Asterix series unveils its first heroine The highly anticipated 38th instalment of the hugely popular comic book features its first ever female lead character
>> Page 10
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Carte de séjour website goes live The French government's Englishlanguage website for carte de séjour applications has gone live... but nothing will be processed until Britain leaves the EU.
European Union. British residents in France can now apply online for a third country carte de séjour via the new website - which is available entirely in English - but the French authorities were quick to stress that there is no rush to get your application in, even though the document will become compulsory once Britain leaves the EU. All supporting documentation can be uploaded electronically as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Since the launch, it has become apparent that applications being made will only be processed in the event that Britain leaves the EU, although this is not expressly stated on the website. This is because the third country carte de séjour
>> continued on page 5
British bowls club finds a home - pg 3
Sir Antony Gormley plans Brittany Brexit statues - pg 4
Paris 2024 Olympic logo unveiled - pg 4
Bilingual article... Guy Fawkes - pg 13
Antony Gormley (c) Roland Tarr
T
he much anticipated F r e n c h government website for carte de séjour applications came online in October to a largely positive response from expats. Although many were expecting the website to go live at the end of the month - to coincide with the date of a potential no-deal Brexit online applications in fact opened several weeks early, taking many by surprise. Under current rules, there is no legal obligation for British nationals to obtain a residency permit because, as EU citizens, they are perfectly entitled to be a permanent resident without having to obtain an official permit. One will become compulsory, however, once Britain is no longer in the
INSIDE > > >
The Bugle Business Directory - pg 15-18
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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
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Welcome to
The Bugle
A
s they love to say in Game of Thrones: winter is coming! I seem to remember last year there was quite a long, balmy Indian summer that stretched almost into November, which always makes winter a bit easier to bear. This year is very different. I'm struggling to recall the last really warm day and the stock of fire wood I had gathered for winter has already taken a bit of a hit! The mid-term forecast is not looking great either, so I suspect this might be a long winter. That probably isn't a bad thing as it has been a dry, hot year, so a long, wet winter will do the world of good for the land. At the end of the day, everything is relative and it always surprises me how quickly you acclimatise to the colder weather. After a long, hot summer, a slightly cloudy day with highs of 15 has me lighting the fire and pulling on an extra sweater, but come February or March when we have our first partially sunny day with highs of 15, I will be digging out my shorts and turning my mind towards barbecue coals. The transition from autumn to winter this year is a significant one for me as it marks 10 years since I nervously printed the first edition of The Bugle, without a clue what the future would hold for me and my
fledgling family. A lot has happened over the last decade: numerous births, a bunch of weddings and sadly a few funerals, but the one constant for me personally has been the monthly build-up to print day. It's not always been easy - in fact it has often been hard - but one way or another this newspaper has hit the stands every month since November 2009... we have never missed an edition! Despite an interminable global economic crisis and the Brexit uncertainty that has hung like a cloud over British expats in recent years, we have “kept calm and carried on” and it is a huge source of pride that so many of my advertisers have been with me for almost all of the last decade. Brexit will play itself out - in one form, or another, or not at all - and we will still be here keeping you up to date with local and national news and putting expats in touch with reliable local businesses. We have some big plans for the future, but our core values will never change and here's to another 10 years!!! On the plus side, my hair can't get any greyer, although I suspect that after another 10 years of print deadlines my bald pate would render the matter moot. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years - too numerous to mention here - and also to all the readers,
whether you've been with us from the start or this is your first edition. If you have enjoyed the news carried on these pages or found the information in them useful, all I would ask is that you mention The Bugle when contacting advertisers. Letting them know you found them here keeps the whole thing moving! Anniversaries aside, there is another reason for me to be excited as I write this. I have always been a huge sports fan and given the chance will watch almost anything that involves people or teams competing. In my younger days before responsibilities came along and ruined so much of my fun! there was no sport too minority for me to enjoy. I was the subject of ridicule at university when I arrived at lectures bleary-eyed one day, not because I had been out on the town, but because I had stayed up until all night watching live curling from the Nagano Olympics! And that was four years before Rhona Martin made the sport famous in the UK by winning gold at Salt Lake City. One of the best days of my life came in 2003 when Sir Jonny stepped inside and dropped England to World Cup glory off his wrong foot. I know the party line is wife, wedding, births, etc., but come on, I wasn't born in 1966 so for me that is a tough one to beat!! Back then, the build-up to a big game would last all week. Reading the articles, going back over old matches, debating team selections with friends... by the time the game started you were already as excited as it was possible to be. I still love sport and as I write this, England are only a few days away from potentially repeating that feat, but it is different now. I often end up watching recordings of big games in the early hours once the kids are in bed and the result
has been all over the news. That, or furtively looking at my phone for live text updates as the action unfolds elsewhere in the world. So I don't currently know how I will follow the Rugby World Cup final as I will almost certainly be out delivering this paper across the region - how's that for commitment!! I will probably listen on the radio, screaming maniacally at no one in particular and comforting myself with the knowledge that I am currently at the opposite extreme of my sporting life, but that the pendulum is surely due to swing back the other way! If England are in the final in another 16 years, the kids will be grown up, my wife will presumably - and understandably - be sick of the sight of me and I will finally have finished that man cave down the garden. You will find me surrounded by piles of sports magazines, with a fibre cable plugged into an ultra high-def flatscreen, rewatching the 2019 final and looking forward to future glories!! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor
Tel: 07 68 76 39 99
siret: 484 768 700 00029
C H ÂT E AU L E S T E V É N I E
CONTACT us Tel: 06 04 17 80 93 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales24@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions24@thebugle.eu
INSIDE this edition 3-11 French News 12 French Life 13 Bilingual 14 Practical 15-18 Directory 19 Community 19-20 What’s On
Copy deadline:
15th November for December’s print edition
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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 3
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
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A
ncient Egyptians invented it, Sir Francis Drake enjoyed it, Henry VIII taxed it, George Washington played it. The game of flat green bowls has a fabulous history and in the Dordogne it has just found itself a new, permanent home after years of wandering in the department. The Périgord Lawn Bowls Club was founded in 2006 on a green at La Charrue, VieuxMareuil, which remained its home until 2017. The club’s next lodgings were at The Royal Oak in nearby Mareuil, but last month work began on a new home which the club hopes will be their last. Thanks in no small part to the vision and generosity of the commune of Saint-Martial-de-Valette, near Nontron, the club will have its very own green. On a wet Tuesday morning in October, the mayor of St Martial, alongside members of the club armed with picks and shovels, cut the first sod for the new green, although much of the heavy lifting was subsequently done with a huge digger! The club had already been made welcome by the village and have played off-season games of short-mat bowls in the salle des fêtes. Long-standing member Sue Carr wondered if the club could become a proper, legal community association and not have to
depend on third party businesses. She talked to Alain Lagorce, mayor of St Martial who in turn spoke to Nontron’s mayor, Pascal Bourdeau and St Martial cantonnier, Gérard Baylet. Before long, Sue’s idea had evolved into a grant of land near both St Martial salle des fêtes and the Nontron sports complex. Club President David Preston told The Bugle: “We are delighted to be able to do this and we are so grateful to the two mayors, and Gérard who made it possible. The club is lucky to have a lot of technical expertise among its members to help plan this facility and make it a reality and a resounding success.” Under the guidance of project manager Richard Marshall, the site was dug out that morning for drainage into the Bandiat along with a membrane and deep ballast to make a quality green in preparation for next season. Future plans include a clubhouse/pavilion, but until then the club has the use of the salle des fêtes for social and fundraising events, which began on Hallowe’en. Hervé Lecointe, club liaison officer explained what attracted him to the club: “The game is more technical than pétanque, it takes more thought and dexterity, a really satisfying challenge. I love this game and this club. You don’t need to be an athlete, or super-strong
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Nice terraced house in a small village on a plot of 271 m² The house needs modernization. Above the garage, there is an additional room with an attic that can be made habitable, giving the possibility of creating more living space.
House on a plot of 1,936 m². A beautifully renovated house, very well maintained and immediately habitable. Very spacious garden with vegetable garden and fruit trees, fully fenced. New roof, new window frames and doors. No major cost in the years to come.
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Credit: Brian Hinchcliffe
British bowls club finds home of its own
to play well and it’s a very social game. This club is very welcoming. We already have six French members and we are working at attracting more.” The club offers fun, friends and gentle exer-
cise in a warm social setting. At just €20 subs per year, why not give it a try! Tempted? Talk to David Preston on 05 55 78 59 94. ■ Brian Hinchcliffe
4 ♦ FRENCH NEWS
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
Brexit statues planned Logo for Paris Olympics unveiled in northern France
T
W
ith France due to welcome the 2024 Olympics, the host nation recently unveiled its official logo and, as has become routine in recent decades, it instantly led to a slew of mockery online. The design depicts the Olympic flame, a gold medal, and the hair and lips of Marianne the personification of the French Republic since the 1789 Revolution. Unfortunately, it also bears somewhat of a resemblance to the logo of the dating app Tinder, a fact that was not lost on social media users. Others believed that it would be more at home on a bottle L'Oréal shampoo, or that it bore a surprising likeness to Nessa Jenkins, the character played by Ruth Jones in the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey. “It is made up of three symbols, at once simple and powerful: the gold medal, symbol of sport; the flame, icon of the Olympic and Paralympic movement; and Marianne, image of France,” the organisers said in a statement. “These symbols reveal a face that embodies our ambition to put people at the heart of the Games.” The Art Deco styling is also believed to be a nod to 1924, the last time Paris hosted the games. “The combination of the gold medal, the Olympic flame and Marianne brings together the values, history and French touch that will make these Olympic Games truly special,” Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant,
chair of the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission, said of the new design. “I believe that this innovative design will be quickly recognised around the world and be a wonderful calling card for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.” Others rolled their metaphorically online eyes at the latest repetition of the too-coolfor-school Parisian cliché. “The French Olympic logo tumbles out of bed on a Parisian morning,” tweeted Paris-based journalist Megan Clement. “She tousles her messy bob, dons Breton stripes and ballet flats and whisks down the stairs from her fifth-floor apartment to grab a baguette before enigmatically texting two men who are pursuing her romantically.” ■
he Angel of the North has become a symbol of the northeast of England, but Sir Antony Gormley's most recent project has a distinctly French feel, albeit with overtones of Brexit Britain. The celebrated artist is planning a series of sculptures that will sit in northern France, looking north towards Great Britain. The seven huge structures will be made from iron slabs and will eventually be installed on the coast of Brittany, gazing north across the Channel. “I am very excited about this,” Gormley said in an interview for the arts podcast These Three. “After all, how do you understand yourself other than by your relations with your nearest neighbours?” The project has yet to win final approval from the French authorities but President Emmanuel Macron is believed to be supportive. According to the artist, the installation is designed as a response to a vast neolithic grave site nearby at Barnenez, as well as being a gesture of farewell to Britain after Brexit. Gormley has described Brexit as “a stupid moment of collective fibrillation” and argues that separating from the rest of Europe will be damaging and false. “We belong to Europe, geologically as much as anything else. We were only separated five thousand years ago. The whole idea that somehow we can go it alone by making greater relationships with the former
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The sculptures will likely resemble the artist's previous coastal statues
Commonwealth and with our friends and cousins in America is just ridiculous,” he said on the podcast. Gormley was first invited to France by the president of the Centre for National Monuments, Philippe Bélaval, and the visit they made together to Brittany inspired his latest artistic venture. In 2017, Bélaval tweeted enthusiastically about meeting Gormley to develop a secret grand project. The planned site for the new work is an archipelago of small islands that jut into the Baie de Morlaix in Finistère. The first sculpture will stand on the beach, the second on a promontory and the third on the first island, about three hundred metres out to sea. The entire project would reach out more than seven kilometres into the Channel ■
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Online residency permit applications open >> continued from pg 1 cards now being issued online are for non-EU nationals living in France. “We can’t issue a third country carte de séjour in the name of someone from a country which is still in the EU, so nothing will be done before that,” explained a spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry when questioned. Other types of residency permit or proof of identification are currently available to British nationals, but these are not compulsory and would need to be exchanged for a third country carte de séjour once Britain leaves the EU, so applying in advance via the online service is now the most sensible course of action for most British nationals living in France. A previous government decree made in April this year stated that any EU citizens who already have a 10-year carte de séjour – séjour permanent, will be able to simply swap this for a third country carte de séjour with minimal additional documentation; there is an option to do this on the new website. The bilingual online service is part of the French government’s comprehensive plans for a no-deal Brexit, but with the Hallowe’en deadline now extended, Britain will probably not leave the EU until the end of January 2020 at the earliest. If a withdrawal agreement is
reached between Britain and the EU before the end of January, then there will be no need to obtain a third party carte de séjour until the end of any agreed transition period. This is currently set at the end of 2020, but is very likely to be extended further if an exit deal is signed. Furthermore, the French government has previously stated that there would be a one-year grace period in the event of no deal to allow British residents to acquire a residency permit, although you must have proof that you have submitted an application within six months of any exit. Once an application has been made, and in the event that Britain does finally leave the EU, dossiers will then be forwarded to each individual’s local prefecture, who will then arrange an appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs and pay the €119 fee (reduced from €269 for the same cards for other non-EU citizens). The final carte de séjour will then be posted to the applicant’s registered French address. It is not currently clear what will happen to the information contained in applications if Britain remains in the EU or if a deal is struck making residency permits redundant.■
https://brexit.gouv.fr
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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 5
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
Lost masterpiece fetches €24 million at auction
As reported in October's edition of The Bugle, a long-lost Renaissance masterpiece was recently found hanging over an elderly woman's stove in a kitchen in France. The owner believed it was a simple piece of religious iconography, but experts quickly concluded that it was in fact part of a series of paintings from the late 13th century by the Florentine artist Cimabue. The painting was shown to be “Christ Mocked”, dating from 1280 and part of a polyptych - a larger work of painted scenes divided into several panels - depicting Christ's passion and crucifixion. Two other scenes from the work hang in the National Gallery in London - “The Virgin and Child with Two Angels” - and the Frick Collection in New York - “The Flagellation of Christ”. In October, the tiny artwork - measuring just 20 cm by 26 cm - went to auction in Paris, with experts believing it could fetch as much as €6 million. When the hammer finally fell, the winning bid was a massive €24 million, far exceeding expectations and a new world record for a medieval painting sold at auction. The buyer was an anonymous bidder from northern France. “When a unique work of a painter as rare as Cimabue comes to market, you have to be ready for surprises!” said auctioneer Dominique Le Coent. ■
6 ♦ FRENCH NEWS
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
36-38 rue du Temple, 24500 EYMET Tel: 05 53 27 83 45 Email: info@agence-eleonor.com Web: www.agence-eleonor.com Offices in: Eymet, Villeréal, St. Cyprien, Monpazier, Bergerac, Lalinde, Lauzun, Issigeac and Ste. Foy-la-Grande
Ref: 8315-EY €294,250 HAI DPE: Vierge
Ref: 7563-IS €577,500 HAI DPE: E
Ref: 8092-MO €130,800 HAI DPE: Vierge
Breathtaking views, reaching as far as the Pyrenees mountains, make this three-bedroom village house absolutely unique. Building plot with outline permission for two houses should you wish to develop it.
Ideally situated just a short walk from the medieval village of Issigeac, this charming property comprises 2 houses, both with 3 bedrooms. Barn, stabling, old pigsty a swimming-pool on 10+ acres of land.
Stone house comprising 2 spacious reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 shower-rooms, car port, woodshed and a large cellar on approximately 1 acre of land with above ground swimming-pool, in a peaceful setting.
Taux d’honoraires 19,250€ (7%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 27,500€ (5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 10,800€ (9%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Ref: 7967-MO €247,250 HAI DPE: Vierge
Ref: 8159-VI
€283,550 HAI DPE: C
Ref: 8304-EY €356,775 HAI DPE: Vierge
Stone house with heated swimming pool in a small hamlet: living/ dining room with open kitchen, 3 bedrooms, large bathroom with shower, separate wc and 2 terraces. Double glazed and new heat pump.
This stone house comprises 2 spacious reception rooms & 5 bedrooms. On approximately 1 acre of land with above ground swimming-pool, car port, woodshed and a large cellar. In a peaceful setting.
Fabulous 4-bedroom stone longère requiring some updating. Set in a peaceful setting on a lovely garden of just over two acres with mature trees. Separate building plot with outline permission for two houses.
Taux d’honoraires 17,250€ (7.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 18,550€ (7%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 21,775€ (6.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
www.agence-eleonor.com At Agence Eleonor Estate Agency we are an independently owned business with an experienced team of property specialists based in the South-west of France. Whether you want to buy or sell, ranging from a ruin to a chateau, contact us or call in to one of our offices for friendly and professional advice.
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19 rue des Déportés, 24150 LALINDE
Ref: 7002-BGC €228,400 HAI
Ref: 8057-BGC €236,500 HAI
Ref: 8207-LA €351,450 HAI
Beautiful stone cottage minutes from charming village and close to Bergerac. Living room with exposed stone, beams and terra-cotta floor, lounge, en-suite bedroom ground floor and 2 upstairs bedrooms. DPE: E
Four bedroom house in a quiet residential area near the Pombonne Lake, Bergerac. Double glazing throughout. Attached garage. Ideal family house near lake and footpaths, close to town centre. DPE: D
Old stone house dating the 17th century. Lots of character & original features. 260 m² 4/5 bedrooms plus workshop, cellar and garage. Very well maintained garden 3 a, with a wooded area. Pool 5x10. DPE: C
To renovate. Old hotel in village centre overlooking the river Dordogne. 2 large lounges, with fireplaces. 1 bedroom studio. Parking and two terraces. Would make lovely B&B. DPE: Vierge
Taux d’honoraires 15,900€ (7.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 16,500€ (7.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 21,450€ (6.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 12,800€ (8%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Ref: 7814-BGC €241,875 HAI
Ref: 7348-BGC €595,000 HAI
Ref: 8220-LA €172,800 HAI
Ref: 8190-LA €236,500 HAI
Ref: 8154-LA €194,400 HAI
Renovated 4-bedroom stone house with swimming pool in a countryside village, 20 minutes from Bergerac centre. Spacious lounge of 60m2, large fitted kitchen, sun terrace and pool. DPE: D
16th century country house with an attached cottage and swimming pool on an enclosed land of 3.75 acres. Summer kitchen and terrasse. Minutes from the village and just 20 minutes from Bergerac. DPE: D
1950’s property that has been extended offering 5 bedrooms and a games room, all on an enclosed garden with fruit trees of 2,334 m². Double glazed, central heating and fireplace. DPE: D
2 km from centre of Lalinde. Bungalow, with living room, open plan fitted kitchen, 4 bedrooms, bathroom/shower,wc. Garage/ carport. Established garden of 2,997 m² with swimming pool. DPE: F
Taux d’honoraires 16,875 (7,5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 28 350€ (6%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 16,500€ (7.5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
Taux d’honoraires 14,400€ (8%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur
FRENCH NEWS ♦ 7
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
Mother in 'baby in the boot' trial jailed
© Georges Gobet/Archives
YSL launch designer condoms
I
t was a case that shocked the country and now the mother who kept her baby hidden in the boot of her car is in jail, after an appeal court in Limoges handed down a five-year sentence for negligence causing mental disability. The mother was originally sentenced to five years in prison, with three suspended, at a trial in Tulle late last year, but had appealed that ruling. Prosecutors also appealed the verdict, however, and were demanding at least 10 years at the appeal. Rosa-Maria Da Cruz moved her daughter, Séréna, between the boot of a Peugeot 307 and an unused room in her house for two years after her birth in 2011, until she was finally discovered by a mechanic in 2013. Now aged 7, Séréna has a disability and autistic traits which experts say were caused by sensory deprivation in her early years. Da Cruz, a mother of four, is said to have hidden the pregnancy and birth from her partner and three older children who apparently knew nothing of the child. A mechanic discovered the infant in the filthy boot of the mother’s car when she took it to be repaired at a garage in Terrasson-Lavilledieu on the Dordogne-Corrèze border. Hearing a noise, he opened the trunk to discover the baby in a car seat, naked, filthy, dehydrated and surrounded by maggots and excrement. The tragic case is made all the more perplexing by the fact that Da Cruz was apparently the perfect mother to her other three children. A paediatrician who examined Séréna and her siblings after the discovery said her team had been “stupefied” by “the gulf between Séréna’s situation and those of her brothers and sisters”, who appeared to have been “perfectly raised”. “You could see she had been a good mother, and we could not understand why Séréna had not received the same quality of care at home,” the doctor said. After initially being taken into care, her remaining three children were returned, and have continued to live with Da Cruz and her husband at the family home. Da Cruz’s sister and nieces also said they had no idea of Séréna’s existence, and said she was a “loving” mother to the other children. “Inside I think she is suffering. She knows what she has done,” her niece Elodie told the court. ■
If there was one thing in the world that probably didn't need a design overhaul, it is the condom. But design house Yves Saint Laurent have branched into the prophylactic market after it unveiled a range of upmarket designer condoms as part of its recent “The Love Affair” fashion campaign. The luxury French retailer is offering a range of condoms for €2 a pop on its website and it hasn’t gone unnoticed on social media. One fashion enthusiast who spotted them online tweeted: “Why am I so tempted to buy these YSL condoms when I’m not even going to use them, I just want to collect them for the sake of fashion!” Others pointed out the potential disappointment for many women: “Just imagine your man saying he'd bought you something from YSL and then pulling one of these out!” The condoms come in six distinct foils; black and gold, shiny black, black and white checks, a leopard print, a zebra print, and black with a heart pattern, each stamped with the house’s logo. ■
Record unpaid tax recovery
Thanks in large part to the €945 million settlement with Google over a longrunning tax fraud case, the French government has recovered a record €5.6 billion in unpaid taxes so far this year, a 40% increase on the amount recovered in the same period in 2018. According to the largest union representing the country's tax authorities, tax evasion costs the government as much as €100 billion per year. While recent innovations, such as automated processing and cross-referencing of taxpayer data, have reduced the amount of unpaid tax, the government is stepping up the fight. Despite concerns from the civil liberties watchdog, the draft finance bill for 2020 includes provision for authorising the State to collect information on individuals from social networks such as Facebook or Twitter, and online sales sites such as Le Bon Coin. The Ministry of Finance has promised that “public data collected will be destroyed within 30 days if it is not likely to contribute to the identification of serious breaches or within one year if they have not given rise to the opening of any tax, customs or criminal proceedings”. ■
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Brit-inspired charity shop in the Dordogne has just made its first donations to local charities. Set up just a year ago, the Association Le Coin Solidaire proudly presented its first 12 months’ profits to local charities on 19 October. The idea came from Sheila Pickering, who owned an unused retail unit in La Coquille. Talking to local people she realised that something along the lines of an Oxfam shop would be an asset to this small north Dordogne town. An association was established with Sheila as its first president, Denis Fittes, a retired local French accountant as treasurer and a host of British, French and Dutch volunteers. After only 12 months Le Coin Solidaire on the RN21 pilgrim route, in the middle of La Coquille high street was able to help four different organisations to the tune of just under €5,000: La Ligue contre le Cancer; Chiens Guides (guide dogs for the blind); the children’s hospital charity, Corentin; and classroom improvements at the primary school of La Coquille. The cheques were presented in the craft shop and cosy tea room next door, run by Denis Bodaart, watched by volunteers, charity workers, beneficiaries and two special guest Labrador guide
dogs! Beneficiaries explained how the donations would be used, followed by a vote of thanks and a treat of teas and cake provided by Denis. On behalf of the Association members Sheila Pickering thanked the volunteers and shop donors for their help and support, adding: “Nobody likes to throw out perfectly good items just because they are no longer needed. It is better to pass them on. Giving is a two-way street. It is fulfilling to be able to help out good, local causes. We all appreciate this feelgood factor. The shop’s customers get good quality items right here in La Coquille, saving time and money, and that is important if you are having to watch your centimes, so we are very grateful to our donors. But there has been an even richer dividend for us participants. Over the past 12 months we have become close friends, like a family, coming together for something bigger than any single one of us. That’s been especially heart-warming.” For the Ligue contre le Cancer the timing of the donation timing was ideal, coming in the middle of the Ligue’s annual October campaign. The Association management committee is already planning its donations for 2020, sharply focussed on small, local
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Dordogne charities. Supporting guide dogs will again be a likely target; as in the UK, guide dogs in France are entirely financed by the organisation. Blind owners have nothing to pay for training and upkeep, and over its lifetime a dog typically costs up to €25,000.
Corentin is typical of the type of organisations the association will aim to help. Based in Thiviers, this small charity brings direct, practical help to hospitalised child cardiac patients and their families. ■ Brian Hinchcliffe
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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 9
10 ♦ FRENCH NEWS
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
terix,” Conrad explained. “Most of the time they are young, attractive women who seduce Obelix and their role stops there.” In the latest edition, Asterix and Obelix must protect Adrenaline, who is being hunted down by the Romans who have captured her father. This proves difficult for these two heroes, however, as her rebellious spirit disturbs the village’s day-to-day life and the pair must deal with the age gap between them and the young chieftain’s daughter. “In terms of the vocabulary it was quite amusing because I had to create a sort of teenage language for the time. We don’t have a lot of documentation about that. So the idea was to use certain expressions like teenagers do,” said scriptwriter Ferri. The latest addition to the cast has been met with approval by Anne Goscinny, Rene Goscinny's daughter, who said: “I think that Adrenaline is certainly in the spirit of the times, but above all, she is in harmony with the spirit of the work, with the humour and with the adventures of Asterix in general. It is a character that my father could well have created.” As is traditionally the case, the story is largely based on real events and history magic power potions aside. King Vercingetorix united the Gauls in a revolt against
Tougher laws for abandoning pets
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he country's minister for agriculture, Didier Guillaume, has indicated that the government will be cracking down on pet owners who abandon their animals. According to the animal welfare charity, la Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, France holds the unenviable position as the worst offender in Europe with as many as 100,000 pets and animals abandoned each year, the vast majority during the summer, as people go on holiday. Asked during an interview with BFMTV whether “people who abandon an animal should be punished by law”, the minister replied “Yes. They should be. On the motorway, when they go on holiday. We don’t get a pet to have fun, and then when we go on holiday, abandon it. All the people that I meet who love their animals, would not abandon them. They treat them well. I don’t want to stigmatise the huge majority of people who have pets who treat them well and love them. I have always had a dog at home, and it’s always been fine.” Mr Guillaume did, however, admit that “it isn’t my job to make this law” and gave no indication that a specific law would be enacted in the near future. In June of this year, a group of 240 MPs announced that they would be submitting a proposal for a new law that would “end wide-scale abandonments”. In France, abandoning an animal is already illegal and considered an act of cruelty, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to €30,000. It is difficult to catch people in the act, however, so the existing law has historically been hard to enforce. ■
Julius Caesar's forces and as Ferri explains, “turned history upside down - History with a capital H”. Vercingetorix defeated Caesar’s forces in the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC, but after losing the later Battle of Alesia he was captured by the Romans, paraded through the streets and then executed. “Adrenaline provided a conduit to talk about her father by talking about his daughter. That led to an interesting theme which is adolescence, which hadn't been talked about much in previous
books,” Ferri said. Asterix’s 38th adventure has been printed in 5 million copies, 2 million of which are destined for the French market. The Asterix books have become a mainstay in the publishing industry, with more than 370 million copies sold worldwide. As well as being translated into more than 100 languages, the books have inspired a dozen movies and cartoon series, making them a global phenomenon. ■
British delegate visits the Dordogne for Brexit meeting
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British ambassador came to the Dordogne on 10th October to answer British residents’ questions on Brexit. The event was followed by France 3 TV and the BFMTV news channel, who filmed interviews with attendees and protesters. Introduced by Roger Haigh, President of The Franco British Network, Matthew Lodge, Minister at the British Embassy in Paris and Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to UNESCO, spoke to an audience of the 100-or-so British expats who had obtained tickets. Mme Christine Douarinou, Directrice de la Citoyenneté et de la Légalité at the Dordogne Prefecture, was on hand to explain the French government’s current response to Brexit and its position on the future of the
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many thousands of British nationals living in the Dordogne. Mr Lodge began by stressing that politics was to play no part in the meeting, which was aimed directly at the practical considerations for UK nationals. It was unsurprising that he was unable to supply any information about the likely outcome, as negotiations were still ongoing as he spoke, but contingencies for both deal and nodeal situations were covered. The main concerns among the audience were residency permits and health insurance. Mr Lodge and Mme Douarinou were able to confirm that residency permits would not be required before Britain left the EU and authorities would not begin processing applications until there was more certainty surrounding Brexit and also announced the simplified online application site, which some audience members had already used. (See the front page for more details on the new online application process.) Holders of British S1 certificates were advised to take the precaution of getting a fresh S1 from the DWP phone service (0044 (0)3456 088 545) or (0044 (0)8009 172 222) to ensure health cover continuity, plus
Credit: Brian Hinchcliffe
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he latest Asterix book has gone on sale in France with the usual mix of anticipation and fanfare. The 38th instalment of the famous comic book series - “Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter” - marks a departure for the series, featuring a female heroine for the first time in its 60-year history. In a move to update the books, which have been entertaining readers since 1959 and spawned multiple movie spinoffs, the new edition revolves around a character called Adrenaline, the teenage daughter of the celebrated Gaulish king Vercingetorix. With her long, red braided hair, black trousers, gold headphones and grumpy teenage disposition, Adrenaline keeps the indomitable pint-sized Gaul and his oversized sidekick Obelix on their toes as they chase after her to ensure her safety as she explores adolescent rebellion. Goscinny, who died in 1977, created the Asterix series with Albert Uderzo, who is now 92 and stopped illustrating the books back in 2013. The last three editions of Asterix have been written by Jean-Yves Ferri and drawn by Didier Conrad, but have remained faithful to the original format. “We didn’t want to develop a character who would be based on her seductive side as we usually do with female characters in As-
Editions Albert René/ Goscinny-Uderzo
New Asterix features first female heroine
The visit generated modest protests their freedom of movement, an up-to-date Attestation de there’s no knowing where droits à l’Assurance Malathat might lead. Whatever die; for most people, this is the outcome, any Brexit will issued by the CPAM. It is be negative. I ask myself also important to check that what’s it really for?” passports have 6 months or Another attendee, Dr Bob more validity. More details Davies, who has a holiday are found on: https://www. home near Nontron, spoke gov.uk/brexit about his range of worries, The plenary session reespecially that UK social vealed, as Mr Lodge had and medical volunteers in predicted, that everyone’s refugee welfare may be presituation is unique and vented by residence regulascores of UK nationals asked tions from doing their work. the platform about particular “The country needs to pause, issues resulting from both step back and think this flavours of Brexit. business out in the fine de Sue Hutchins from Boltail where not just statistics, ton, a municipal councillor but people’s lives, are in the living near Neuvic who has balance. Even if it means relived in France for 19 years, thinking the whole affair.” ■ told The Bugle: “I fear for Brian Hinchcliffe future generations losing
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cess, scientists conceded that the suit was an experimental treatment and has a long way to go before it can be used more widely, but said that the system did have the potential to improve patients’ quality of life and autonomy. Professor Alim Louis Benabid, a leading neurosurgeon at the University of Grenoble, described the exoskeleton as the first “semiinvasive wireless brain-computer system” designed for long-term use to activate all four limbs. “Previous brain-computer studies have used more invasive recording devices implanted beneath the outermost membrane of the brain, where they eventually stop working,” he said. “They have also been connected to wires, limited to creating movement in just one limb or have focused on restoring movement to patients’ own muscles.” It took Thibault two years to learn how to use the exoskeleton, using a video game avatar system to acquire the skills needed to operate the system with his thoughts, as well as relearning natural movements from scratch. “I can’t go home tomorrow in my exoskeleton but I’ve got to a point where I can walk. I walk when I want and I stop
French man has been able to move all four of his paralysed limbs using a groundbreaking mind-controlled exoskeleton. The robotic system allowed the man to take several steps and raise a glass of water to his mouth using revolutionary brain implants following a lengthy trial in Grenoble. The 28-year-old former optician, originally from Lyon and known only to the media as Thibault, was left paralysed from the shoulders down following a 12-metre fall from the balcony of a nightclub in 2015. During the trial, he had surgery to place two implants over the parts of his brain that control movement. Each implant contains sixtyfour electrodes which read his brain activity and transfer the instructions to a computer. Software then processes the brainwaves and turns them into movements in the joints of the exoskeleton. “It was like being the first man on the moon,” Thibault said after taking his first steps in four years. “I haven't walked for four years. I forgot what it is like to stand, I forgot I was taller than a lot of people in the room.” Although delighted by the suc-
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Paralysed man walks using robotic exoskeleton
when I want,” he said. In tasks where Thibault had to touch specific targets by using the exoskeleton to move his upper and lower arms and rotate his wrists, he was successful 71% of the time. “This is far from autonomous walking,” explained Professor Benabid. “He does not have the quick and precise movements not to fall, nobody on earth does this yet.”
France continues to lead the way in solar energy
© Terra Energies
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huge new solar energy plant has been unveiled in the NouvelleAquitaine which will provide power to almost 13,000 local households. The €12 million 22-hectare plant is situated in the commune of Saint-Magne in the Gironde department and the 40,000 individual solar panels took just six months to install. The project was first announced in 2010 before being put up for tender by the State in 2016. The winning bid was a joint project between the regional fund Terra Energies and Total Quadran, a subsidiary of the French energy company Total, a major recent investor in renewable energy in France. The project was also partly crowdfunded by local individuals, with 92 private investors raising €200,000 via a crowdfunding website. The new solar power plant is expected to produce 15,060 MWh per year, the equivalent of the energy use of 12,830 inhabitants in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Further bolstering the project's green credentials, the site's operators have agreed
a deal with a local farmer to allow his sheep to graze among the solar panels, helping to reduce maintenance costs. The solar plant was not the only significant renewable energy project taking place in France in recent weeks, with the country's first large-scale floating solar power plant also coming online. The project in the Vaucluse department was the brainchild of the local mayor, Louis Driey, who was wondering what to do with an artificial 50-hectare lake created when a former quarry was flooded. “When we first launched this project, it was a world first to install photovoltaic panels on
water,” the mayor told local media, with a spokesman for the town adding: “Floating solar energy does not leave marks in the soil in the long term, it does not generate water pollution. Over the years, fish will settle there, fauna and flora will develop.” Now up and running, the panels supply 100 per cent of the energy needs of 4,733 households - nearly 10,000 people. Although it is the first floating plant in France and the most powerful in Europe, it is still significantly smaller than the world's largest floating solar plant, an 86-hectare plant in China - roughly the size of 120 football pitches!■
Experts involved in the study said it could potentially lead to brain-controlled wheelchairs for paralysed patients. “This isn’t about turning man into machine but about responding to a medical problem. We’re talking about ‘repaired man’, not ‘augmented man’,” said Benabid, referring to some fears that the technology could be used for darker purposes. There are some
scientists investigating ways of using exoskeletons to enhance human abilities - including military applications - rather than to simply overcome paralysis, in a field of science known as transhumanism. Contrary to this negative view, however, Thibault believes his trial offers a “message of hope to people like me … This is possible, even with our handicap.” ■
Fresh warnings over online self-diagnosis
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s anyone who has turned to Google for medical advice will no doubt already know, the internet can be a scary place for self-diagnosis. Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, a recent study has revealed that patients in France mis-diagnose themselves online a whopping 91% of the time! The study, which was run by Lyonbased health start-up 360 Medics, looked at the internet-age phenomenon of patients intensively researching their symptoms online before making or attending a GP appointment. Of the doctors surveyed, 83% had recently seen patients who had “diagnosed themselves” before coming to their appointment. The results revealed that 46% of these patients were “often incorrect” about their condition, along with a further 39% who the doctors said were “very rarely correct” and another 6% were “never” correct. Fewer than 10% of patients were “often” or “frequently” correct about their symptoms before visiting the doctor, the study showed. “Patients are much more well informed than previously,” said doctor Jean-Paul Hamon, president of the Fédération des médecins de France. “But theses online sites are not always reliable and tend to induce anxiety. They can be a useful tool, but
can also make things worse.” Grégoire Pigné, an oncologist and co-founder of 360 Medics, believes that the excess of information online has “changed the relationship between patient and doctor”. “We wanted to measure this figure, to see if it was a real phenomenon. Patients nowadays often come to us with a precise idea of what they think they have, sometimes even saying what they want us to prescribe. To have to tell them their diagnosis in incorrect is not ideal when it comes to building a relationship of trust. Sometimes patients are disappointed to leave without the prescription they believed they needed.” “On the other hand, if someone who is ill says to us, ‘I am afraid that I have this condition’, and if they are well-informed, it can help the discussion. There are even some patients who have chronic illnesses and become experts; they have extremely detailed knowledge and can speak with their doctor as an equal, and this can help improve their care.” The study comes after a previous joint report by the Universities of Vienna and Queensland came to similar conclusions and coined the word “cyberchondriacs” for people who regularly worry and/or diagnose themselves with serious conditions after looking up their symptoms online. ■
12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
Cauliflower
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by Julia Watson
few years ago, before the persecution of Rohingya people became clear, I went backpacking round Burma. (The locals separate themselves from supporters of the Myanmar military regime by persisting in calling their country by its old established name.) It was an eye-opening introduction to a remarkably beautiful country. Once upon a time, its people took Keeping Up With the Joneses to a degree Patricia Routledge’s Hyacinth Bucket would have accorded the highest respect. On the plains of Bagan alone, an area 104 kilometres square, 3,822 surviving temples and pagodas vie with each other in degrees of stature and grandeur. Some of them are as small as an outside loo, some as large as a tool shed, all built so close together you sometimes have to squeeze between them. Between 1044 and 1287, Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Empire. Its rulers and subjects built more than 1,000 stupas, 10,000 small temples and 3,000 monasteries. “Why?” I asked a woman passing by on a bicycle. She shrugged. “One villager builds a temple on his piece of land to his god of worship. His neighbour feels obliged to follow, and builds one bigger and better.” When you see the cauliflowers piled mountainously high in every local market, you might think the Burmese are doing the same today with vegetables. It’s an astonishing country of abundant produce, the great proportion of it grown on man-made floating islands dotting the 116-square kilometres of Inle Lake in the centre of the nation. And its cauliflowers are not the size of a baby’s head. They are the size of a beach ball. They seemed so incongruous, displayed alongside mounds of pak choi and aubergines and green vegetables more obviously associated with Indian and
Chinese dishes. Cauliflowers, more happily grown in cool daytime temperatures, are to me a vegetable of Northern Europe. But the people of Burma/Myanmar don’t smother their cauliflowers in cheese and white sauces. They steam their florets and turn them while warm in finely chopped mint, sesame seeds, chillies, fried garlic, and a drizzle of a tahini-like sauce for a delicious one-dish meal or salad. It was the English who introduced the cauliflower to a hotter part of the world - to India in 1822. Long before, Pliny had been familiar with the cauliflower, referring to it in the 1st century AD as a pleasant-tasting cabbage he called a ‘cyma’. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Arab botanists pointed to Cyprus as the origin of the plant - another hot country. But the then French rulers of that island in the 16th century began to trade the seeds into western Europe and on into France from Genoa. Even with such a distinguished lineage, cauliflowers have long suffered the burden of a poor reputation that is mostly the result of being dreadfully overcooked, a circumstance not well disguised by coating it thickly in a cheesy bechamel sauce. Then suddenly, about a couple of years ago, British hipsters decided the cauliflower would replace kale as the fashion-forward dish of the day. (Whoever decided kale was fashionable? And why?) It may have been due to the rise in vegetarianism, or to the fact that cooks began to recognise that cauliflowers, like haricot beans and Brussels sprouts and other often maligned vegetables, have acquired ruined repute because they can slide from crunchy to sludgy in a matter of boiling minutes. So take care with this recipe. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.
Roast cauliflower steaks with spinach pesto Ingredients (serves 4):
1 whole cauliflower, washed, leaves removed and reserved to roast or steam with another dish Olive oil Juice of half a lemon Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 200C. Cut the stem of the cauliflower to stand it upright. Cut down into 2.5 cm slices. Oil a baking sheet, rub the steaks both sides with olive oil, squeeze over the lemon juice, season and roast for 15 minutes and serve with a generous tablespoon of pesto. Alternatively, rub both sides with olive oil, lay in a very hot dry pan and cook over high heat about 5 minutes each side until soft and charred, squeezing the lemon juice over at the finish.
Spinach Pesto
60g fresh spinach leaves, well-washed and stemmed 15g flat leaf parsley 65g walnuts, toasted 20g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Put all ingredients into food processor and process to a fine paste the thickness of double cream. Season to taste and scrape into a glass container, loosening the pesto with a little warm water if necessary. Top with a thin coat of olive oil to prevent the pesto from discolouring and store in the refrigerator. Will keep for several months.
The wines of Bergerac
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any of us will have seen dotted around the Périgord the posters advertising Château Corbiac and proclaiming it to be ‘le meilleur Pécharmant,’ which is to say the best of the special appellation that has traditionally been seen as the finest wine of the Bergerac region. This is quite a dramatic claim and it is based on an assessment of the number of coups de coeur awarded by the ‘Guide Hachette des vins’ to the various producers of Pécharmant over the past two decades. Corbiac has won five of these coveted awards, followed by three for Château de Rooy, two for Château Terre Vieille and for Domaine du Grande Jaure, one for Château de Tiregand and so on. These are respected awards but they are not the only ones and other Pécharmant châteaux have won their own distinctions from the various concours, or blind-tasting contests, at Paris, Bordeaux and so on. In my view, Corbiac deserves its place in the top rank of Pécharmant wines alongside the others named above, and including a few more
by Martin Walker
like Les Farcies du Pech, La Renaudie and Les Costes. They are all excellent and well-made wines and above a certain level ranking them becomes a matter of individual taste. What is surprising is to find the law becoming involved. Three years ago, the Paris Concours had to withdraw two of its awards after Château Corbiac’s owners went to court, claiming that they had been unfairly excluded from the competition because an oenologue who had worked for the two successful Pécharmant wines had been on the jury. This, they argued, was not fair play and they won their case. The red wines of Pécharmant, the long ridge that runs north and east from the town of Bergerac, have long been the pride of the local wines. Their history goes back a thousand years and more when the monks of the priory of St Martin began making wines on this very special terroir, defined by the layer of iron-bearing clay known as tran which runs beneath the vines and endows the wine with a subtly mineral flavour. Some say the name comes from Pech-Charmant or charm-
ing hill; others claim it is named for an early medieval owner called Armand. Its quality has long been respected. The first classification of French wines, in 1816, ranked the wines of Pécharmant along with the great wines of the Médoc like Margaux and Latour. There is no doubt that Château Corbiac can claim a long and illustrious history, going back to those early monks and the current Corbiac family traces its heritage back to 1587 when their ancestor, Guillaume de Gascq, obtained the vineyard from the Albret family. A lawyer for the future King Henri IV, Guillaume was a canny businessman and wine lover who somehow also got hold of châteaux in Margaux and Pessac-Léognan. Another ancestor in 1571 married the sister of the grandfather of the real Cyrano de Bergerac, as explained in the grand family tree that occupies pride of place in the château tasting room. Château Corbiac now has established its trademark over a new line of wines named Cyrano de Bergerac, to the discomfiture of wine mer-
chant Julien de Savignac, who had to drop its own long-standing line of ‘Les Jardins de Cyrano’ wines as a result. The current custodians of the old Huguenot château of Corbiac are Antoine and his very elegant mother Thérèse. On a recent visit they offered a charming welcome and Antoine treated us to a long chat about wine, climate change (Antoine is a sceptic) and mothers’ milk. The key tastes in this maternal elixir are sugar and vanilla, he explains, which is why wines that suggest this age-old flavour do well, even when “as so often these days the vanilla is artificial”. Antoine is a man of forthright views, who questions much conventional wisdom. He sniffs at ageing in the barrel, saying the barrel was just a means of transport. “If you take your wine to market in a truck, would you want it flavoured with diesel? Would you want the flavour of the newspaper in your fish ‘n chips?” Nor does he think the current fashion for increasing the number of vines per hectare will improve the wine, and he proudly insists that he pays more attention to the yeasts in the fermentation than to the levels of sugar. And he sniffs at much of the fashionable talk of the various
phases of fermentation - “the one they really care about is the media fermentation - who is first to get their harvest on TV”. “I like the wisdom of our ancestors in making wine. They had centuries to get it right, in much tougher conditions. It took my great-grandfather a whole month to pick his grapes, so a lot of them had to be overripe. I can do it in 48 hours.” One of the pleasures of visiting vineyards is to recall the personality behind the wine and Antoine is not the sort of chap one forgets. Above all, he makes excellent wines of remarkable value. He is currently selling his very fine 2016 at the vineyard for 10 euros a bottle, which is a real bargain, and the magnificent 2010 vintage for 18 euros. He also makes a very decent Bergerac red at 6 euros. ■ Martin Walker, author of the best-selling ‘Bruno, chief of police’ novels, is a Grand Consul de la Vinée de Bergerac. Formerly a journalist, he spent 25 years as foreign correspondent for The Guardian and then became editor-inchief of United Press International. He and his wife Julia have had a home in the Périgord since 1999 and one of his great hobbies is visiting the vineyards of Bergerac.
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BILINGUAL ♦ 13
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Remember, remember, the fifth of November
I
n 1605, thirteen young men hatched a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London and kill the King. Among them was Guy Fawkes, perhaps Britain's most famous ever traitor. In 1603, Queen Elizabeth I died and Catholics across England hoped that her successor, James I (who had a Catholic mother), would be more tolerant of their faith. Unfortunately for them, he was not, and a group of young Catholics decided that the only course of action was to assassinate the King and crown a new Catholic monarch in England. Their plan was very daring. They decided to blow up the Houses of Parliament, killing not only the King, but also all the members of parliament who were making life miserable for Catholics in England at that time. To do this, they rented a small cellar directly under the House of Lords and filled it with gunpowder. The plan was to blow up the gunpowder at the opening of Parliament when it would be at its most busy. Some of the plotters began to worry, however, that innocent Catholics would also be killed in the explosion and wrote a letter to one Member of Parliament warning him to stay away on 5th November. The letter reached the King and he ordered his troops to search the Houses of Parliament. Deep in the cellars they found Guy Fawkes, who was guarding the gunpowder and had the match that was going to be used to light it. He was arrested, taken to the Tower of London and tortured. At first he refused to talk, but after several days, his resistance finally broke and he gave the names of the other conspirators. They were arrested and then executed in public. On the day that the King escaped assassination, people across the country lit bonfires to celebrate his safety. Four hundred years later, 5th November is still known as Guy Fawkes’ Night and is celebrated across Britain with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. After the ‘Gunpowder Plot’, it became common to check the cellars before the opening of Parliament and even today, when the Queen enters Parliament, her guards observe the tradition of first checking the cellars for gunpowder. ■
Many thanks to local French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for the translation of this month's bilingual article. Why not get in touch with Sophie to see how she can help improve your French! See her advert below.
E
n 1605, treize jeunes gens échafaudèrent un plan pour faire sauter les Chambres du Parlement à Londres et assassiner le roi. Parmi eux se trouvait Guy Fawkes, probablement le traître le plus célèbre de Grande-Bretagne. Lorsque la Reine Elizabeth Ire décéda en 1603, les catholiques d’Angleterre eurent l’espoir que son successeur Jacques Ier (dont la mère était catholique) serait plus tolérant envers leur croyance religieuse. Malheureusement pour eux, ce ne fut pas le cas et un groupe de jeunes catholiques estimèrent que le seul plan d’action possible était l’assassinat du roi et le couronnement d’un nouveau monarque catholique en Angleterre. Leur plan était très audacieux. Ils décidèrent de faire exploser les Chambres du Parlement et non seulement de tuer le roi mais également tous les membres du Parlement qui persécutaient les catholiques d’Angleterre à cette époque. Pour mettre en œuvre leur plan, ils louèrent une petite cave située directement sous la Chambre des Lords et ils y entreposèrent de la poudre à canon. Leur objectif était d’allumer les explosifs à l’ouverture du Parlement, à l’heure où il serait le plus bondé. Cependant, quelques conspirateurs commencèrent à s’inquiéter, craignant que d’innocents catholiques soient également tués pendant l’explosion : ils adressèrent une lettre à l’un des membres du Parlement pour l’informer du complot afin qu’il ne soit pas sur place le 5 novembre. Le roi eut connaissance de ce courrier et ordonna à ses troupes de fouiller les locaux du Parlement. Ils découvrirent alors Guy Fawkes caché au fond d’une cave, alors qu’il montait la garde devant les barils de poudre et avait en sa possession l’allumette qui devait servir à enflammer la poudre. Il fut arrêté, emmené à la Tour de Londres et torturé. Il refusa de parler mais après quelques jours, ses tortionnaires eurent raison de lui et il dénonça les autres conspirateurs. Ils furent arrêtés puis exécutés en public. Le jour de la tentative d’assassinat, la population alluma des feux de joie dans tout le pays pour célébrer le fait que le roi soit toujours en vie. Quatre cents ans plus tard, le soir du 5 novembre, toujours surnommé « La nuit de Guy Fawkes », est fêté dans toute la GrandeBretagne. Des feux d’artifice sont tirés et des effigies de Guy Fawkes sont brûlées sur des bûchers. ■
14 ♦ PRACTICAL
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Is time running out for tax-free pension transfers? - Blevins Franks If you have chosen to retire in France, take steps now to review your pension options before Brexit potentially changes the rules.
M
any expatriates have chosen to transfer their UK pensions to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). Since QROPS’ introduction in 2006, over £11.4 billion was sent through 128,100 transfers up to April 2019 – £640 million in the past year alone. Transferring to a QROPS can consolidate several UK pensions under one tax-efficient roof suited to your country of residence and unlock other benefits. Funds are sheltered from UK taxation on income and gains, and immune to future changes to pension rules. Usually, a QROPS provides greater investment diversification compared to UK pension schemes and more freedom to vary income. Many also offer multi-currency flexibility, letting you hold and draw your funds in your currency of choice. Meanwhile, as UK pension payments are usually made in sterling, the income remains sensitive to volatile exchange rates during these uncertain times. And, while most UK pensions are payable only to your spouse on death, a QROPS allows you to include other heirs in estate planning. Taxation of QROPS transfers
Currently, most expatriates in the EU can transfer to a QROPS completely tax-free, but there are two key situations in which tax is payable. First, if your combined UK pension benefits exceed the UK’s lifetime allowance – currently £1.055 million – you would face a 25% tax penalty on anything transferred over the limit, even if you are non-UK resident. Once in a QROPS, your funds would never be subject to LTA charges – or indeed any UK taxes – again. The second taxable scenario is if you transfer to a QROPS based outside the EU/EEA (European Economic Area). In this case (unless you live in the same jurisdiction as the QROPS), the UK would apply a 25% ‘overseas tax charge’ on the whole amount transferred. Expatriates in France can escape this tax by transferring to a QROPS based here or in another EEA area, such as Malta. However, this may change with Brexit. A closing tax-free window? As Brexit eliminates Britain’s current EU commitments – including freedom of movement for capital – the Treasury gains more scope to recoup revenue from UK nationals abroad. Many speculate this will prompt the UK government to impose widespread penalties on pension transfers, even
within the EU. The UK government has offered reassurance that expatriates will keep the right to make overseas transfers, whatever happens with Brexit – but has stopped short of making any tax promises. Last year, economic secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, confirmed that tax-free exemptions would be “dependent upon the terms of the future exit agreement between the UK Government and the EU”. What you need to consider Without a guarantee that tax-free transfers will continue, it is sensible for anyone considering transferring to act sooner rather than later. Timing is especially important here as the administrative process for pension transfers can take several months to complete. However, it cannot be overemphasised that transferring is not appropriate for everyone. Also, all QROPS are not the same – there are differences between providers and jurisdictions that can affect the benefits. Alternative investment structures could offer expatriates in France comparable benefits to QROPS, so take personalised, regulated advice to establish the most suitable approach for you. Pensions are likely to play an important part in your long-term financial security, so it is crucial that you only use a fully authorised and regu-
lated provider. An alarming number of people have lost retirement savings through pension scams or by reinvesting in failed, unregulated investments that offer no protection. Your adviser should take into account your unique circumstances, income requirements, goals and tolerance for risk – as well as the cross-border tax implications – to establish the right solution for you and your family. Even if transferring is not right for you, with so much uncertainty ahead, this is a good time to review your pension arrangements so you can secure the retirement of your choice in France, whatever happens with Brexit. ■ 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; individuals should seek personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at: www.blevinsfranks.com Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com
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DIRECTORY ♦ 15
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
Business Directory
Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Auto Services MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE
Suppliers of Car & Van Spares & LHD headlights, anywhere in France JOHN SOWERSBY
+44 (0)7830 170761
motorptscharente@aol.com www.motorpartscharente.com
Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93 Building Services Architects/Surveyors At Masterplans.eu we can help guide you through your planning application in France. From initial feasibility to completed dossiers. We will compile all the relevant drawings and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure your application proceeds smoothly. We are equally at home working with clients here in France or those living abroad.
Tel: 05 55 80 72 83 Mob: 06 33 07 29 72
Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys. Verbal & written reports. Structural calculations & drawings. Redevelopment ideas & solutions. Tim Haw B.Eng C.Eng M.I.Struct.E
FR: 0033 (0)6 05 56 42 81 UK: 0044 (0)7448 466 662
Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com Siret: 498 843 051 00018
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93 Architectural DRAWING SERVICE Renovating your French property? New build? Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables
Tel: 05 53 52 36 05 lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr www.latuspeter-architecturaldrawings-24.com SIRET: 493 770 358 00015
Architecte d’intérieur bilingual Interior design: new and renovation projects (residential and commercial space) • Plans, budgeting, work follow-up • 3D visualisation • Consulting before buying/selling a property
Tel: 06 27 36 48 23
Email: info@masterplans.eu www.masterplans.eu
Email: dar_tacheva@yahoo.com https://designbar2.wixsite.com/designbar
NEU DplG ARCHITECTURE
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Siret: 790 016 984 00011
Member
of
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P r o v i d i n g A L L architectural services Very s m a l l t o v e ry b i g projects welcome P re-purcha s e as s i s t an c e Feel welcome to ask for a non-binding meeting 05 53 56 52 27 a@mon.archi 06 42 86 59 12 (www)mon.archi Based in Périgord vert 24340 Al l of Fra nce c ov e re d
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93
Building Services Carpenters/Joiners Darren Piper
Carpentry &
Building Services Qualified craftsman with over 20 years experience running his own business in the UK - Specializing in: Decking (all shapes and designs) Renovations, alterations & conversions Kitchens Bathrooms Roofs Based in Sigoulès and covering Eymet, Bergerac, Duras & surroundings FREE QUOTES
e: darren.piper@hotmail.com
06 89 18 35 89 Siret: 847 651 072 00013
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93 Building Services Electricians GMS Electrical 40 years’ experience
French registered - French insured 10 year décennale insurance French consuel certificates obtained Any job, small or large Full re-wires, extra sockets, industrial/commericial installations... Pool heat pumps, external lighting, emergency lighting, electric gates... Contact Gary Sear:
05 53 08 94 90 06 84 27 79 67
garysear5@hotmail.com
Based near Les Eyzies de Tayac (24620) siren: 808 093 322
Electrician & Home Renovations French Registered Electrician
Contact David Hirons:
06 85 85 51 01 dhirons1992@gmail.com Siret: 810 344 820 00016
Building Services General
ANGLO SCAFFOLDING HIRE UK scaffolding supplied and erected here in France Qualified and fully insured FREE no obligation quotes Call Ian on
06 34 24 64 11 or see
www.lakesidebandb.net
Email: akbrunnstrom@yahoo.co.uk SIRET: 799 067 939 00014
KP RENOVATIONS DORDOGNE Tiling, plumbing, decorating, flooring and plasterboarding. Specialising in kitchens and bathrooms. Based in the Sarlat/Belvès areas and covering the Southern Dordogne.
Tel: 05 53 30 28 84 or 06 37 32 19 94 Fully Registered SIRET: 522 951 318 00024 / 512 253 931 00012
Chantilly Properties
Property maintenance General repairs Kitchen Fitting Service Bathroom Fitting Dry lining/ Plasterboarding specialist
Tel: 05 53 58 07 99 Email: neilallcorn@orange.fr Siret: 792 389 561 00012
CHARKER DAVID
Specialist in the renovation and restoration of period and contemporary buildings All small works undertaken
Stonework, Traditional renderings in Lime, Doors and Windows, Dry line walls, Zinc work, Electrical wiring and interior finishes Based near Brantôme
E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr
Tel: 05 53 09 42 18 No Siret: 402 444 871 00030
Harlequin Developments est. 2007
All aspects of renovation and
refurbishment, big or small.
Kitchens fitted and tiled Replacement doors and windows Parquet flooring Oak framed porches Plasterboard and Insulation Covering northern Dordogne
05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97
harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com SIRET: 494.501.067.00016
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Dan Dan the odd Job Man!
Based near Bergerac General Maintenance - Shelving Woodwork and Carpentry Dry Walling - Small odd Jobs Garden Maintenance
Tel: 06 78 67 02 91 siret: 831 746 193 00018
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...
16 ♦ DIRECTORY Building Services Plumbing & Heating
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER - Installation, from kitchen taps to full central heating systems - Breakdown / Replacement boilers - Emergency plumbing repairs - Full analysed testing
M : 06 72 47 88 00 T: 05 53 20 64 02 E : wellers@orange.fr Registered Artisan - Siret No: 480 857 853 00018
Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts
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
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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
Computers, Internet & Satellites
CCTV
Protect your Home Free Estimates --------------------------------Contact either Lawrie: +44 7968 984888 Or Liam: 06 01 10 19 75
Food & Drink The Dordogne Chippy
Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm Wednesday: Mauzac, Le Barrage Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Campagnac-lès-Quercy See our website for full details:
www.thedordognechippy.com 05 53 74 01 91 or 06 19 99 25 62
Health & Beauty
Pools & Spas Limousin Spas
The region's leading distributor of Spas, Swim spas, Saunas & Hot tubs
Massage: Holistic + Hot Stone + Aromatherapy + Sports Clinical Hypnotherapy: + EMDR + NLP Fears, Phobias, Anxiety, Weight Control, Panic Attacks, Habit, Trauma PTSD, Smoking Cessation, Sport / Business Performance, Relaxation.
New for 2019
We are pleased to announce our new range of over 80 Spas, Swim spas, Hot tubs & Saunas from top European and U.S. manufacturers.
Relax, Recharge, Release Mentally, Physically, Spiritually, Emotionally
*Platinum Spas* *Superior Spas* *Tuff Spas* *Zen Spas* *BeSpa* *Durasport* *Superior Saunas* *Baltic Hot tubs* *Baltic Saunas*
Pete or Irene: 07 69 42 17 99
Prices from €2,000
petehypno@gmail.com dordognetherapies.com Based near Verteillac 24320
Web: www.limousin-spas.com Email: sales@limousin-spas.com Tel: 05 55 63 26 20
SIRET 830 715 785 00010
Siret: 752 157 610 00011
Wi-Fi networks for homes, gîtes and small businesses. Outdoor Wi-Fi 4G Internet. Windows and MacOS.
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06 04 17 80 93
06 04 17 80 93
www.wifianglais.com Email: hello@wifianglais.com Tel: 05 53 30 23 96 Mob: 07 78 52 20 46
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Handholding & Language Services
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Pest Control
Property Maintenance
Email: LAsurveillancefr@gmail.com
Stephen Wisedale
WiFi Anglais Slow Internet? 4G is the answer... Call us now!
Siret: 800 525 040 00013
Satellite TV Solutions Sky / Freesat / French TV Installation and Re-alignment Internet Installation & Repairs inc. Satellite Broadband Fast, Friendly Service 60km radius of Ribérac Call Dave on:
06 04 17 72 05
dave@satellitetv.solutions www.satellitetv.solutions siret: 794 461 293 00019
sales24@thebugle.eu
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93
06 04 17 80 93
siret: 444 925 630 00014
HELP IS HERE!! Struggling with the Complex French Administration?!
We are here to help! Call us or email us We will help you find a solution
06.70.23.53.33
helpishere24@yahoo.com
FRENCH LESSONS Via Skype
with a native French speaker Why commute? Long distance learning is the answer! C’est simple, call Sophie...
06 61 56 47 17 scarolinea@yahoo.fr
Conciergerie Central France LaTaking care of your home all year round providing you with a Pest Control wintering service, managing your Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection
02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com Email: info@applicateur3d.com
summer rentals or organising a happy holiday for you.
www.laconciergerie-housekeeping.com
24600 Villetoureix laconciergerie24@orange.fr Tel: 06 42 67 94 50 siret: 840 556 228 00010 - APE 9609Z
Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets
La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...
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NEDWA - North Eastern Dordogne Women’s Association Come along and meet us on Tuesday 19th November from 10:30 am to 12 noon at our next Coffee Morning at Auberge du Pont, route de Lanouaille, 24390 Cherveix-Cubas. Always be sure of a warm welcome, good company and genuine friendship. For more information and details of upcoming events, see:
www.nedwa.com
NEDWA is a dynamic, multi-national group of around 100 women of all ages... Whether you are retired and feel like meeting some friendly faces, work from home and want to network, or just need to get out and attend some good monthly events, NEDWA fills the gap. Activities include a book club, sewing circle, coffee mornings, walks, lunches, speakers on topics which relate to you and much more.
DIRECTORY ♦ 17
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
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 joined forces again with some colleagues in other areas, to provide a drop-in session for you to come and have a coffee and an informal chat. On Thursday 14th
November I will be at L’Orée des vallees, 1 place Pontville, 87600 Rochechouart from 10 am to 12 pm along with Lauren Cook from AXA and Sue Cook from Currencies Direct, to have a chat and help you with your various needs. Between us we can help you with: • Your financial and retirement planning, • Assist with tax planning. • 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. • Find out about the changes in the healthcare system and the difference that it
will make to your top up insurance. • Help you get the best rates for your currency exchange. • Forward planning in this changeable 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 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. 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 32 years’ experience helping expats to make sure that their money works for them. Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com 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.
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, builtin, solar cell powers a 12V fan that is connected to an air vent, a control unit and an on/ off switch. Whenever the sun shines, the air in the solar panel is heated and the fan, receiving power from the solar cell, introduces warm, dry air into your home at the rate of 20 to 100 cubic metres per hour. The initial models were more than capable of keeping the cottages dry (and ventilated), even with the limited sunshine hours available in Denmark during the winter season. Since that time, the technology has really come along in leaps and bounds. Now, more than 20 years later, the 3rd and 4th generation Solarventi have exceed-
ed all expectations. In Southern Europe, Solarventi is not only used for ventilation/dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution? The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is. There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when
the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance - if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■ Units start from €490 TTC.
SOLARVENTI - Available in the Dordogne From Harlequin Developments Mobile: 06 06 60 46 97
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30 words max
18 ♦ DIRECTORY Retail & Commerce
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93
USED KITCHENS FRANCE Looking for a designer kitchen with granite worktops and premium appliances at a fraction of RRP? Pre-loved kitchens from brands like Poggenpohl and Bulthaup at usedkitchensfrance.fr 09 53 50 86 49
bookstop English second-hand books Tea room Art exhibitions
Support
Dementia Support
Psychologist (MBPsS) looking for part-time work giving affordable care and respite to dementia sufferers in their own home / environment. Native English speaker. Please contact Catriona:
09 51 45 57 49
catcool61@aol.com
bookstop24@gmail.com facebook.com/bookstop24 19 rue Victor Hugo, 24310 Brantôme
Périgord Noir, will travel up to 45 mins from 24170.
For more information on advertising in the Bugle Business Directory, give us a call or send us an email: sales24@thebugle.eu
SOS Help
anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up!
01 46 21 46 46
06 04 17 80 93
3 - 11pm daily Confidential & Non-profit
www.soshelpline.org
06 04 17 80 93 France to France, Spain, Portugal, Italy etc We Offer: Removals, Storage, House Clearance, also Car, Caravan, Plant Transport. French Registered Business. Local Friendly Service.
+33 (0)6 73 96 38 39
www.dordognestoragesolutions.com
Transport, Removals & Storage
Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts
Smart Moves 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 Find us on Facebook: @smartmovesukfrance Please CALL or EMAIL Stephen
smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk
+44 (0)1253 725 414
www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk
30,000 readers each month
SALES24@THEBUGLE.EU
06 04 17 80 93
Buying or Selling French Property? Legal advice from English-speaking lawyers Also the #1 portal for property auctions
www.frenchpropertylawyer.fr
05 55 82 18 99
Man & Van Transport
Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local + Europe + UK runs Now also available for House/Barn clearances! 14m3 capacity 4.2m load length English & French Spoken
09 82 12 69 73 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres
www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012
Facebook & Instagram: Acorn Cat Rescue
A family business offering a quality, professional service since 1985
Contact Stephen or Ben: 0044 121 353 7263 sales@franklinsremovals.co.uk www.franklinsremovals.co.uk
For more information on advertising in the Bugle Business Directory, give us a call or send us an email: sales24@thebugle.eu
06 04 17 80 93 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts
ADVERTORIAL
Advertising with The Bugle
W
ith 10 years’ experience delivering print advertising to an expat market, The Bugle represents one of the most cost-effective ways to let English speakers know about your business. An advert with The Bugle starts from just €12.50 HT per month – that’s less than 42 cents a day to put your business in front of 30,000 people each month. In the Dordogne we have more than 150 distribution points across the region and surrounding areas where readers can pick up a copy for free. We also distribute 3,000 copies through Bergerac Airport, which means that we are in the perfect position to target not only residents and secondhome owners, but also tourists and those new to the region. The Bugle is the only English language newspaper dedicated to the Dordogne - in fact, today, The Bugle is the only free English language newspaper in France and we are growing all the time. If you would like to discuss any of our advertising options further, why not give us a call today to find out more about the ways that we can help you grow your business.
Darling Kizzy and her friends are waiting for you at Acorn Cat Rescue in the Dordogne Like all Acorn cats, Kizzy is microchipped, vaccinated and de-parasited. Her adopter will be expected to have her sterilised at the appropriate age. www.associationacorn.com Tel: 05 53 81 30 44
Franklins Removals
Local and European Removals
06 04 17 80 93
siret: 841 001 456 00018
Your advert here
sales24@thebugle.eu
Worship services in English held throughout the Dordogne: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Eymet Temple, Limeuil, Négrondes, Sainte Nathalène (near Sarlat). All are welcome!! Please visit our website for more information: www.churchinaquitaine.org Find us on Facebook: English Church Aquitaine
T: 06 04 17 80 93 E: sales24@thebugle.eu W: www.thebugle.eu
NOVEMBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu
WHAT’S ON ♦ 19
To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93 or email sales24@thebugle.eu Grand Christmas Fair Sunday 24th November from 10 am to 4:30 pm Salle de Carbonnier, Castillonnès Your chance to buy unusual and unique gifts for Christmas and enjoy delicious home-baked cakes, pasties and paninis, mulled wine and more in the “Crafty Cafe” open all day. Pearl jewellery, Indian sauces, beautiful mosaics, one-off cushions, Christmas cards, chutneys, Christmas puddings and cakes to buy, stocking fillers galore and too many things to mention! Tombola and English books and so much more. For more information email lostinfrance61@gmail.com
ADVERTS FROM €12.50 HT / MONTH SALES24@THEBUGLE.EU
06 04 17 80 93
20 ♦ WHAT’S ON
www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ NOVEMBER 2019
Sarlat Film Festival - 12th-16th November Sarlat’s wonderful architecture, medieval-style buildings and stone roofs have made a backdrop for a score of top motion pictures since 1968, adding to its fame and its fortune. So it’s no surprise to learn that only Nice and Paris have had more films shot in their locales than Sarlat. The town plays host to an annual Film Festival, which this year celebrates its 28th edition and will run from 12th to 16th November. One of the finest film festivals in the country, it attracts many famous French actors and directors who come to present their film. On the bill for this edition of the festival are premiere screenings of feature films, numerous short films, workshops and discussion sessions with writers and film professionals. The festival was created with an educational objective as it brings together 600 baccalaureate students each year from all over France who will take part in workshops and meet film crews. Films will be shown at the Cinéma Rex. Tickets are available on the door or from www.cinerex.fr (book early to avoid disappointment).
Music in the Dordogne sponsored by ARCADES Join us for concerts in the air conditioned new hall in Le Buisson, mostly of classical music, with top class French,
English, Russian and other international performers. Concert tickets cost €15 including wine in the interval. All events are organised by volunteers and serve as a meeting ground for the French and international communities of the Dordogne, including ACIP and La Tulipe.
Venue - Le Buisson de Cadouin, salle des fêtes, avenue Aquitaine
For more info, tel 06 31 61 81 68 or 05 53 23 86 22 or visit http://www.arcadesinfo.com/
Sunday 17th November at 4 pm Violin and Piano Concert Louisa Staples (violin) and Katie Morgan (piano)
Programme: Mozart sonata for piano and violin K.304 in e minor, Poulenc - violin sonata FP119, Prokofiev - violin sonata no.1 in f minor op.80 and Ravel – Tzigane.
MADS English theatre group are pleased to announce their autumn production: A classic Murder-Mystery, written by Agatha Christie The play is set in ‘The Hollow’, a country house belonging to Sir Henry Angkatell. He is joined for the weekend by his extended family and family friends. The lives of the occupants are intertwined and complicated and one of the group is brutally murdered. Inspector Colquhoun is brought in to investigate and must see through the intrigue and secrets, and get to the truth. The play will perform on 15th and 16th November at 19:30 in the Salle François Mitterrand in Villeréal. Ticket price is 10 euros. Please reserve via: mads.bookings@gmail.com
Berlin-based British violinist Louisa Staples studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and has already performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues including the Southbank Centre, Cadogan Hall, L’Auditorium de Radio France, Forbidden City Concert Hall and the Roundhouse and is a major prize winner in international competitions. Katie Yao Morgan was born to British and Chinese parents and began to play the piano when she was four years old. In 2010 she entered the Yehudi Menuhin School and has won numerous prestigious international competitions.