discount

for all new customers!

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

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

Dates for November Curry of the month is Chicken Makhani (Butter chicken) Please note some areas are chilled pre-orders only

Bugle Notice Board

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

Le Tambour Cassé

(The Broken Drum) 8 Place Saint Jean, 87320 DARNAC

11th November - 8:30pm - FREE Live music with The Kittens. Meals served before the music reservations recommended 18th November - 8pm - International Menu Evening This month: 4-course set menu inspired by French cuisine 10th December - 10am-4pm - Christmas Market If you are looking for that perfect, home-made or locally produced present for your friends and family, then visit our 3rd annual Christmas Market.

Santa will also be dropping in to visit!!

16th December - 8pm - International Menu Evening This month: 4-course set menu inspired by English cuisine For more information on the menu or to reserve your table visit us on Facebook (@thebrokendrum) or call the bar on

New Wave Energies, a young and growing company is looking for a bilingual sales assistant.

Being friendly and a team player matter to you, you are dynamic, organized, self sufficient, and you enjoy challenges.

Join our company which provides real growth opportunities.

Please contact: 06 56 80 80 28

2km from Chénérailles & the Château Villemonteix Open Monday to Saturday for: English Breakfast Lunches Salon de Thé Restaurant du Soir Fish, chips & mushy peas €11.50 All by advance reservation please For more information

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

info@monchiccottage.com

Le Bon Appetit 4 rue des Tanneries, 23210 Bénévent-l'Abbaye Closed until 24th November...

Re-open Saturday 25th for our Tartiflette evening - 12€ pp drinks included.

Come and relax by the fire with a delicious home-made classic French dish!

Saturday 9th December - Raclette evening 12€ pp drinks included... everyone at the same table to enjoy a raclette

Très Jolie Fashion Accessories Where to find me:

Every Wednesday - Piégut Market Saturday 18th November - Christmas Market Château Ardilleux 79110 Please see my facebook page... search 'Tres Jolie Milhaguet' to see what's new.

Mail order available, email for more details.

Now stocking the new Gift Shop next door to the 1-4 Euro Store in Piégut 24360 as well as Coeur et Etoile in St-Mathieu 87440

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

Christmas Stock has arrived !!

Christmas meat orders must be in by 30th November

05 87 77 95 59

Bar Bistro

Reservations: 06 80 43 83 51

www.monchiccottage.com

Opening hours: Wed-Fri - 10h-16h

Contact: nomkybob@yahoo.co.uk

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Mince pies & Cakes arrive: 28th November

Taking bookings now for our Spring Annie Sloan Chalk PaintTM Workshops.

To learn the basis of using Chalk PaintTM & ask questions, join us on a workshop.

All materials included. To book contact Jay.

Wanted: Small piece of land to buy in Mézières-sur-Issoire

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat

Mon Chic Cottage

Official Stockist for Chalk PaintTM by Annie Sloan & Little Greene

06 86 89 81 02

For more details, see our website: bistrot-lebonappetit.com or Facebook page: @BBBonAppetit23

Petticoat Lane

Tea Room serving home-made scones / cakes

If you require any cards contact us either by e-mail or mobile ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

Winter Hours: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun - 6pm-10pm For lunches or groups, please book ahead!

09 66 80 32 41

21 Place Charles de Gaulle, Le Dorat

Piégut - Every Wednesday Chasseneuil - Wednesday 22nd Nov Our cards and aprons are now available at the 1 to 4 euro shop at Piégut

JOB OFFERED

Guéret, Chilled orders only! - Wednesday 1st (2.50pm) Gouzon, Chilled orders only! (place de l'Eglise) - Wednesday 1st (3.30pm) Your determination to succeed and your results Boussac, Chilled orders only! (place de l'Hôtel de Ville) - Wednesday 1st (4.30pm) will accelerate your evolution in the company.

Aubusson, (Now at place de la gare routière) - Thursday 2nd (6pm) www.newwave-energies.com Le Grand-Bourg, is now cancelled as a hot venue but you can pre-order Tel: 09 81 32 42 37 a chilled delivery for Thursday 16th November Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 3rd (6.30pm) *new earlier time* Bourganeuf Market - Wednesday 8th (9am - 12.30pm) Bourganeuf, (place Martin Nadaud) - Wednesday 8th (5.45pm) Peyrat-le-Château, Cheissoux & St-Léonard-de-Noblat Chilled orders Work Wanted! only! Thursday 9th (12.30pm, 1pm & 1.30pm) Female seeking work La Souterraine Market - Saturday 11th (8.30am - 12.30pm) Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 18th (5.30pm) English, recently moved to dept 87 CHILLED DELIVERIES, Thursday 16th & Friday 17th - various areas, contact Ideally contract or Pôle emploi cheques. us for details. Please check website & facebook for updates.

Hard worker & reliable

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Roussis Maid

Find us at the following markets:

We are at the following Christmas markets: 3rd Dec – Aigre 5th Dec – Civray 9th Dec - Bourganeuf Christmas opening hours: From 4th Dec we will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm 24th Dec open 10am to 2pm

sales@petticoatlaneshop.com http://www.petticoatlaneshop.com/ 5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

FOR SALE

Little bar restaurant with flat above In typical french village (23210 Bénéventl'Abbaye) with house to renovate attached and large new decked garden out back.

Good turnover with small rent for business and flat - on pilgrim route with many tourists in summer. Great opportunity for someone looking for small business and / or making B&B .. please call for more info.

Tel: 06 80 43 83 51

24 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities The Hope Association Charity Shop 87 NEW ADDRESS (from 1st November): 2 rue de la Vieille Tour, 87120 Eymoutiers The shop is run by a group of volunteers with the sole aim of raising funds for abused & abandoned animals.

Opening hours: Sat 10h-13h, Wed & Fri 14h-17h, 1st & 3rd Thu morning 10h-12h.

We offer a selection of items including pre-loved clothes, jewellery, greeting cards and much more.

We are happy to accept anything in good sale condition either directly to the shop or email shopeightyseven4hope@gmail.com.

SPA Creuse The SPA Creuse dog refuge centre is based in SaintSulpice-le-Guérétois near Guéret and provides an invaluable service to the community by rescuing dogs that otherwise would have nowhere to go.

Each year we re-home over 100 dogs which find themselves at the SPA though no fault of their own.

We have dedicated staff who work alongside a network of French and British volunteers, all of whom have one aim in life, which is to do the best they can for the dogs until they find their forever homes.

In order to do this they need to raise funds; along with walking the dogs every day, volunteers also organise fund-raising events and vide-greniers throughout the year.

We are a friendly bunch and always on the lookout for more like-minded people and so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or adopting one of our lovely dogs, then please visit our website www.spa-creuse.com.

Noah's Ark Noah’s Ark is a French registered charity run by Cindy and Lauren Maasik who have spent the last five years rescuing animals and caring for them on their farm near Saint-Mathieu.

A warm welcome awaits you at their shop and tea rooms in Rochechouart, with home-made cakes, tarts, and quiches followed by plenty of tea or coffee.

For more info visit www.noahsark.fr or Facebook: Noah's Ark Tea Rooms and Brocante, 6, Rue de Poitevin, Rochechuart. Open Tues - Sat 10h-17h. Tel: 05 87 41 26 16.

Farm visits for animal adoption are welcome at La Ferme, Les Dognons, 87440 Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire.

Tel: 05 55 70 64 76. Email info@noahsark.com Phoenix Association Phoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France.

Phoenix does not have a 'rescue centre' as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South-West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate.

Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fundraising and donations to cover the very high rehoming and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com and www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Sunday of each month, plus some Holy Days.

Non-liturgical, congregation-led service on the 2nd Sunday of some months - specifically October and November.

Weddings, funerals, baptisms and other services provided on request.

Contact: revrobertleone@gmail.com Monthly Worship in English If your journey of life has brought you here to France, why neglect your journey of faith? We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3pm. Where? At the Temple in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – we are part of the Parish of the Basse-Marche of the Eglise Protestante Unie de France. The Temple is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat.

If you want to know more contact Rev Derek Lawson on 05 55 68 53 03 or Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86.

English-speaking church services Guéret Come as you are... This is an invitation to join us at our CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service you are welcome at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Eglise Evangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Guéret, 23000.

We welcome all who want to join a group of Englishspeaking Christians for a time of worship and learning together. Children are very welcome.

For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott.james@neuf.fr The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet mid-way between Crozant and Eguzon.

Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am. Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62

Church Notices Anglican Holy Communion St. Martin's Anglican Church, built 1096 (FCE, founded 1844, in France) in the hamlet of Moussacsur-Gartempe, near Montmorillon 86500. Just off the D117 - route from Montmorillon to Bourg Archambault - on the Domaine de Moussac. All services from 1st May onwards begin at 3:00 pm, except for Christmas. Holy Communion on the 1st

Fitness & Fun Art Classes Mainsat The class runs every Thurs (term time) at the Salle du temps libre in Mainsat from 14h-16h. We do a little bit of everything: pencil, charcoal, watercolour, pastel, acrylics, oils and sculpture, etc. Contact Susan Neill for more info: Tel 05 55 83 12 18 / Mob 06 87 99 31 37 / Email thomas-susan.neill@hotmail.com La chance de danser Starting in September dance classes for adults in La Souterraine.

Tue Bums & Tums - Stretch & Tone 10:00-11:00.

Salle des fêtes Saint-Léger-Magnazeix; Tue Tap from 19:00-20:00. Salle des fêtes La Souterraine; Wed Beginners ballet from 10:30-11:30. Salle de danse La Souterraine. €5 per class.

For more info contact Jan Pitwell on 09 66 96 44 85 or at lachancededanser23@gmail.com.

Photo Club La Meteorite (87) Rochechouart All welcome, all levels; we meet fortnightly at 3-5pm on Sundays. Field trips, friendly critique, conversation and competitions (to contact and more details go to photoclubmeteorite.org).

Chabanais Bowls Club With the summer well behind us it is time to find something to do when gardening and lawn cutting is no longer a necessity. Operating throughout the year, Chabanais Bowls Club offers an ideal and less energetic distraction.

We are also looking forward to greeting our friends from Périgord Indoor Bowls Club in early November for what should be a competitive afternoon. This is in response to their invitation to the ‘Bastille Competition’ earlier this year and could be the start of many inter-club occasions.

Due to the unique construction of the Salle des fêtes at Chabanais, the home of our short mat bowling club, it is possible to slide back an entire wall to let in the light and the air, without compromising on our

flat playing surface.

The salle also allows us to lay out up to 5 mats so there is lots of room for both all current members and to be able to warmly welcome any new ones that want to join our friendly, but competitive Club.

Sessions of 3 hours duration take place every Tuesday, starting at 10 am and every Thursday commencing at 2 pm with a 30 minute tea/coffee break during each session.

The Club has all the equipment that new bowlers require to get started or old hands can use their own indoor or outdoor bowls to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable game.

And it’s not expensive, with a one-off joining fee of 10 euros, a yearly fee of 25 euros and a rink fee of just 2 euros. The first two ‘sampler’ sessions are free, only the rink fee to be paid.

Currently all our members are English (it is difficult to encourage the French to roll a ball), most being senior citizens, many bringing over their skills from the UK. If you are considering taking up the sport again, trying your hand at something new or simply coming along for a closer look, just pop down when our sessions are on or contact Brian on 05 45 71 14 06 or Terry on 05 45 89 14 05.

Drawing and painting classes At Saint-Junien with the CAPCC (art club). All levels welcome, every Monday and Thursday, English and French spoken, friendly atmosphere, materials provided by the club. 45€ / half-term.

Contact: lindsaycox@club-internet.fr for brochure with full details.

Keepfit (Bonjour La Forme) Held at Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs in the Salle Polyvalente: Mon evening at 19.45-20.45 for cardiac and muscle exercises; Thurs afternoon at 15.00-16.00 for gentle exersises.

All are welcome to join us. Contact Jeanette 09 62 58 49 03 (Eng) or Catherine 05 55 66 67 30 (Fr) for more info.

Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong classes organised by the ACAMIES (association culturelle d'arts martiaux internes et d'exercices de santé). Wed: Jarnages, 18h30-20h, Salle Polyvalente. Thu: Bétête, 19h-20h30, Domaine de Tournessac. Individual classes, courses, massage & treatments also available.

Contact: 06 48 00 02 07 http://acamies.e-monsite.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks! Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit.

Our “monitrice” is English and will happily provide bilingual instructions. We meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Pontarion Town Hall, for a one-hour workout.

Come for a free trial, or call 05 55 64 98 87 or 06 32 42 95 68 for more details.

Indoor Bowling at Oradour-sur-Vayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play. If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it - it's free. If you require further information or directions to our venue please contact me - Email: Oradour-Bowling@gmx. com or telephone: 05 55 08 41 75 Zumba!

Regular zumba classes across depts 36, 18 & northern 23. For more info tel 06 58 37 17 04 - email evezumba36@gmail.com and for details of classes visit www.zumbazumba.fr Indoor Short-mat Bowling at Cussac 87150....and now Outdoor too!

As the premier bowls club in the Haute-Vienne, we are going from strength to strength with members seeking us out and travelling great distances to continue their love of bowls or simply to 'try us out'.

Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game,

EASY

MEDIUM

HARD

Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins

23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre

16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Monthly circulation: 15,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège: Les Quatre Chemins

23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Charente Libre

16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Tirage mensuel: 15,000 copies Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite. Dépôt légal à parution.

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

Les Wolves Baseball Club Guéret is recruiting new members!

Practice takes place on: Thursdays 18h30-20h30 - Stade Gibard, Guéret Saturdays 13h30-16h - Stade Gibard, Guéret Wednesdays 18h20-20h30 - field next to the swimming pool, La Souterraine For kids under 12 years old, Saturdays 16h30-18h - Stade Gibard, Guéret For more information visit http://wolves-gueret.clubeo.com email wolves.baseball_club@yahoo.fr or tel 06 44 12 06 47 just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears!

We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can be played. Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl!

Our regular sessions indoors are Wednesday evening at 8pm and Thursday Mornings at 10am. Outdoor sessions will be arranged as the spring arrives so keep in touch. Serious bowlers and beginners are welcome - club bowls are available for use.

For further information contact cussacbowlsclub@gmail.com or telephone 05 55 78 66 45.

Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www. spaequilibre.yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson. For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53.

Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 - 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and a half.

For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20.

Gym Bien-être Would you like to be more supple? Come to our gym class on Thursday mornings from 10.30 to 11.30 am, where we do gentle exercises to help all our muscles and joints. The classes are held in Rochechouart in the Capitole building, upstairs. Our group is part of a National Federation of Gymnastics (EPVG www. sport-santé.fr) For information contact 07 83 22 38 63 or gymvolontaire-087168@epgv.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www. dechencholing.org Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Getting out in the garden is one of life's pleasures for many people and there's a lot of satisfaction in seeing seeds and plants thrive and grow under your care. Our Association has a different, garden related topic each month and you are very welcome to come and join us in learning more about growing plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees in this region. We also have visits to other gardens and an Annual Show in September. We meet on the third Thursday of each month (excl Feb) in the Mairie at St-Amand-le-Petit (between Eymoutiers and Peyrat-le-Château). Meetings start at 2.30 pm and visit timings will be advised.

For more information contact Carolyn at pjlimousin@gmail.com http://jardiniers-du-limousin.webs.com Agenda for 2017: 16 Nov DIY Christmas decorations; 14 Dec (2nd Thur) Gardeners' Question Time and Christmas Party Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac. We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. For further information contact: veronique.granet@sfr.fr Aux Plantes, etc.

We are an association of independent, ethicallyminded and passionate plant producers. Our aim

is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It’s not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you!

Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants.

For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or visit: www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Les Jardins de Sirius Based in Pressignac, Charente, we are a small association of people who are keen on gardening. As well as finding plants an endless source of interest, we believe that the simple fact of gardening has numerous positive benefits for health, stress, social interaction - in other words, our daily lives - and we'd like to encourage this aspect. If you'd like to get involved, have more info on the association or become a member, please contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@gmail. com Integration Café Franglais Organised by the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB). Every Wednesday starting at 18h30 until 20h00 in la Maison des Associations, Quartier Pasteur, 23600 Boussac. Come and join us for an informal chat to improve your French or English with native speakers in a café atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and nibbles. Last evening before the summer holidays will be on 5th July. For more info please call 05 55 65 03 69.

Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques The Association Rencontres Franco-Britanniques, based in Bourganeuf, was created in January 2012 and aims to help British people, resident in the Communautés de Communes surrounding Bourganeuf, to become integrated in their communes and local life.

We organize a range of cultural and social activities for our members.

The fortnightly conversation groups are an important part of our association. At these meetings British members can improve their spoken French, and our French colleagues may improve their English.

We would very much like to welcome new people, both French and English, into the association. Our meetings and events are fun and take place in a happy and friendly atmosphere. We currently have 90 members. The annual subscription for membership is €12 per person.

For further information on the association's activities contact: Christine Gee 05 55 64 22 25 email: geeinfrance@gmail.com - www.francobrit. com Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-surGartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community.

The group is comprised both of French and English members and meets weekly, generally on Thursday afternoons, in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, when various activities take place, all aimed at promoting a friendly and welcoming ambiance.

Through these activities, which include visits, talks, entertainment and much more, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle.

For more details or to join please contact the President, Bernadette Ruffenach, on 05 55 76 11 19.

Les Franglais de Banize (23120) French and English people meet every Wednesday at 2-3 pm in the mairie in Banize to share English and French language and lots of laughter.

We all learn from each other, in both languages and about aspects of both cultures. In general the English try to speak in French and vice versa. As far as possible!

The meetings have been going on for seven years now but new arrivals are always welcome.

COMMUNITY ♦ 25

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60.

Connect87 CONNECT is a group for English speakers of any nationality in the area of St-Yrieix-la-Perche. Our Objective is to help people make friends and exchange information.

We hold fun events and a Monthly Coffee Morning on the First Friday of every month at Espace Ferraud, rue du Docteur Lemoyne, St-Yrieix-la-Perche. We are a non profit making group and we are run by volunteers, there are no membership fees.

For Further information visit our website www. connect87.info or contact Nikki Evans at nikkifleurie@ gmail.com or on 05 53 55 09 83.

French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/HauteVienne border. We are accompanied by a retired French schoolteacher and a current French teacher of English.

Discussion is informal, loosely based on everyday topics, including some grammar plus general discussion. We need a few more people to help keep it vibrant and to cater for inevitable absences. The only cost is yearly membership of the local Association, about €20, which brings with it other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Peter Metcalfe at petergmet@gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-le-Château Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyratle-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters. We will also do our best to help you with practical matters such as language problems, payment of bills, hiring workmen, etc. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-leChâteau on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-le-chateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-leChâteau Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-la-Perche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Held at five different levels, all with the same native French teacher, so it is easy to move from one class to another if you feel out of place.

Level 1 (beginners) - Mon 10h30-12h; Level 2 - Thur 10h30-12h; Level 3 - Tue 10h30-12h; Level 4 - Sat 10h-12h; Level 5 (top) - Weds 14h30-16h30.

All courses are held in Familles Rurales' premises at 1 rue de la Piscine (former swimming pool), 87500 St-Yrieix-laPerche. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, or Mark GRIEVES (English-speaking president) tel 06 76 64 89 94 will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Aubusson’s Network - International Apero Reseau We have changed our name to “Aubusson’s Network” and are now meeting at the cafe “ Les Balladins” opposite Aubusson’s Gare Routière car park. We continue to meet between 11.30 am and 1pm every Saturday.

You can contact us by phone, Catherine on 06 86 17 80 88 or email jan.senior@yahoo.co.uk We continue to meet to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers. We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages.

Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We are a friendly club based in Rochechouart and our aim is to promote good relations amongst the local French-speaking and English-speaking community. We offer courses of tuition in English and French as well as organising social and cultural events including visits to places of interest.

For further information please visit our website www.learningtogether.moonfruit.com, email us at learningtogether87@gmail.com or telephone our President Alan Bretman on 05 55 49 08 75. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Melting Pot We are a group of about 50 people who meet regularly to discuss and propose different ideas and activities with the aim of integrating more fully with the French community.

Our meetings are held at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac every Wednesday morning from 10h-12h, except on the first Wednesday of the month when we meet at 19h30.

Our meetings are varied and include curry evenings, quizzes, plant swops, table tennis, pétanque tournaments, BBQs and more.

Newcomers are very welcome. For more info visit: www. meltingpot-limousin.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) CLE is a not-for-profit organisation whose members form a valuable resource for the exchange of news, views, ideas and information. We lobby and work with key organisations to help protect our members' best interests, particularly when Government or other proposals threaten to impact the well-being of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year,

CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE Charente Plus

Kykers

Free confidential support for Englishspeaking people touched by cancer

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

Facebook : Cancer Support France - Charente-Plus plus social activities including coach trips, activity days and charity events. Our special interest groups include a Fishing Group, a Pudding Club and Gourmet Club which holds regular lunches at some of the region's better restaurants where we negotiate set menus a cut above the typical 'plat du jour' but still reasonably priced – all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Tel: Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 Libraries & Books Open Door Association – English Language Library & Cultural Exchange Group Based in the Old Mairie at Morterolles, commune of St. Pardoux-Morterolles, we have a selection of around 5,000 books, DVDs, etc. The library is open Mondays and Saturdays from 2-5 pm. Feel free to drop in and browse, borrow, chat or enjoy a free tea/coffee.

The association organises a variety of activities throughout the year including a number of visits to places of cultural significance. In 2017 these have included vineyards, sites of historic and artistic interest and sites of natural beauty. A wider programme is currently being planned for 2018.

We welcome new members of all nationalities. For further information, visit our website on www.opendoor23.com or contact the President, Peter Edmondson, on 06 47 54 20 09 or peter.edmondson2@orange.fr Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of secondhand books (both English and French) from 9am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac.

All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-sur-Briance and St-Méard RPI).

La Souterraine English Library and Information Centre Located in the historic Porte de Puy Charraud, at 10 rue de Portail, La Souterraine, we are a lively, well-stocked English language library with almost 10,000 books and media available to borrow. We have an attractive cafe which serves tea, coffee and a range of home-made cakes. There is also a regularly changing display of works by local artists and an interesting brocante area on the ground floor.

The Library offers classes in French for English speakers with a professional teacher and also organises Anglo-French conversation groups in association with the Municipal Library in La Souterraine. There are also a number of thriving special interest groups, such as the Gardening Group, Camera Club, Friendship Group, etc.

We also provide support & assistance in bureaucratic and administrative matters for both existing British residents as well as newcomers to the area. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most welcome.

We are open from 09.30 until 12.30, Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat. For more info tel 05 55 89 57 62 during opening hours or visit www.englishlibrary.fr The English Library, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 5 yrs, is situated in the Route des Rateries, beside the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee, whilst you browse through our collection of around 7,500 books, DVDs and talking books.

Our opening hours are Thursdays, 10h00 – 16h00 and Saturdays 10h00 – 12h30.

Also, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10h00 – 12h00, you are invited to join us for our Club Franglais, which welcomes people from all nationalities, to chat in French, English or any language you wish(!) whilst enjoying a cup of tea, and a piece of home-made cake.

We host a range of other activities too, including the Café Philo, and Club Scrabble.

More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www.ententecordiale-creuse.org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo.com Music “Le Jeudi Meta Blues” Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 4th Thursday of the month, from 19h30 to 22h at “La Petite Charrue” pub, Le Bournazeau, Château-Chervix (87).

All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around blues, folk and rock, in French AND in English, or who might like to jam a little, are welcome.

Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@

gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34.

Open Mic Night If you like music and have ever fancied getting up and having a go, why not come along to our Open Mic Night at “Le Loch Ness” in La Souterraine town centre every Friday around 8.30pm.

L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July.

Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52 The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin - whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making. We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray.

Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave.lee@cegetel.net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr Support

This lovely boy is called Kykers and sadly has been at the refuge for a very long six years.

He is 9 years old and since arriving at the refuge as a youngster with his brother, who was very quickly adopted, he has spent his whole life watching the dogs around him find their forever homes, with no one ever expressing an interest in him, just like a lot of the black dogs at the refuge.

What is unbelievable is that he is such a nice dog, quiet, obedient, intelligent and whilst it does take him a little time to get to know people, once he does he is very affectionate. He is now going white around the face but still has so much love to give and just wants nothing more than a warm place to lay his head and a garden to sit in and watch the world go by, with someone who loves him.

He is in good health, enjoys his walks and is okay with other dogs as long as they are not dominant. At Kykers' time of life a home with no young children is preferred.

Kykers is going to need a family with a lot of patience and kindness to help him adapt to any new surroundings, but in return, he will prove to be a very loyal and faithful friend.

If you think you can help Kykers then please contact the SPA de Creuse (Guéret), 21 Le Clocher 23000 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois, tel 05 55 81 99 31 (www.spa-creuse.com) or if you would like to speak to an English-speaking volunteer about Kykers or indeed any of our other lovely dogs at the refuge then please email Faye at faye.jones23600@gmail.com

Eric & Zappa - born June 2017

Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at Limoges, Périgueux and the recently opened meeting at Civray.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

For details of the meetings or other information contact Roger 05 55 76 22 65 (Limoges), Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 (Périgueux) or Angela 05 49 87 79 09 (Civray).

Other meetings in South-West France can be located on our web-site at www.aafrance.net English-speaking council surgery ...for residents of the commune of St-Léger-Magnazeix.

Every 2nd Weds in the month, an English-speaking council surgery with councillors Manuela Stroescu and Patrick Johnson will take place at the Mairie between 11am and 12pm.

L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne Charitable organisation offering English-speaking support and guidance to anyone dealing with the day-to-day difficulties affecting those with dementia, their families and their carers and assistance with how to access the best provisions of care.

English Helpline (available on Tuesday mornings between 10am and midday): 09 64 21 40 86.

For more information email alzheimer.dordogne@orange.fr or visit www.francealzheimer-dordogne.org Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Free confidential support for English-speaking people touched by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86. CSF 24 hour helpline: 06 45 35 32 30, Email csfcharenteplus@gmail. com, Facebook: Cancer Support France - Charente Plus Cancer Support Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87) and Creuse (23). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, helpline@vienne.org or visit www.cshautevienne.org

Although Eric and Zappa are not related, they may as well be as Zappa has decided to care for poor Eric who was found in a sorry state in a car park. One of his back legs was broken and the other was badly infected and was being being pecked at by crows. Fast forward two months and his broken leg has healed and X-rays show that there is no more infection in the other leg but, due to bone and muscle damage, the leg may always be weak. That doesn't stop Eric, though, he's a brave little man and enjoys playing with Zappa, the more adventurous of the two, and holds his own with all the other cats. Zappa, as well as being an adventurer, is a loving affectionate boy, always purring and loves to pretend he's a scarf draped around your neck and is particularly gentle around Eric.

Both these angels are vaccinated, chipped and have been treated for fleas and worms so, if you would like to meet them please contact foster carer Julie on 06 48 36 26 7 or email her at oldclockhouse@hotmail.com Both cats are in 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres.

www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

CHARITY SHOP NOW OPEN!!

Do please come in and visit us.

We are located at: 3 rue Nationale, 16150 Chabanais (entrance opposite the mairie, directly behind Petticoat Lane – we are on the first floor upstairs)

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

26 ♦ WHAT’S ON The Oradour-sur-Vayres annual Fundraiser for the Guide Dogs for The Blind was another resounding success on 16th of July this year.

This was our 7th Fundraiser and as always was strongly supported by volunteers, donors, supporters and visitors.

The day was sunny and the visitors arrived in a steady flow, browsing and buying and all heading purposely for the coffee and cakes, naturally!

The result of this year of work culminated in a really successful day making another very healthy profit for the Guide Dogs School in Landouge, Limoges.

The School has a new office manager and when I phoned he greeted me with surprising enthusiasm for someone I had never spoken to before. Apparently he had been apprized of our level of support for the School for which he effusively thanked us, and not just us but the whole expat community. He expressed how much they value and appreciate this effort and support, so I wanted to pass this on to everyone. And to thank you all from us also.

So, to the amount we are able to present to the Guide Dogs School this year: € 3 015.00, just beating the previous years.

Here's to 2018, let's see if we can beat it again!

Roger, Christine, Etoile and Leek

Piper Wanted The Association Open Door, based in St-Pardoux-Morterolles, is urgently looking for a piper for its first-ever Burns' Night on January 25th.

“We had a trial run last year at a private house with 14 guests – French, English and, of course, Scottish - and it was such a success that we decided to hold a larger one this year in the Salle Polyvalente at St-Pardoux,” explains President Peter Edmondson. “Genuine haggis, cock-aleekie soup, traditional Scottish desserts, Gaelic coffee and some good whisky were all appreciated even by French friends who weren't quite sure what to expect. But we had to make do with an iPad for the grand entrance of the “great chieftain o' the puddin race”.

“Someone who can play Flower of Scotland and one or two other melodies would just add the final touches to what, I'm sure, will be a great evening. We will have other music and a bit of traditional dancing and a very Scottish ambience but there's nothing to rival a kilted Scottish Piper for the real taste of Scotland.”

If you can help, or for more information, contact Peter on 06 47 54 20 09

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017

Sat 7th Oct to Sun 17th Dec ROCHECHOUART Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Gyan Panchal, Breaking the Orbe & The Air Vibrates with the Buzz of Insects.

The Air Vibrates with the Buzz of Insects borrows its title from a 1970 work by Pier Paolo Calzolari - L'aria vibra del ronzio degli insetti, a typically pared-down installation constructed from lead, light and frost. Beyond evoking material properties and physical states, the exhibition begins by highlighting attentiveness to ordinary things, to the most mundane of gestures and aspects of life. The themes then turn to testing borderlines, artifice and recycling and finally to a possible future archeology of the human race.

Rochechouart Museum is also happy to present a solo exhibition by the artist Gyan Panchal who has been given free rein to exploit the vast roof gallery at Rochechouart Castle with a selection of recent pieces made for and inspired by this space. Breaking the Orb marks a new direction in his work. Over the last decade he has carried out sculptural experiments involving processes often with petroleum-based synthetic polymers.

Today Gyan Panchal treads a path on the borderline between human and non-human, organic and inorganic, animate being and inanimate thing.

Inaugurated in 1985, the Rochechouart Museum of Contemporary Art currently houses a remarkable collection of 300 works by internationally renowned artists. Since its beginnings, the museum has thrived on the originality of showing contemporary art in a protected historic monument. Open every day except Tuesdays from 10h-12h30 & 13h30-18h. Entrance: €4.60 (free for Under 18s).

Fri 13th Oct to Sat 18th Nov AHUN Salon des artistes: Vous avez dit étrange ?

Exhibition by 20 local artists: painting, sculpture, photography.

Office de tourisme. Mon-Sat from 9h30-12h & 14h-18h.

Wed 1st Nov to Sat 23rd Dec BELLAC Pop-Up Christmas Shop Art and craft group "Inspirations", based in Droux, are opening a pop-up Christmas shop at 5, place Carnot, Bellac (opposite the media centre) from 10 am to 4 pm non-stop on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Exhibition and sales of artwork and lots of beautiful handmade items available to buy... Ideal gifts for friends and family!

For more info email inspirations.droux@gmail. com

Fri 3rd to Sun 5th Nov SAINT-JUNIEN 19th Gourmet Food and Wine Fair Organised by the Lions Club of St-Junien at the Salle des Congrès du Châtelard.

Friday 3rd November: 14h-20h Saturday 4th November: 9h30-19h Sunday 5th November: 10h-18h Sun 5th Nov BOUSSAC 4th edition: Puces des Couturières Haberdashery Fair: sewing, embroidery, lace, buttons, wool, fabrics, magazines and much more! This flea market is exclusively dedicated to previously owned items presented by over 40 exhibitors from all over France.

Salle polyvalente. 9h-18h. Free entry.

Refreshments available (provided by AIPB).

Sun 5th Nov SAINT-PRIEST-SOUS-AIXE Journée de la Châtaigne, du cidre et de l'artisanat Chestnut, cider and craft fair & vide-greniers.

All day. Free entry.

Sun 5th Nov SAINTE-FEYRE Fête de la pomme Annual Apple Fair & vide-greniers. All day.

The apple producers of the region invite you to come and taste local varieties of apple, watch demonstrations of old apple presses and nibble on such delights as boudins and apple crepes.

Fri 10th to Sun 12th Nov SARDENT 37ème Foire aux huîtres Sale of oysters and gourmet products. Centre culturel Claude Chabrol. 8h30-19h. Free entry.

Sat 11th Nov SAINT-GERVAIS Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue and Re-homing Singles Night From 8 pm, Gibson Bar, St. Gervais, 87600 Videix.

Home-made nibbles, gorgeous cake included in the entry fee of €7.

No speed dating, no forced introductions, just a gentle ice breaker and the chance to chat and meet new friends. Come and have fun!

Mon 13th to Sun 19th Nov Tous au resto 9th edition of this gastronomic event in Limou-

WHAT’S ON ♦ 27

NOVEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

sin during which participating restaurants offer a "buy one get one free" special menu highlighting regional produce.

A unique opportunity to discover and rediscover the restaurants local to you!

Visit tousauresto.fr for more information. Reservation necessary.

Sat 18th Nov MAGNAC-LAVAL Fete for the Guide Dogs for the Blind 10 am - 3 pm at L'escapade Restaurant.

Sale of clothes, books, CDs, DVDs, bric-a-brac and garden equipment.

Refreshments available all day.

All proceeds to the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Limoges.

Sun 19th Nov Xmas Fayre At the barn of Tina and Jane, 5 La Trigalle, 87360 Lussac-les-Eglises, from 14h to 17h.

Various stalls. Tombola and raffle. Mince pies and mulled wine. Great atmosphere. Please come along to support our three charities: Twilight Old Dogs Home, Noah's Ark and Cancer Support Haute-Vienne.

If anyone has anything suitable to donate for the tombola or raffle, or would like a stall, please contact Joan on 05 55 60 04 59.

Sun 19th Nov SAINT-LÉONARD-DE-NOBLAT Fête de la Quintaine The Fête de la Quintaine is an old tradition which honours Saint Leonard, founder of the city and the patron saint of prisoners. La Quintaine is a threefoot-high box painted to resemble a prison. After being blessed, it is carried in procession and then mounted on a pole on the place de la Libération. It is then struck and destroyed with mallets by riders on horseback. Spectators clamour for fragments of the smashed Quintaine as they are said to bring good luck and to make hens lay eggs.

In the evening the crowd, armed with torches, run through the town crying "Vivo la sen Lionar ! En dau po ! En dau lar !"

10h30 Blessing of the Quintaine during Mass; 14h45 Procession (departs place du Champ de Mars); 15h30 Quintaine tournament (place de la Libération); 18h

Torchlit procession, bonfire & mulled wine on the place de la République.

Contact tel: 05 55 56 25 06 Thu 23rd Nov BELLAC Théâtre du Cloître: LUMEN A play by the artists of the company Le Bruit du Frigo.

Théâtre du Cloître. 8 pm.

Lumen is a theatrical performance without text, and with surprising visual effects, making for a mysterious evening...

Tickets: Full price €17, Concessions (unemployed, students, families, groups of 10+) €12; Under 18s €4.

For more info visit www.theatre-du-cloitre.fr Sat 25th Nov SAINT-SILVAIN-BAS-LE-ROC Soirée Rock n' Beaujolais An evening of music, food and wine organised by The Lions Club de Boussac and AIPB. PressPlay, a favourite group of our area, will be playing throughout the evening. Charcuterie, fromage, and wine is available all for only €10 per person in the Salle des Fêtes de St-Silvain-Bas-le-Roc 23600, starting from 8 pm.

To reserve please contact either the Office de Tourisme in Boussac on 05 55 65 05 95, or tel Pascale on 06 25 25 37 02 before 22nd November.

Tue 28th Nov LIMOGES Limoges Opéra: La Fresque A dance performance by the choreographer, Angelin Preljocaj.

The Théâtre du Cloître is organising a bus to Limoges departing Bellac at 6:45 pm in front of the town hall of Bellac.

Inspired by a traditional Chinese tale, the choreographer Angelin Preljocaj transports the viewer into the universe of the marvellous and the supernatural. A mesmerising show.

Tickets: €28 (includes ticket to the show and bus to and from Bellac). * Limited places available. Book now!

For more information visit www.theatre-du-cloitre.fr Sat 2nd Dec PEYRAT-LE-CHÂTEAU Christmas Fair Hotel Le Bellerive. 10 am – 4 pm.

Decorations, gifts and English festive treats on sale!

Cafe-bar open all day, lunch served 12 pm - 1.30 pm.

For more info: 05 55 36 20 63 or bonjour@lebellerive.net

Sun 26th Nov BUSSIÈRE-DUNOISE Christmas Market & vide ta chambre

Sat 2nd to Sun 3rd Dec SAINTE-FEYRE Marché de Noël - Parc Animalier Les Loups de Chabrières Christmas market at the wolf park. Come and do a spot of Christmas shopping: crafts, regional produce...

Entertainment for the children. Free entry to the park.

From 10h.

Contact: Tel 05 55 81 23 23 - www.loups-chabrieres. com

Craft & local produce Christmas market organised by the association Canailles et Canailloux.

Salle des fêtes. 10h-18h. Free entry.

Cost for exhibiting/selling is only 2 euro per metre.

Reservations required.

For more info email nadegehem@hotmail.com or tel 09 81 60 38 71 or 06 20 56 61 53.

Thu 7th to Sat 9th Dec LA SOUTERRAINE CastawaysDrama: Crossed Wireless It should be a quiet day in Broadcasting House for BBC Drama Producer Sebastian, almost routine, in fact.

An ordinary day when experienced professionals both behind and in front of the microphone - come together to craft a shining example of radio drama, a credit to the business!

However, a lack of trains from Wales, a sticky encounter with a milk float, an Irish air conditioning unit belching smoke and a bit of politics all conspire to ensure that the day doesn't go entirely to plan.

Will it be a complete shambles, or can Sebastian snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? It would be really cruel of you to laugh at other's misfortunes.... you wouldn't do that, would you?

“Crossed Wireless”, written and directed by Paul Freeman, is a light comedy for a dark winter's day.

Thursday 7th, Friday 8th, Saturday 9th December – 19:30. Matinée: Saturday 9th December – 14:30.

Venue: L'Ancienne Mairie, place Dr Emile Parrain 23300 La Souterraine.

Tickets only 10 euros! For more information visit www.castawaysdrama.org and to reserve tickets email tickets@castawaysdrama.org or call Steve on 07 69 00 28 01.

The Bugle Film Club Thursday 9th November

presents (in English)

Written and directed by Paul Freeman

What? TBC (but it will be in English) Subscribe to our distribution list (see below) for details of November's film Where? Cinéma Sénéchal, 1 rue du Sénéchal, 23000 Guéret When? 19h00, Thursday 9th November How much? JUST €4

(mention The Bugle when purchasing your ticket) For details of the Cinéma Sénéchal, visit www.cinema-senechal.com Details of each month's screening will be included in The Bugle, but to receive emails about upcoming Film Club nights, please send an email to editor@thebugle.eu quoting “Film Club” in the subject line, and we will add you to our contact list.

(We promise not to send you any spam!!)

cartoon by Andy Cannons at andysaracannons@gmail.com

Thursday 7th, Friday 8th, Saturday 9th December – 19:30 Matinée: Saturday 9th December – 14:30 ONLY 10 EUROS! L'Ancienne Mairie, pl. Dr Emile Parrain, 23300 La Souterraine www.castawaysdrama.org TICKETS FROM: tickets@castawaysdrama.org OR call Steve on 07 69 00 28 01

28 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2017