The Bugle Limousin - Oct 2019

Maurice the cockerel wins noisy court case

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France to launch carte de séjour site

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Google pays €965m French tax bill - pg 8

Landmark drug death trial begins - pg 9

© David Monniaux (WikiCommons)

A

coming. The government is completely ready.

Individuals and businesses, prepare yourselves also – https://brexit.gouv.fr”, linking to the government's official Brexit website, which has recently also been translated into English.

A subsequent government statement said that while France still hopes that Britain would exit the EU with a deal, it was also preparing for a no-deal scenario, appointing an extra 600 customs staff to process arrivals from the UK, and an extra 200 veterinary experts at the borders. It also stated that “The Ministry of the Interior will launch an online registration platform for British nationals living

Doubts cast over local wolf attack - pg 3

Former French President Jacques Chirac dies - page 5

The French government is to launch a new website allowing British residents to apply online for a carte de séjour, which will be compulsory after Brexit. s France ramps up its Brexit preparations, P r i m e Minister Edouard Philippe has announced that a website allowing British residents to apply online for a residency permit (carte de séjour) will go live in October. Although few details are currently known, the news has been met with cautious optimism by campaign groups who have long complained of delays and different rules across the country.

The prime minister made the announcement in September after he convened a special meeting of ministers to finalise preparations for Britain's exit from the European Union. Taking to Twitter Philippe posted: “Brexit is

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

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Welcome to

I

The Bugle

won't go so far as to say that this is my favourite time of year, but I do always look forward to it coming back around.

Summer is often too hot for my liking and is invariably chaotic, with endless streams of visitors, camper vans clogging up the roads and tourists hogging the cafés. Opening hours change at random and businesses close for confusingly long periods of time.

And added to that are three bored children under my feet for eight seemingly never-ending weeks.

Which is why the relative quiet calm brought by September and early October is always welcome. The days are still relatively long, the weather good enough to get out and about and the weeks have a loose structure to them. Although, give it a few months and I will be tearing my hair out at having each day defined by which child does what. If I ask my wife what day it is tomorrow during term time she is as likely to reply with “bus in the morning, library books all round and swimming after school” as she is with “Tuesday”.

But I'm not there yet, I'm still just enjoying the absence of kids during the day. I know I've spoken before about how

“kids these days” are no good at being bored and need constant stimulation and how “back in my day” we frolicked round the woods all summer “making our own fun”. I'm pretty sure I've also acknowledged in the past that this is probably not true and that people have been saying it for generations.

Which is why my interest was piqued when I recently heard part of a quote on the subject on the radio. I only caught part of it, so I looked it up. Before I tell you who said it and when, have a read for yourself and guess...

The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.

Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households.

They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannise their teachers. … I don't know if you'll be as surprised as I was to hear that this quote is attributed to Socrates and refers to children from well over two thousand

years ago!

Here's where my interest in maths kicks in and the geek in me feels the need to quantify concepts. People have always said that kids are worse behaved now than they were a generation ago, so let's imagine for a second that that is true. How much worse? My grandad would have sworn blind we were twice as bad as in his day. That seems a bit extreme, so why don't we say a mere 5%. And what shall we call a generation? Given the life expectancy of an ancient Greek, I suspect that 25 years would not be too wide of the mark.

We're talking around 2,500 years ago, so let's say that since Socrates wrote those words, each set of children over the course of 100 generations behaved 5% worse than their parents. And I can guarantee that - if you could ask them - not a parent among them would say that 5% is an over-exaggeration!!

Feel free to crunch the numbers for yourself, but in summary, my behaviour when I was a nipper ought to have been 120 times worse than a child Socrates said had “contempt for authority”, “disrespect for elders” and “terrorised their teachers”. Now, I'm not saying I was a saint, but I wasn't 120 times worse than that!

But here's the paradox: my kids are DEFINITELY at least 10% less well behaved than I was... except they can't be. In fact, I get the impression they're better behaved than the mob Socrates is banging on about, so either they're not as bad as all that... or I was worse than I remember!!

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I'm on shaky territory trying to philosophise on a subject involving Socrates, but let's now assume that actually all kids are the same. The logical extension of this is that however much worse you think “kids these days” are, has to be exactly the same amount by which you are overestimating your behaviour when you were young!!

I'll stand by the logic of that argument, but there's a sting in the tail: Socrates didn't actually say that. It was in fact written by a classical scholar in a 1907 dissertation about the “kinds of complaints” directed at children in ancient Greece. It is such an attractive quote, people have been stealing it ever since and once someone attached the name of Socrates, it became irresistible.

Which goes to show that it's not just unruly children that have been around for centuries, so has fake news!!

Until next month!

Steve Martindale, Editor

INSIDE this edition 3-4 Local News 5-10 National News 11French Life 12 Practical 13-20 Directory 21-23 Community 24 What’s On

CONTACT us Tel: 06 04 17 80 93 General: editor@thebugle.eu Advertising (EN): sales@thebugle.eu Publicité (FR): publicite@thebugle.eu Subscriptions: subscriptions@thebugle.eu Copy deadline

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Doubts cast over wolf attack Limoges to host

A

Credit: Icon Sport

2020 Six Nations rugby match

© Mas3cf (WikiCommons)

fter years of fear and speculation, authorities in the Limousin are now preparing for the fact that wolves will soon be native to the region. Authorities have unveiled a project, that will run until May of next year, to study the impact that the return of the predator may have on the area and the measures that will be needed to support the region's farmers.

The objective of the study will be “to identify the vulnerability factors of the different farming systems and to propose protection measures, adapted to the territory and conditions. In addition, this study will evaluate the foreseeable consequences of the presence of the wolf on farms from an economic, environmental and social point of view.”

Furthermore, as part of herd protection measures, the government has established aid schemes, funded in part by the EU, which will provide compensation for farmers who lose livestock to wolves.

This was brought into focus in September when a local farmer claimed that a new-born calf was killed and eaten by a wolf near La Croisille-sur-Briance, south of Limoges on the HauteVienne/Corrèze border. “The calf was born around 10 o'clock at night, and I found the carcass at 7 o'clock the next morning. There were only three or four kilograms left of a thirty kilogram animal,” explained farmer Eric Bonneau, who said that there was no flesh left on

the carcass, with the spine visible and numerous bones broken.

The National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS) was not convinced following an initial investigation, however, claiming that the attack technique did not match that of the wolf, which typically goes for the throat.

The farmer's theory was backed up by the association Protégeons nos troupeaux des loups en Limousin - Protect our Limousin Flocks from Wolves - which pointed to recent evidence from southern France: “Farmers in the Lozère department have noted that when sheep are in a herd, wolves very rarely attack the throat - they attack from behind,” explained representative Alexandre Pagnaud.

Those who are skeptical that wolves have already made it as far as the

Haute-Vienne point to the fact that foxes, badgers and wild boar are all known to be meat-eaters, but the farmer points out that there would have had to have been lots of them, and with a very big appetite. Wild dogs are also known to have killed small animals in the past, but this theory was also quickly dismissed by locals: “When there are stray dogs, you inevitably see them, or at least hear them,” explained the farmer who added that it would be unlikely that a dog could have stripped the carcass so thoroughly. “We have always had stray dogs, and we have never seen a carcass like this.”

Samples of the carcass have been taken and sent to a specialist laboratory in Germany to confirm whether or not the attack did in fact involve a wolf. ■

T

he fixture list has been revealed for the 2020 Six Nations Championships and the recently upgraded stade de Beaublanc in Limoges is set to host its first international rugby match since the renovations. The French women's team will welcome Italy on Saturday 8th February on what will be the second round of matches in next year's tournament. Kick-off is set for 21:00.

The match will be particularly poignant for two of the French squad who call the porcelain city their home: scrum half Pauline Bourdon, who started her career playing for Limoges, and Montpellier hooker Agathe Sochat.

The women's Six Nations Championships has taken place in parallel with the men's tournament since 1996 and in the intervening years, the women's game has gone from strength to strength and today top level matches attract large crowds and prime-time TV exposure.

Initially a tournament for the four home nations, France joined in 1999 along with Spain the following year. Italy were introduced in place of Spain in 2007, bringing the competition in line with the men's Six Nations set-up.

France have a strong team and have won the tournament six times, claiming the Grand Slam on five occasions, the last of which came in 2018. ■

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Limousin lightsaber lessons Region welcomes

T

he first sport locally to make the crossover from fiction to reality was Quidditch the Limoges team remain one of the strongest in France - and now science fiction fans in the Limousin can turn their hand to lightsaber fencing! The sport hit the headlines earlier this year when the French Fencing Federation (FFE) officially recognised lightsaber duelling as a competitive sport, giving the iconic Jedi weapon the same status as the foil, épée and sabre, the traditional blades currently used in the Olympic sport.

The first group of young Limousin padowans began their training at the Centre Culturel et Sportif (CCS) in Tulle in September in a light-hearted atmosphere. At one end of the gymnasium were classic fencing students, dressed all in white shouting “en garde” whilst following the formal rules of escrime. At the other end of the hall, a second group swirled red,

green and blue lightsabers to howls of laughter. “It's great, I'm having so much fun!” explained one trainee.

And therein lies the point for defenders of the fledgling sport.

At a time when fewer and fewer people are taking part in regular exercise, the FFE is hoping that lightsabers will bring in a younger audience, who may then progress to the more “classic” forms of fencing.

“With young people today, it's a real public health issue. They don't do any sport and only exercise with their thumbs,” explained Serge Aubailly, the federation's secretary general. “That is why we are trying to create a bond between our discipline and modern technologies, so participating in a sport feels natural. Cape-andsword movies have always had a big impact on our federation and its growth. Lightsaber films have the same impact. Young people want to give it a try.”

Combatants fight inside a circle marked in tape on the floor.

Strikes to the head or body are worth five points; to the arms or legs, three points; on the hands, one point. Blows only count if the fighters first point the tip of their saber behind them. This rule results in longer sweeping blows which are more visually appealing and effectively remove the super-fast tip-first forward strikes typically seen in fencing.

The winner is the first to reach 15 points or, if time runs out, the fighter with the higher score after three minutes is the victor. If both fighters reach 10 points, the bout enters sudden death, where the first to land a head or body blow wins, a rule to encourage enterprising fighters.

The FFE is fully behind the new sport and has been equipping fencing clubs with lightsabers and training would-be instructors. Fencing is a popular sport in France, with a number of clubs across the region, so if you are interested in becoming a Jedi warrior, check with your local club. ■

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newest citizens

O

ne consequence of Brexit has been an increase in the number of British citizens choosing to take French nationality.

Whilst many expats with links to the Republic of Ireland or other EU countries have the option of applying for a second passport that will continue to allow them free movement and other basic rights in France, others have opted to become citizens of the French Republic.

The most recent intake in the Haute-Vienne was no exception when 103 people were given French nationality, a large proportion of whom were British. The ceremony, held at the Prefecture in Limoges, was overseen by Prefect Seymour Morsy – the region's top civil servant - whose own mother, of Moroccan origin herself once applied for French citizenship.

In total, the country's newest citizens came from 32 different countries and, as has historically been the case, the largest number came from France's former colony Algeria, 29 of whom can now call themselves French.

Not far behind were the 23 Brits - including 8 children - who are now dual nationals. The number of British nationals applying for French citizenship peaked in the months and years following the 2016 EU referendum, eclipsing applications from North Africans.

According to the interior ministry, 386 Britons filed applications nationwide to become French in 2015, rising to 1,363 in 2016 - the year of the Brexit referendum - and to 3,173 in 2017.

Whilst the numbers have dropped slightly in recent months, acquiring French citizenship remains a popular option for those Brits who have made France their home and worry what a post-Brexit future could hold for themselves and their families. ■

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Former president Jacques Chirac dies aged 86

J

acques Chirac, the former French president who championed the European Union, but whose later years were blighted by corruption scandals, has died aged 86. In recent years, Chirac had suffered from memory loss and was rarely seen in public, but the two-time president will be remembered for his political prowess and his cultivated man-of-the-people style.

A career politician, Chirac rose through the ranks as the protégé of then Prime Minister Georges Pompidou, who referred to him as his “bulldozer”. It was a reputation he maintained for many years, with one anonymous British diplomat saying Chirac “cuts through the crap and comes straight to the point... It's refreshing, although you have to put your seat belt on when you work with him!”

An example of this came at an EU summit in 1988 when, believing that his microphone was off and frustrated by Margaret Thatcher's repeated requests for more help from the EU, Chirac blurted to then President François Mitterrand: “What more does this housewife want from me? My balls on a plate?” The insult was heavily covered by the British media and Chirac reluctantly issued an apology.

After almost two decades as mayor of Paris and two stints as prime minister, Chirac was first elected as president in 1995 when he narrowly defeated Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin before being famously re-elected in 2002 when the public was asked to choose between him and the far-right firebrand Jean-Marie Le Pen. Already dogged by corruption scandals, he had been widely expected to lose in an eventual run-off against his long-term rival Jospin, but National Front leader Le Pen sensationally polled just 200,000 votes more than the Socialist to make the second round of voting. Faced with an unenviable choice, Chirac was re-elected with more than 82% of the vote, a figure that critics would continue to point

out was achieved by millions of people simply holding their noses and voting for the less offensive candidate.

Just one year into his second term, Chirac became a vocal critic of the second Iraq War in a diplomatic saga that would define his legacy for many outside of France. With tensions building over allegations of weapons of mass destruction, then US President George W. Bush attempted to build a “coalition of the willing” against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Chirac remained resolutely unwilling to join the coalition, emerging as a formidable voice of opposition against a military invasion. His Gallic “non” frayed France’s relations with the US and Britain - and famously led to the US rebranding French fries as Freedom fries - but it also won him legions of admirers at home and abroad. “War is always a last resort. It is always proof of failure,” Chirac said days before the Allied invasion began.

The former president also won international plaudits when, in 1995, he became the first French leader to officially recognise the country's role in the deportation of Jews to death camps during World War Two. Chirac's popularity fell steadily during his second term in office and even when he suffered a minor stroke in 2005, there was little sympathy for the clearly ageing president.

The end of his political career in 2007 did not end his problems and for years, he was dogged by charges of corruption dating back decades to his time as the capital's mayor. As president, he had enjoyed immunity from the charges, but as he left office, the prosecutors moved in.

Chirac was eventually tried and convicted of putting his political party workers on the city's payroll, and was given a two-year suspended sentence.

Through all of the ups and downs, however, of his nearly 40-year career in politics, Chirac remained a popular public figure, although biographers suggest that may have more to

do with his image as an “everyman”, rather than for any particular achievement.

In a televised address from the Elysée Palace, President Macron mourned his death, calling him a president who “embodied a certain idea of France”. “We French have lost a statesman whom we loved as much as he loved us. Whether we share, or not, his ideas or what he fought for, we all recognise ourselves in this man who resembled us, and brought us together.” ■

6 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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Online residency permit applications Mayor fined >> continued from pg 1 in France in October”.

According to campaigners who met Ministry officials, the new application site will also be in English, but exact details remain hard to find, although the process will almost certainly be simpler than the current one, which often requires numerous trips to the prefecture and lengthy delays.

It is believed that the application will be entirely digital, with users able to scan and upload any accompanying documentation.

A final appointment will still be necessary to collect the card and to give fingerprints, although it is possible that this could be done at prefectures, sub-prefectures or even some mairies.

Under current rules, there is no legal obligation for British citizens living in France 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. A permit will, however, be compulsory once Britain is no longer in the European Union. If a withdrawal agreement is reached between Britain and the EU before the end of October, or following another extension, then there will be no need to obtain a 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 as part of any deal.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit - currently scheduled for October 31st – British residents in France will be required to have a valid carte de séjour. The government has announced, however, that there would be a one-year grace period to allow British residents to acquire a residency permit, although you must have proof that you have submitted an application within six months.

Kalba Meadows - from the French branch of the citizens' rights group British in Europe - gave the news a cautious welcome: “We were given to understand last year that there would be a centralised application platform, so while it's not 'new news' for us it's good that a timeline will now be put into place so that the process can begin as soon as possible. It's going to be a mammoth task processing applications from up to 200,000 Brits in France. As ever, the devil is in the detail and we understand that although applications will be made on a central online platform they will still be processed by individual prefectures, many of which will still struggle to meet the demand without extra resources. No announcement has been made to date about the provision of additional resources

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

so we're following with interest and look forward to discussing the details of the scheme as soon as possible so it can be made as userfriendly as possible.”

With uncertainty surrounding the fate of British residents since the 2016 referendum, many have already opted to apply for residency permits, with a sharp increase in applications earlier this year as the initial March deadline approached.

A number of prefectures were asking people to pre-book a limited number of time slots, which were quickly filled, leaving many people unable to apply. Others asked residents to turn up and queue at certain times, again leading to delays and frustration.

Some even simply stopped accepting any applications until there was more certainty over the future relationship between France and the UK. Whatever the outcome of the current political manoeuvring in parliament, the advice to British citizens living in France remains the same: to get their documentation in order and apply for a residency permit as soon as possible. Testing of the new government website is being carried out in the coming weeks to ensure the systems will be up and running by October 31st, after which it is hoped that the application process should be more straightforward. ■

for hiring too many women

I

n 2017, France introduced an equality law which stated that the gender balance in public services appointments must not exceed 60/40. The move was designed to ensure that local councils were less male-dominated, but one mairie in the east of France has fallen foul of the legislation... for employing too many women!

The mayor of Bourg-en-Bresse in the Ain department now faces a fine of €90,000 after a number of recent senior positions went to women.

After being informed of the ruling, Jean-François Debat said he deserved “congratulations rather than reprimand” for hiring so many women to high-ranking positions, saying: “The aim of the law, even if it's written in terms of parity, is to encourage more women into posts of responsibility at the highest level. In France, in local councils, the overall ratio is still 70% men, 30% women.”

In a letter to the commune, the Ain prefecture noted that four of the five most recent appointments went to female candidates, meaning the council has exceeded the 60/40 rule, despite it being in favour of women.

The mayor indicated that he would be appealing “higher up in government” to have the fine overturned. “I find it crazy that I would be fined for this and I'm sure I'm not alone. I have been battling to have more women in management positions.”

Since the law came into affect, 16 authorities have been fined for employing too many men, but one other, Lille, was also fined €90,000 in 2017 for appointing too many women. ■

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8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

Google pays €965m tax bill

Priceless artwork found in kitchen

T

he EU - and France in particular - has been ruffling feathers on both sides of the Atlantic with its fight against the tax arrangements of the big digital multinationals. It is a fight that is bearing fruit following the introduction of the GAFA tax - an acronym for Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon - earlier this year, a move which looks set to be replicated in other countries across Europe (see July's edition of The Bugle).

The latest victory came in September when Google announced that it would be paying a €965 million tax bill in France following a dispute that has rumbled on for years. The deal includes a €500 million fine as well as back taxes of €465m. “This outcome is good news for the public finances and fiscal fairness in France,” said Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet and Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin, who hailed the deal a “definitive settling” of all the outstanding contentious issues. “It is a historic settlement both for our public finances and because it marks the end of an era. By normalising Google's situation in France, this responds to our citizens' demands for fiscal fairness.”

“We continue to believe that the

E best way to provide a clear framework for companies that operate around the world is co-ordinated reform of the international tax system,” a spokesperson for Google said after the agreement was announced. Google, Apple and other US tech giants have long taken advantage of a legal loophole that allows them to report almost all their European earnings in Ireland, which has very low corporation tax rates. This often results in them paying little or no tax in other European countries.

Following the introduction of the GAFA tax earlier this year, the biggest international digital companies

will now face a flat tax rate of 3% on the turnover generated in France, irrespective of reported final profits. It is believed that the tax will generate as much as €500 million annually for the government. A number of other countries are planning to introduce similar taxes and France has stated that, should EU or international agreements be made, these would supersede the GAFA tax.

In the UK, a similar digital services tax of 2% on the revenues of search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces serving UK customers, is due to come into force next year. ■

xperts have confirmed that a painting found above the hotplate of a family kitchen is in fact a long-lost masterpiece worth millions of euros. The artwork, by the early Renaissance Florentine artist Cimabue, is part of a series of paintings from the late 13th Century; it is thought it could fetch up to €6m at auction.

The painting's owner believed that the artwork was simply an old religious icon and took it to be valued, but experts were quick to recognise it as a work by Cimabue, claiming that there was “no disputing” its origin. Cimabue's work was largely influenced by Byzantine art, produced on poplar wood panels with backgrounds of gold paint.

“The painting was done by the same hand. You can follow the tunnels made by the worms,” expert Éric Turquin explained, referring to tracks in the panel made by wood-eating larvae which were similar to those found in other sections thought to be part of the same artwork. “It's the same poplar panel.”

The painting is now thought to be “Christ Mocked”, dating from 1280 and part of a large 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”.

The scene in the National Gallery was also lost for centuries before being found by a British aristocrat as he was clearing out the attic of his ancestral seat in Suffolk; it was bequeathed to the nation in 2000.

The work of art will now go under the hammer at the Actéon auction house in Senlis, north of Paris, on October 27th. ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Landmark drug trial begins Breath test

kits no longer required

I A

landmark trial is under way into a weight-loss drug that has been linked to the deaths of hundreds of people in France in a case that has also exposed potential links between members of the country’s medicines watchdog and the pharmaceutical industry.

The drugs company Servier stands accused of offences including manslaughter and fraud for failing to act to withdraw the drug Mediator - a Type 2 diabetes drug that was found to suppress appetite and was later prescribed as a weight-loss aid - despite persistent safety concerns.

The pill was subsequently found to cause pulmonary hypertension - high blood pressure in the vessels that supply the lungs - as well as heart complications. At least 500 people are thought to have died of heart valve problems in France after taking the drug, while experts estimate that number may rise to as many as 2,100 in the long term, as well as causing irrevocable damage to thousands of others.

The trial, which began at the Paris

Criminal Court in September and is expected to last six months, not only includes the drug's manufacturer Servier, but also the country's drug regulator, which stands accused of not acting to prevent deaths and injuries.

One of the biggest in French history, the trial is expected to involve 2,600 civil plaintiffs and will focus on 91 victims, four of whom are deceased. Among the one hundred witnesses who are expected to testify is pulmonologist Irene Frachon who was instrumental in initially bringing the alleged wrongdoing to light; she published a book in 2010, which became the basis of a 2016 French documentary movie called 150 Milligrams.

Mediator was on the market for 33 years and has been used by about five million people. Initial safety concerns were raised in France as early as the mid-1990s, but the drug was only banned in France in 2009; it was outlawed in Belgium in 1978, Switzerland in 1997 and Spain in 2003.

The high-profile case has also shone

a spotlight on the allegedly unhealthy ties between Big Pharma and the medical experts who decide on drug licensing. Speaking before the trial, Ms Frachon said she hoped it would “show the failure of the medical world and its collusion with industry” and put paid to Servier’s “denial of responsibility”.

Charles Joseph-Oudin, who will represent about 250 plaintiffs, said victims “want to understand how this medicine could have been left on the market for so long. The laboratory deliberately lied and concealed the drug's dangerous properties.”

“Servier knew that it was selling poison,” said 71-year-old Joy Ercole, who took Mediator for six months 10 years ago, and claims she suffered heart damage as a result. “The unlucky ones, like me, are condemned to a slow death. My life is ruined.”

The company has already paid out €131.8 million to 3,732 patients and in July last year, Servier said in a statement that it “has made every effort to compensate all patients who have suffered as a result of Mediator.” ■

n 2012, as part of the ongoing battle against road deaths, the government announced plans to require all drivers to carry a breathalyser in their car at all times or face a fine. The controversial and confusing project was beset by problems from day one, not least of which was a lack of the actual breathalysers themselves.

After several false starts and in the face of growing criticism, then President François Hollande finally announced that the new law would not be enforced. It did, however, officially remain the law, meaning that motorists were technically required to have at least one such kit in their car at all times.

Anyone who has crossed the Channel with P&O in the intervening years may be familiar with the onboard announcement alerting passengers to the need to carry the breathalysers in France and to let them know the approved kits were available in the onboard shop for “just” £5.99! The breathalysers themselves state on the box that “from 1st March 2013 all vehicles travelling in France MUST, by law, be carrying NF approved breathalysers”, but they understandably failed to mention that drivers faced no punishment. Retailers were also keen to remind passengers that the kits have an expiry date and need to be regularly replaced!

This strange situation has finally been brought to an end following the introduction of a new transport bill - le projet de loi d'orientation des mobilités - which includes an article saying the law obliging drivers to carry breathalysers will be removed from the French statute book.

Motoring organisations have said that it is still a good idea for motorists to carry the kits when travelling through France, especially as the rules in France are stricter than in parts of the UK. The current drinkdrive limit in France is a maximum of 0.25mg per litre of breath (corresponding to 0.5g of alcohol per litre of blood, or very approximately two units of alcohol) - in England, Wales and Northern Ireland the limit is 0.35mg.

Drivers with more than 0.25mg/l risk having their licence suspended along with a €135 fine, while those in excess of 0.40mg/l can expect to be summoned to court to face a maximum €4,500 fine and two years in prison. ■

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

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Victory for Maurice the cockerel

C

for ploughing and to transfer crates at their vineyard in Alsace, as part of their biodynamic philosophy.

When Sésame is not in the vineyards, he sometimes grazes in a small meadow in the heart of the village and in the direct vicinity of a country cottage. Unfortunately, the owners of the neighbouring holiday cottage feel they are not happy about “the smell of manure and urine, the massive presence of flies and the horse noises”. The couple directly links this to a recent decrease in the number of visitors to their rental cottage.

A District Court rejected their claims in July last year on the grounds that “the inconveniences caused by this presence do not exceed the usual inconveniences of the neighbourhood”, but the couple chose to appeal and Sésame is due back in front of a judge on November 18th.

Following a spate of similar cases, a group of MPs have said they will table a bill to grant the sounds of the countryside protected status. “If we get this status, it will be a guarantee for a farmer not to find himself in front of the judges because his cows moo too much before being fed or because his donkey brays during the hot season. It's humiliating for rural folk to find themselves in court because of someone who comes from elsewhere. When I go into town, I don't ask them to remove the traffic lights and cars!” ■

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French court has ruled that a man who died while having sex on a business trip was the victim of a workplace accident. The decision by the Paris court means that the family of the man are entitled to compensation from his former employer.

The safety technician had been sent on a business trip to the Loiret department in central France and while there had sex with a “complete stranger”. During the act, he had a heart attack and died.

The firm had argued the employee was not carrying out professional duties when he joined another guest in her hotel room, but under French law an employer is responsible for any accident occurring during a business trip, judges said.

In court, his company had argued that, because he died in a different hotel room to the one which had been reserved for him, the liaison was not part of his work and it should not be held liable for his death. Furthermore, his employer claimed that the death “occurred when he had knowingly interrupted his work for a reason solely dictated by his personal interest, independent of his employment”, and that as a result he should no longer be considered to be on a business trip.

The Paris Court of Appeal, however, argued that “an employee performing a business trip is entitled to the protection provided by Article L 411-1 of the Social Security Code throughout the duration of the trip he performs for his employer”.

The judges pointed out that sexual intercourse is a part of everyday life and agreed that sexual activity was as normal as “taking a shower or having a meal”. ■

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ountryside campaigners are celebrating after a court ruled that Maurice the cockerel could continue his early morning calls without fear of being “silenced”. There have been a number of court cases in the media involving complaints - often from “outof-towners” - about the various sounds and smells of the countryside, but the case of Maurice grabbed the public's attention.

The dispute between neighbours on the Île d’Oléron was held by a local court in Rochefort. Two pensioners had complained that Maurice was making abnormally high levels of noise when he crowed every morning, which disturbed the peace at their second home on the island.

The dispute, which has run for more than two years, was billed as a symbolic stand-off between two ways of life: on one side are the islanders on the picturesque Île d'Oléron off the Atlantic coast, who say they have always kept chickens; on the other are people arriving from other areas of France to invest in second homes on the island. The case was even more poignant for many given the importance of the cockerel as the symbol of France.

As the case began, although Maurice himself was not present, many people did turn up outside court with cockerels and “Je suis Maurice” banners were trending across social media. Inside, lawyers for the retired couple argued that when the population of the island swells to 35,000 in summer, it is a “built-up, urban area”, but the bird's owner claims that the island, which is home to just 7,000 people for the rest of the year, is a rural location. “This is the height of intolerance - you have to accept local traditions,” said Christophe Sueur, the mayor of the village of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.

In a widely popular ruling, the court came down on the side of Maurice and ordered the neighbours to pay €1,000 in damages to the animal's owner, Corinne Fesseau. Had the case been lost Corinne would have had 15 days to move Maurice or have him “silenced”.

Just as Maurice was told he was free to sing at dawn, Sésame the horse found himself in a similar situation. Since 2012, Marie and Jean-Paul Zusslin have been using Sésame

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OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Celery - controversial, but often essential

by Julia Watson graveolens, is not to be confused with celeriac, Apium graveolens var. rapaceum, of which more another time. It’s been around f-o-r-e-v-e-r. (What decent vegetable hasn’t?) It was originally a marshland plant, which may explain why you might be finding it hard to cultivate in the hot and dry south-west France. It was found around the Mediterranean in salty, marshy soil near the coast. It isn’t too happy in soil that lacks a salt content or isn’t constantly damp.

Like leeks, it needs earthing up as it grows, in order to develop that white stalk. Celery that has been left unearthed to its own wayward devices in the potager develops a bitter and emphatic flavour hard to welcome in the mouth.

But let that tangle go on to flower, and you’ll have seeds to use as a spice and, if you are homeopathically inclined, to apply in various cures. Back in time, celery seeds were employed by Ayurvedic practitioners in India to treat colds, flu, arthritis, some diseases of the liver and spleen, and against water retention. This versatile seed is still used as a diuretic. It promises a number of other medical benefits, all of which tend to be prefaced by the ambivalent ‘hedgeyour-bets’ verb: ‘may’.

Why should the poor maligned head of celery be held responsible for so much?

It’s deliciously crunchy, it’s a healthy snack, it makes your slow-braised recipes taste good - what more do you want? It’s not celery’s fault it cooks out limp and grey.

Here’s a more colourful use for it, which goes well with roast meats and with game, and makes a delicious vegetarian dish or supper dish served with no more than a crusty baguette and perhaps a salad on the side. ■

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

Advertise your business in The Bugle

M

y father used to call the once winter-season vegetable coming into its best right now ‘cerely’, much as my eldest daughter, when little, used to call trucks ‘rollies’, which made lorries seem so much more effervescent and roadworthy.

Celery is that dieter’s darling - an edible that burns more calories in the digesting of it than it delivers in the eating of it. But it’s a vegetable that doesn’t inspire much respect, although a ‘mirepoix’ or ‘soffrito’ would be lost without it. Combined with finely diced onion and carrot, celery provides that foundation flavouring to so many braised dishes, from soups to stews.

And yet, even while being patronised, celery has proudly survived many decades of food fashion as its own self. From the 1830s to early 1900s, it was such an expensive vegetable, because of the care and attention it demanded in its cultivation, that wealthy families displayed it on the dining table in water like flowers in ‘celery vases’, intricate glass pieces now part of museum collections.

In a not too distant decade past, soft blue cheese was smeared down each stalk’s gutter for passing around with wicked cocktails. In the US, it has always been served - incongruously but oh-so-rightly with spicy-hot chicken wings. Jamie Oliver gave it pizzazz when he took a whole head and sliced it finely right across in thin half moons, dressing it with vinaigrette as a new kind of refreshing salad to which, in Jamie lingo, you could add ‘other pukka stuff’.

You can’t make elegant Waldorf salad without a head of celery. A chicken salad of yesterday’s roast mixed up in a generous blanketing of mustardy mayonnaise with handfuls of toasted walnuts and capers is cranked up more than a notch by a folding in of copious amounts of sliced celery.

Celery, Apium graveolens var.

Braised celery with dried cèpes

Ingredients (serves 4): 200ml chicken stock 10g dried cèpes 70g butter 4 whole bunches of celery, outer stalks peeled with a potato peeler 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 small clove garlic, bruised 2 tablespoons capers 50ml vin de noix or Madeira Salt and freshly milled white pepper 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 180C.

season.

Pour hot chicken stock over dried cèpes and leave to soak 15 minutes.

Cover dish with foil and bake 40-60 minutes. Check once or twice. If liquid is drying out, add a little more stock and lower heat. If there is too much, remove dish to stovetop and boil down over high heat. The celery and sauce should be syrupy and golden. Remove the garlic, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Melt butter in an ovenproof dish. Peel off the fibres from the outer stalks of the celery hearts with a potato peeler.

Halve each celery heart down the middle or tie stalks together and cut heart across its middle, reserving remaining loose stalks for other use. Gently stew in butter till colouring lightly then add vinegar. Reduce liquid at a bubbling simmer to nearly nothing then add stock and cèpes. Bring to the boil and add garlic, capers, vin de noix or Madeira and

Hint: To remove the tough fibres from the outer stalks of a bunch of celery, hold the bunch of celery hearts in one hand and run the potato peeler with the other hand down each of the outer stalks.

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

When is your tax freedom day?

- Blevins Franks

How long does it take to earn money for yourself instead of the taxman?

"Tax freedom day" varies greatly by country, but good tax planning can help reduce your burden, wherever you live.

I

f you ever had the feeling that you have spent half your working life just paying tax, you are not far wrong. What with income tax, national insurance/social security, capital gains tax, VAT, council tax, excise duties and so on, a considerable amount of our income goes straight to the taxman each year.

Even if you are retired, you are still faced with tax on savings, investments and pensions, not to mention the amount payable in VAT each year.

Having paid so many taxes all your life, you will not want to pay more than necessary – that’s why tax planning plays such an important part in protecting your wealth.

Defining the tax burden of typical workers in the EU

For the last ten years, the Institut Economique Molinari has been measuring taxes payable across the 28 EU member states. While it focuses on employees and the tax and social security they pay, it illustrates the general tax burden of each country and how they compare to each other.

The study calculates a “tax liberation day” for each member state – the date on which an employee has earned enough to pay off all taxes for the year. It also identifies the average “real tax rate” for typical workers in each country (gross salary minus all tax liabilities).

2019’s report reveals the average tax freedom day across the EU was 12 June, but results ranged from 8 April to 19 July – a disparity of over 14 weeks! Meanwhile, the difference between the lowest and highest real tax rate was more than double. Remaining at 44.5%, this year’s average rate broke a four-year trend of slightly declining taxes.

How did France do?

For the fourth year running, France has the dubious honour of holding the latest tax freedom day – on 19 July.

However, thanks in part to 2019’s reduced social contributions, this is the earliest it has been since the study began – eight days earlier than last year, and ten days sooner than in 2017.

This still means the symbolic date when French workers stopped paying their tax is over halfway through the year – and more than three months behind top-placed Cyprus! French employees worked for 200 days of the year just to pay their tax bill.

France also retains the highest real tax rate of 54.73%. The average gross average salary is relatively high at €55,158, but after taxes workers are only left with €24,970 to spend on themselves and their families.

Despite these results, with good financial planning France can actually be a very tax-efficient place to live, especially for retirees with capital to invest.

Cyprus continues to have the earliest tax freedom day on 8 April, nine days ahead of runner-up Malta on 17 April, with Ireland taking third place at 26 April. When it comes to the lowest real tax rate, Cyprus leads at 26.6% with Malta following at 29.3%.

What about the UK? According to the study, the UK’s tax freedom day again comes fourth, landing on 8 May, with a real tax rate of 34.94%.

However, many think tanks undertake their own research to calculate their country’s tax freedom day, using different methodologies. While the Institut Economique Molinari looks at income tax, social security contributions and VAT, the UK’s Adam Smith Institute (ASI) measures the entire tax take, including taxes that do not come directly out of the earner’s pocket.

The ASI’s approach places the UK’s 2019 date three weeks later, on 30 May. One day later than 2018’s result,

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this is the latest date since comparable records began in 1995.

What does this mean for taxpayers?

The Institut’s overall outlook is that ageing populations are putting pressure on pension and healthcare spending for governments throughout the bloc. This does not bode well for future tax cuts; as the population ages and fewer people are actively employed, taxpayers are required to plug the gap. With under half of the EU’s 513 million citizens in the labour force, the report concludes that “economic growth remains European workers’ best hope against tax increases in the near term”.

These therefore remain taxing times for taxpayers, and not just for workers, as retirees are also faced with higher taxes. Of course, the research is just indicative of the average taxpayer in each country – higher earners will generally have a later tax freedom day.

In many cases, there are steps you

can take to lighten your tax burden, especially on your capital investments and pensions. While we all have to pay our share of taxes, cross-border taxation is highly complex; do not risk getting it wrong or paying more than you have to. Take personalised, specialist advice on the compliant tax mitigation opportunities available in France and the UK – you may be surprised at how you can improve your tax situation. ■ All advice received from Blevins Franks is personalised and provided in writing. This article, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation or investment 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

DIRECTORY ♦ 13

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Champlong Chatterie

Animals & Pets

Animals & Pets >> pg 13 Antiques/Brocantes >> pg 13 Auto Services >> pg 13 Building Services >> pg 13-15 Chimney Sweeps >> pg 15-16 Computers/Satellites >> pg 16 Counselling & Support Services >> pg 16 Food & Drink >> pg 16 Garden Services >> pg 16 Gifts & Crafts >> pg 18 Handholding Services >> pg 18

Health & Beauty >> pg 18 Insurance & Finance >> pg 18 Language Services >> pg 18 Pest Control >> pg 18 Pools & Spas >> pg 18-19 Property Maintenance >> pg 19 Property Sales >> pg 19 Retail & Commerce >> pg 19 Transport/Removals/Storage >> pg 19-20 General >> pg 20 Businesses for Sale >> pg 20

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Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

06 04 17 80 93

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

06 04 17 80 93 sales@thebugle.eu

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

Your advert here

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

06 45 82 34 03

A. Wright

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE JOINERY

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

Siret: 802 265 728

■ Services ■ Brakes ■ MOT Prep

(contrôle technique)

siret: 810 322 123 00011

New build?

MOTOR PARTS

siret: 810 192 807 00016

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

Jeff Jones: 05 55 62 46 21 Mob: 06 38 25 74 62 email: jones23entreprise@orange.fr

Renovating your French property?

05 55 80 42 47 or email

Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys.

Verbal & written reports.

Structural calculations & drawings.

Redevelopment ideas & solutions.

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

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

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

Building Services Architects/Surveyors CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Antiques/ Brocantes

Portfolio available to view at

www.jonesentreprise.com

14 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

Carlos

Building Services Electricians

Construction

see main ad below

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

05 55 62 63 82

Lumiere Service et Energie Steven Rofe 28 Years' experience

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

www.roferenovation.com

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

SALAMANDRE

électricité Keith SLOPER

SAS Masters

www.masters-energies.com 05 55 78 66 35 see main ad - pg 10

Building Services Fosses Septiques

LVL

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

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

Tel: 05 55 64 94 20 Mob: 07 86 38 09 61 * Qualified electrician * All types of electrical works carried out * Free estimates * Fault finding * Consuel certification arranged * Temporary and permanent EDF supplies arranged * Departments 23 and 87 No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

Pink Electrique

Ruth & Geoff Kowalczyk Project management. All electrical work, home automation & security. Please see our website for more information. French qualified and insured.

30+ years worldwide experience.

Departments covered: 23, 36, 87.

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

Email: pink-electrique@laposte.net www.pink-electrique.fr SIRET: 788 709 871 00016

Fosse Septique 23 Steve. JOHNS. SARL

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

E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

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

& Property Services

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

Large or small projects undertaken - please view our website.

Contact: Paul or Joanne Rands

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

Harlequin Developments est. 2007

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

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

• Painting/Decorating • Labouring • Pressure Washing • General DIY No job too small, just give me a call!!

All areas covered - Based nr Aubusson (23)

05 55 83 02 77 / 06 30 90 58 90

siret: 824 706 444 00018

Siret: 523 955 151 00015

• house/barn clearance (pre sale / post sale) • garden/land clearance • dechetterie runs • rubbish removal Specialist equipment available: • tractor with flail mower, rotavator, etc.

• vehicle with 1.5 tonne crane

05 55 37 45 35

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

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

Masonry & More

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

05 55 61 93 07

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

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

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

E: info@maxhuggett.com

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

www.maxhuggett.com

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

A. Wright

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

STEVE'S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Roofing, Building, Renovations, Plastering & stud walls, ... and more!

Fully insured. e: lowe.steven@orange.fr

t: 05 55 50 52 02 m: 07 66 52 33 47 siret: 842 233 108 00013

Entreprise Hines

Building & Renovation ● Roofing - New & Repairs ● Masonry ● Plastering ● Dry Lining ● Sand Blasting ● Scaffold Hire ● ... and much, much more

40 years qualified experience

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

upvc-solutions Davis & Davis uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management

Available in white, beige & oak woodgrain.

We now offer a supply only service on our made to measure windows.

Visit our website for more information.

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments

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

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance

SERVICES

siret 532 981 198 00015

jonathanpiddock@orange.fr

Max Huggett

Building Services General

GODSON

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

SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

05.55.64.11.73 06.70.47.52.96

INSTALLATION23 WASTE REMOVAL - Electricity - Plumbing - Small renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.)

- Fully Insured Dutch and English spoken Creuse / Puy-de-Dôme

La Noneix

Electrician/Plumber

Dave Cardwell - Builder

05 55 98 24 12

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

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

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

See our Display Ad below

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

Paul Jones Renovation

Stephen Cullinane & Son

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

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

Siret: 498 203 652 00017

From the foundations to the roof Established 13 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 10

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

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

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

Landscaping, Ditching, Land Clearance etc.

Hedge Removal and Stone Wall Construction

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

John Bonella

87440 Marval

lorrainemquintana@gmail.com

siret: 829 638 741 00019

DAVID CARDWELL

with Driver for Hire

ELECTRICIAN/PLUMBER

05 55 62 63 82

Mini Digger

05 55 53 03 56

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

john.bonella@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL

BUILDER

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Houses on Internet: A Global Property Network

H

ouses on Internet – Global Property Services (hereafter referred to as “HOIGPS”) is the internet/marketing company that helps people sell their French property to buyers worldwide.

Richard Kroon, founder and director of the company: “In spite of all the Brexit issues, this year has been extremely good. The number of sales are 42% higher than last year. We still see British buyers, but also many other nationalities, which is why our worldwide advertising is so important. Our marketing efforts are definitely paying off and guarantee a worldwide exposure of your property to buyers wherever they live.

“So far this year HOI-GPS has sold to people from 14 different countries, like France,

Building Services Groundworks

Australia, Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark and South Africa.

“The actual work all starts with the presentation of a property. If that’s not good enough, all other marketing efforts are useless. Our photographers usually take 150 to 200 photos of a house and in addition copy any good (summer) photos our clients may have themselves.

“About 50 to 60 of those photos are selected, enhanced and presented on the dedicated website we make for each property in English, French and Dutch.

“The texts don’t just describe the house, garden and outbuildings, but information about shopping, schools, airports and leisure is given too.

“When the website for the

Mini-Digger with driver

05.55.53.03.56

john.bonella@gmail.com See Main Ad pg 14

Building Services Lifts & Scaffolding • Earthworks/Groundwork • Arboriculture • Landscaping • Sanitation Installation • Excavator Hire www.creuseearthworks.com www.creusegroundwork.com

Tel: 05 55 61 00 70 Siret: 838 731 450 0015

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 11

M&M EXCAVATION SERVICES

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 See main ad - pg 7

High Ground Development andy@hgdev.co.uk www.hgdev.co.uk see main ad - pg 10

Cherry Picker Services

14.5 metres on a van lasout@live.com

Tel: 09 66 03 52 89 Call for a quote

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

house is online, we first connect it to our main HOI-GPS websites which attract over 135,000 visitors from 35+ countries each month. Most of these people find us through Google and additional Google advertising.

“To reach an even larger audience, a summary of the presentation of the house is also placed on several other leading property websites. These adverts are also connected to the dedicated website of the house, making it all one big global property network.

“As the property market has become a global one, a prospective buyer can be on the other side of the world while the owner is in bed sleeping. With our approach, the buyer does not have to wait and can see the entire property whenever he wants, at the moment he is inter-

ested in it.”

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

Houses on Internet Global Property Services www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

Building Services Roofing

Chimney Sweeps

Building Services Plasterers

MUMFORD TOITURE

La Petite Ramoneur

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

Established since 1986

Able Plastering

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

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

Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

All types of chimney

Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

Fully Insured

mumford.toiture@gmail.com

Call Ruth Langston

Building Services Sandblasting

02 54 31 48 50 06 25 61 84 95 (SMS only) siret 504 218 454 00016

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:

05 55 76 31 59 / 06 77 40 95 92

Carlos

M&M SANDBLASTING SERVICES

05 55 62 63 82 see main ad - pg 14

Brush & Vacuum

05 55 44 71 44 / 06 78 60 96 16

Building Services Plumbing & Heating Electrician/Plumber

THE LADY SWEEP

www.sandandblast.com bobby@sandandblast.com steve@sandandblast.com SIRET: 812 727 253 00013

Email: cinderssweep@gmail.com

T: 07 68 76 39 99 siret: 484 768 700 00029

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 See main ad - pg 7

Experienced, Registered & Fully Insured No mess, no fuss

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

Purple Solutions Garden Maintenance Do you have a garden? Home, cottage or holiday home?

Call us on 06 72 87 87 14 or contact us via Facebook or email.

Leave your details and an idea of the job description.

Covering 40 km from Cussac (87150)

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

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

ADVERTORIAL

La Noneix Construction and Property Services Limousin residents Paul and Joanne Rands moved to France with their two young children over a decade ago and established their successful construction company, La Noneix Construction and Property Services, offering a full range of building services, from a small job right through to a total renovation or complete new-build.

H

ere at La Noneix Construction we are into our 13th year of trading with an excellent reputation for our standard of work and the service provided. We are getting more and more repeat business from customers with whom we have built up an excellent relationship and new customers from word of mouth.

We are still finding that there are people arriving from the UK even with the threat of Brexit. We have found a demand for property inspection services from house purchasers who live overseas and do not want to incur the additional cost of repeated visits.

We have also taken on an apprentice who has passed his BAC Pro in Intervention Patrimoine Bati - the study of traditional construction methods originally used in the Creuse - and is now studying for a BTS bâtiment. In view of all the very old properties that we are frequently asked to renovate, this is of particular interest to us.

When carrying out a large renovation, the customer

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

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72 Siren: 502 409 949

Computers, Satellites & Web Design Big Dish Satellite www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98 see main ad - pg 10

TTS Media

High speed satellite broadband 03 66 88 06 29 / +44 (0)1308 888 020 see main ad - pg 10

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

Call Patrice:

06.79.07.91.56

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

needs to be sure that the company they choose is fully qualified, insured, reliable and has a good track record.

We pride ourselves on meeting these criteria and for the attention to detail and level of customer service that we provide.

We are in constant contact with our clients; we effectively run a 24/7 business via phone and email.

Often, our clients will be based offsite or overseas and we send weekly updates, with photos of how the work is progressing. They are able to get back from work in an evening and email us to find out how things are going we will always respond.

We find that this service is essential to our customers who do not live permanently in France, allowing them to remotely see exactly what has been happening in their absence. This not only provides peace of mind, but also avoids the need for constant, costly trips back and forth to make sure that the work is being carried out effectively and efficiently.

Something that we unfortunately still see quite often are problems related to work undertaken by unregistered or improperly registered builders. This can lead to unsafe structures and if you are not careful, you can lose your money. When doing any kind of work, but especially when the work is structural, it is imperative that customers check that their builder is registered for

GOODWIN SATELLITE

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

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

Counselling & Support Services

the work they will be doing and that their insurance actually covers it. Just having a Siret number does not mean you are covered for all building work!

La Noneix Construction and Property Services is a professional enterprise that is registered at the Chambre de Métiers. We operate under a full, mandatory 10-year insurance (décennale) and we have an excellent customer service record.

Don’t take our word for it, though, just listen to what our customers have to say about our business in their own words: “Something of a makeover it certainly is, in short we are both blown away with what you have achieved, it

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Restaurant du soir.

Our menu changes monthly.

Special occasions and parties welcome.

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

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

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

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

COUNSELLING

& PSYCHOTHERAPY Lesley Kidd MSc & Martin Simpson MSc

Try Something Different

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

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

Food & Drink

05 87 40 02 83

quite simply looks stunning. Whilst we appreciate it's always the case to some extent, I think we would all agree there has necessarily been a lot of trust in both directions with regards to this project, but it really makes us so happy that you have been so true to your word and produced such a fantastic end product.” - Adrian & Alison

Before

La Noneix Construction & Property Services Tel: 05.55.66.44.06 Email: paul.rands@orange.fr Find more information on: www.lanoneix.com

After

ViensVienne

Bistro in Eymoutiers www.viensvienne.com

Tel: 05 44 23 08 87 - see main ad, pg 2

Le Creusois Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

High quality British & French food at reasonable prices.

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

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

British Market Stall

Maintenance gardener

Tel: 0811 381 511

Need some advice?

Too much like hard-work?

30 years of experience

Siret: 841 617 491 00011

Stephen Grendon

see main ad - pg 6

Garden Services

TEL: 06 72 11 62 15 stengrendon1@gmail.com Based in St-Julien-le-Petit (87460), covering St. Léonard, Peyrat, Eymoutiers, Bujaleuf. siret: 839 102 415 00016

GARDEN SERVICES

Le Petit Cafe Anglais 05 55 54 93 05

Tel: 05 55 89 57 40 brownpaul006@gmail.com

siret: 498 199 306 00016

joe.geer@orange.fr

Bénévent-l'Abbaye

Follow us on facebook e : mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

see main ad - pg 9

Grass, hedge and tree cutting Fences, gates and stone walls Gite cleaning and changeovers ... and much more

Les Remparts

Grass Cutting Strimming General Maintenance Based La Souterraine (23)

Parties 20+ & events catered for

Joseph and Samantha Geer

Champsac 87230

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

www.lepetitcafeanglais.net

Garden & Property Services

see main ad - pg 6

For menus and venues:

m : 07 70 39 12 23

Clearance, weeding, pruning, topiary, planting, maintenance, design.

Day or half day rates.

Excellent references.

All work by hand. contact: vita_hewison@mac.com

Rés: 06 73 37 45 01

Paul Brown

www.mandyscurry2go.com

RHS qualified horticulturalists

Tel: 06 86 95 46 51

facebook.com/britishmarketstall

Mobile Curry Take Away

Magnat-l’Etrange, Creuse (23)

Allo Allo

1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand Bourg

closed Wednesdays

Mandys-curry-2-go

‘Chou Chou’

Sid's All Seasons Garden Maintenance & GeneralHandyman

05 55 64 55 70 - see ad pg 11 Purple Solutions Garden Maintenance

Siret: 483 059 242 00030

06 72 87 87 14 see main ad - pg 15

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 06 04 17 80 93 Would you like to receive an electronic copy of The Bugle each month?

We can deliver a copy to your inbox, hot off the press

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

New Forest Woodburning Centre

W

e have been selling the finest wood burning stoves for over forty years, and the ground-breaking Clearview Stoves since they first came to market thirty

years ago.

Over that time, we have sold hundreds of stoves to discriminating customers in France and all over Europe, and in fact, our stoves have ended up in some of the furthest corners of the world!

Clearview Stoves have a hard-earned reputation as the most versatile, clean-burning and user-friendly stoves on the market. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your heating requirements, and can all be fitted with boilers if required.

We also carry excellent stoves from Chesney’s, Chilli Penguin, Contura and Barbas, which in our opinion represent the best offerings on the market, including the latest models achieving Ecodesign 2022 standards.

Like everyone without a reliable crystal ball, we have no idea what the eventual repercussions of any eventual Brexit will be for cross-Channel trade, but for the moment, it’s business as usual, a situation that is likely to persist at least until the end of a transition period, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or orders.

If you would like one of our excellent stoves for your home in France, you have three options: • Buy and collect direct from our showroom in Lymington in the New Forest, conveniently close to many major ferry ports

nickb@woodburners.com

• Buy from us by phone and arrange collection by Jon Davis, who makes regular collections from the UK and delivers to the door: jon@safehandshaulage.com 05.53.79.26.48

www.woodburners.com 0044 (0)1590 683585 New Forest Woodburning Centre, 280 Ricardo Way Lymingron, SO41 8JU

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 more than 30,000 people each month.

In the Limousin we have more than 250 distribution points across the region and surrounding areas where readers can pick up a copy for free.

We also distribute 3,500 copies through Limoges Airport, which means that we are in the perfect position to target not only residents and secondhome owners, but also tourists and those new to the region.

The Bugle is the only English language newspaper dedicated to the Limousin - in fact, today, The Bugle is the only free English language newspaper in France and we are growing all the time.

If you would like to discuss any of our advertising options further, why not give us a call today to find out more about the ways that we can help you grow your business.

• For a full collection & fitting service, contact Wayne Fairbrass, HETAS and NACS-qualified: wayne.fairbrass@orange.fr 06.10.79.48.01

ADVERTORIAL

Bar Le Lac - Bessines

B

ar Le Lac in Bessines-surGartempe has now been open for 3 months and Glyn, Paula and Lewis would like to thank all our customers for their support during this period.

With an outside terrace and beautiful views over lac Sagnat, it is the perfect place to relax with food or a drink whilst taking in the surroundings.

The dining room has stunning views over the lake where simple delicious food is served in both the afternoon and evenings, and we have a new menu starting 1st October.

We are dog friendly so don’t hesitate to join us if you are with your 4 legged friend after a walk around the lake.

We have just changed to our Autumn/Winter hours: Mon/Wed/Thu: 11h30-14h30 & 17h30-21h Fri: 11h30-14h30 & 17h-21h30 Sat: 11h30-22h - Sunday 11h30-21h Closed Tuesday Upcoming events Soirée Moules Frites – Fri 4th October (by reservation)

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

Fish and Chips - TBA Pie Night - TBA Further events and dates will be advertised on our Facebook page: BarLeLac

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

ADVERTORIAL

Retirement shortfall - could this be you? – Rosemary Sheppard, International Financial Adviser Should I take my 25% tax-free cash?

A

fter the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, financial advisers found that in addition to trying to get clients to save and accumulate wealth they now had to try to make sure clients didn’t deplete their pension pots so that they ran out before the client did.

This can be quite a challenge as since this change clients have the freedom to use their retirement savings however they want. Admittedly, there are fewer Lamborghinis on the road than was expected, but it is crucial, where possible, that financial advisers step in to help clients make the right decisions and ensure the money is not frittered away. The most common questions are:

This may sound good but whether you are eyeing up a cruise, a new car, or have a nagging mortgage to pay off, the ability to take a quarter of your pension as a "tax-free lump sum" can seem like an opportunity too good to miss.

However, before you are swayed by what the money could buy you, remember that if you are a French Tax resident there is no such thing as a tax-free lump sum, this applies to UK tax residents only. The French authoritites will tax this sum once they know about it.

How much can I take from my pension?

If you have a pension that allows flexible drawdown you will have to carefully manage how much money you can take out of your pot to ensure that it doesn’t run out.

Before looking at the numbers, you’ll also need to think about what you

want to do with your retirement and what your financial priorities are – for example, whether you want to really make the most of your early years while you’re fit and well, or whether you want to stockpile your cash for care later in life or an inheritance for loved ones.

Research has shown that people think they can safely withdraw around 7% a year from their retirement fund without fear of running out of money, although the reality is likely to be significantly less than 7%. A more sustainable rate of withdrawal is usually between 3.5% to 5% pa .

It is also important to consider that your spending needs will change during your retirement. The early years of your retirement are likely to be the most expensive, but costs can be high in the latter stages too, especially if long-term care is needed.

Can I take my whole pension as a lump sum?

Since the introduction of the pension

Gifts & Crafts

freedoms in April 2015, you can now take your entire pension as cash, but just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should.

Remember any money taken from your pension is taxable here in France and this could mean that you find yourself with a very large and unwelcome tax bill.

If, however, it is only a small pot and you have other sources of retirement income, it may not always be a bad move. The key is doing it because you have a specific need or use for the cash, rather than just sticking it in the bank, where you will get pitiful returns and lose all the tax benefits of keeping it in a pension.

Must I take an income from my pension?

The simple answer to this question is ‘No’. If you don’t need the money, there can be advantages in leaving it within a pension, including tax-efficient growth, the ability to pass the money tax-free to

your beneficiaries if you die before age 75 and pension money being outside of your estate for inheritance tax purposes.

If you would like pensions or investment advice, Blacktower Financial Management has been established for over 32 years and has worked with its clients through the good and the bad times, offering sound financial advice.

Blacktower will be by your side both now and in the future, we are here to help you. To arrange a professional and impartial consultation please contact me by email: Rosemary. sheppard@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70. Website: www.theblacktowergroup.com This article is based on the opinion of the financial adviser and author, and does not reflect the views of Blacktower.

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

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth

Health & Beauty

management advisers

www.blevinsfranks.com

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.

Pest Control

See our main ad - pg 12

Osteopathy & Acupuncture

26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Linda & Paul Bodimeade

Artisan art for your garden

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

Tel: 06 95 46 25 38 lindabodimeade@eircom.net paulbodimeade@eircom.net

siret: 791 847 429 00010

siret: 793 539 826 00016

Back, Neck, Joint Pain, Arthritic conditions?

Anxiety, Headaches, Sports Injuries?

Insomnia, Stress, Sinus, Hayfever?

Based in Châteauneuf-la-Forêt (87130)

Chez Boutique

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

Formerly La Petite Place

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

See our Display Ad - pg 7

Très Jolie

Mobile hairdresser

see main ad pg 19

06 15 78 18 04- pg 11

05.55.60.08.46

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

Grand-Bourg & surrounding area

Call Teddy:

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

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

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93 Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 8

sales@thebugle.eu 06 04 17 80 93

Insurance & Finance The Spectrum IFA Group

Tony Farrell

International Financial Adviser

05 55 89 57 94 - see pg 7

Blacktower

Financial Managment Group

Rosemary Sheppard 06 38 86 99 70 - pg 9

Language Services Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE

French classes held in Eymoutiers

Central France Pest Control

02 48 60 83 72 see main ad - pg 19

Your advert here

In these uncertain times, 1 thing is certain...

There is no better time to up the level of your french to get the most out of your life in Limousin ... and even obtain French citizenship!!

• feel confident socially, cope at the doctor's or vet's • deal with emergencies, chat over the garden wall and make friends • help with phone calls and paperwork • feel comfortable speaking with French people and let your personality shine through • keep your brain active and fend off Alzheimer's Small groups with a level to suit yours.

Free 3 hours as taster to include coffee & cake.

Everyone CAN improve!!

TERM STARTS W/C SEPTEMBER 9 To reserve your place in the appropriate group:

06 04 17 80 93

Email: homer.jennifer@gmail.com

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

siret: 490 323 243 00025

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 8

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Pools & Spas Dave Roberts

Fibreglass Specialist

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

www. fibreglass-lining.com

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

Limousin Spas

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

New for 2019

We are pleased to announce our new range of over 80 Spas, Swim spas, Hot tubs & Saunas from top European and U.S. manufacturers.

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

Prices from €2,000

'Gite and Tidy'

Siret: 752 157 610 00011

Property Maintenance Creuse Property Care

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

Garden & Pool Maintenance General Maintenance & Small Renovation work including plasterboarding, tiling, painting, etc.

Changeovers/House Cleaning Ad-hoc Assistance References available Contact Mark or Trudy...

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

Moulin de Tintin

see main ad - pg 4

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

Leggett Immobilier

*Platinum Spas* *Superior Spas* *Tuff Spas* *Zen Spas* *BeSpa* *Durasport* *Superior Saunas* *Baltic Hot tubs* *Baltic Saunas*

Web: www.limousin-spas.com Email: sales@limousin-spas.com Tel: 05 55 63 26 20

REMAX

www.agencebeaumont.com 06 74 93 58 39

Property management All properties looked after, main residences, holiday homes & gîtes.

Changeovers, cleaning, tidy ups, maintenance, gardening, swimming pools, etc.

Single or regular visits.

Fully insured.

Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150).

References available.

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

www.leggettfrance.com

05 53 56 62 54 see main ad - pg 5

VAN ROUGE

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

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

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 8

Beaux Villages Immobilier www.beauxvillages.com

Freephone: 08 05 69 23 23 see main ad - pg 8

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

Naturalis Pools

www.naturalispools.com

06 31 17 25 60 see main ad - pg 2

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage Brexit Busting Prices!!

Vehicle storage options We also do internal moves!

14.5m cherry picker available

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

Smart Moves For a fully insured, careful service

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

Man & Van Transport

Retail & Commerce

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com

Property Sales

Transport, Removals & Storage

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

Central France Storage

Furniture, interiors & gifts

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

14m3 capacity 4.2m load length

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

English & French Spoken

09 82 12 69 73 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

Advertise here from just €36 HT / month

06 04 17 80 93 sales@thebugle.eu

Très Jolie

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

(See Notice Board for where to find me)

Paula Bonella

05 55 53 03 56 06 04 08 29 53

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

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

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

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

www.buggscarhire.com see main ad - front page

Watson European International Removals

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk see main ad - pg 4

Franklins Removals 0044 121 353 7263

www.franklinsremovals.co.uk see main ad - pg 7

Transition Removals (+33) 05 55 34 19 46

www.transitionremovals.net see main ad below

Units start from €490 TTC.

WANTED

General

Transport, Removals & Storage

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. ■

your junk

I will buy just about anything in your barn: agricultural machinery, cars, motorbikes, lorries, pushbikes, old wrought ironwork, oil cans, signs, timberwork and doors... in fact anything!!

Just think, that rubbish could earn you cash!!

Bruno Sablé

9, St. Louis Pasteur 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

Sewing Machine Repairs ... all makes and models Also repairs and maintenance of small electrical appliances M: 06 38 92 61 24 T: 09 51 59 31 43 E: brunosable9@gmail.com

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 - see below

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

Cash paid for scrap

All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

Tel: 05 55 37 45 35 Mob: 06 74 21 47 71

CALL: 06 33 84 76 33

www.facebook.com/willwhiting87/

siret: 511 127 763 00015

siret 532 981 198 00015

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

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

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

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

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

Businesses for Sale A VENDRE: Pas-de-porte, boutique tous commerces.

Immeuble de style dans avenue principale de Limoges. Parking facile. 60 m².

2 grandes salles 20 m2 & 25 m2.

Une arrière salle, mini coin kitchenette, wc.

Très bon état.

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

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

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

Contact for more information.

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

FOR SALE:

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

06 38 39 33 99

Buying or selling small items...?

Check out our online Classifieds... updated daily!

www.thebugle.eu/classifieds.php To place a Classified, simply email details of your item for sale to notices@thebugle.eu

Family run business based in France which prides itself on a personal professional service 7 tonne truck to and from the UK and Europe, with a highly experienced staff. We provide a door-to-door service with packing and dry, secure storage.

We are a professional furniture removal company and NOT a man and a van.

Granulés du Limousin

TRANSITION REMOVALS

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

COMMUNITY ♦ 21

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

We are open serving our Plat du Jour every Monday to Friday.

Friday is fish day!

Vendredi c'est poisson!

Tradespeople required for renovations nationwide in France We're looking for experienced carpenter/joiner sub-contractors all over France to fit solid wood kitchens as well as general builders, electricians and plumbers. Your business must be registered in France with décennale insurance. Heavy lifting, 2 man team preferred but not essential, French speaking a bonus but not essential. Travelling required.

For further information call:

Call for more information:

Très Jolie

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

Italian Clothing & Fashion Accessories

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

Specials of the month: Karahi & Onion pilau Ste-Sévère-sur-Indre, Boussac, Gouzon and Guéret, Chilled pre-orders only! ... Wednesday 2nd (3.15pm, 4pm, 4.30pm & 5.15pm) Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 4th (6.30pm) Peyrat-le-Château, Eymoutiers & St-Léonard-de-Noblat...

Chilled pre-orders only! - Thursday 10th (12.30pm, 1pm & 1.45pm) Le Dorat, Bellac & Limoges, Chilled pre-orders only! ... Friday 11th (1pm, 1.30pm & 3pm) Bourganeuf, St-Dizier-Leyrenne, Le Grand-Bourg, Dun-le-Palestel & La Souterraine... Chilled pre-orders only!

Thursday 17th (1.15pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm) Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 19th (6pm)

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

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

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Bugle Notice Board Fabulous Italian Linen and Cotton Clothing & Fashion Accessories including handbags, purses, scarves and jewellery. Postage available.

Can't get to me, then I will come to you!

Available for home parties, contact me for details.

Piégut Market every Wednesday (weather permitting) See Facebook page for all other special event bookings -"Tres Jolie Milhaguet"

05 55 53 03 56 / 06 04 08 29 53 paula.tresjolie@gmail.com

Doggy Fun Day

Saturday, 5th October Rainbow Association, Bussière-Poitevine.

Fun Day is for everyone. 11am onwards.

Fun and games, try some agility and watch our obedience display.

Refreshments are available.

06 87 92 83 63 Plant and Garden Fair, Saint-Junien (see below) The second Plant and Garden Fair is back with 80 exhibitors. There will be growers of roses, shrubs, perennials, cacti, bulbs, climbers, etc., also producers of plant-related products for eating and well-being and others for decorating and maintaining your garden, not forgetting works in earthenware, glass, metal and wood.

Also available: nature walks, floral exhibitions, conference on “The life of the soil”, demonstrations of RAKU ( Japanese enamelling) and pottery, and how to make an autumnal herb garden.

In the hall a Lebanese menu will be available plus various other refreshments.

Chez Jacques, Marsac

Fish & Chip Nights ... are returning to Chez Jacques!

3rd Saturday of every month.

For more information:

05 87 40 02 83

Plant and Garden fair Sunday 27 October 2019 Saint-Junien 09h00 until 18h00 Salle des Congrès, Chatelard Free entry

Refreshments available

22 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

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

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

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

We are happy to accept anything in good sale condition either directly to the shop or email shopeightyseven4hope@gmail. com SPA Creuse The SPA Creuse dog refuge centre is based in Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois near Guéret and provides an invaluable service to the community by rescuing dogs that otherwise would have nowhere to go.

Each year we re-home over 100 dogs which find themselves at the SPA though no fault of their own. We have dedicated staff who work alongside a network of French and British volunteers, all of whom have one aim in life, which is to do the best they can for the dogs until they find their forever homes.

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

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

Church Notices English-speaking Christian meeting in La Souterraine All are welcome to our meetings every Sunday at 10.30 am at La Souterraine.

A talk will be given each week in English lasting 30 minutes on a variety of subjects. The purpose is to build up our spirituality and help us with dayto-day living. Our Kingdom Hall is located at 31 l’Age aux Roux, 23300 La Souterraine. Also please see our website: JW.ORG English-speaking church services Guéret "Come as you are" - This is an invitation to join us at our SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service, you are welcome at 3 pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Église Évangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, 23000 Guéret.

We welcome all who want to share in our fellowship and children are very welcome. For more details please visit www.serviceinenglish.com Eglise Protestante Unie de France English Language services We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3 pm. (Two exceptions - August and December second Sunday) Where? At the “Temple” in Thiat (in the north of the HauteVienne) – the chapel is on the main road close to the Mairie. After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat. (Services in French every Sunday morning). If you want to know more contact Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86 or Zoë Horlock on 05 55 68 59 95.

Fitness & Fun La Chance de Danser New times for classes as follows: St-Léger-Magnazeix - Salle des fêtes (Adults): Tue 5-6 pm Stretch & Tone; 6-7 pm Beginners Tap; Thu 5-6 pm Elementary Tap; 6-7 pm Dancersize.

La Souterraine - Batiment St Joseph (opp Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: 19, route de Champagnac

17500 MEUX SIRET: 514 989 748 00025 Printed by: Charente Libre

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

la mairie) (Adults): Sat 9-10 am Ballet.

For more info please email lachancededanser2019@outlook.com or tel 06 99 95 43 00.

Bridge Club St. Junien Regular tournaments. Bridge lessons for beginners and intermediate levels (English-speaking teacher). Friendly welcome guaranteed.

For further information don't hesitate to contact Mireille Drouet, President 06 30 20 45 13 / 05 44 24 10 92 / mireillemartin@orange.fr or John Slade 05 45 71 50 44 / johnslade@aliceadsl.fr Yoga Aubusson Classes at the Maison Sport et Danse, Dojo: Mon 15:45 Gentle Hatha; Tue 17:30 Yin, 18:30 Hatha.

Valliere Salle Polyvalente: Wed 18:30 Hatha.

Felletin Espace Tibord: Fri/Sat 10:00 Hatha.

5 euro per class plus 10 euro adhesion.

More info: Abbey 06 83 24 62 72 www. amovingspa.wixsite.com/equilibreyoga Cussac Bowls Club - Short mat indoor bowls If you’re a beginner or seasoned player come and join in with a friendly club.

Weekly meetings starting Wednesdays 19:45 and Thursdays 9:45.

Please call Peter on 05 55 78 66 45 for more info, email cussacbowlsclub@ gmail.com or come along to one of our meetings at Cussac gymnasium.

Indoor Bowling at Oradour-surVayres If you already play or have never tried indoor bowling then come along to a meeting. It's great fun and easy to play.

If you have never played it before we will show you how. We meet every Monday evening starting at 18.30 hrs at La Chapelle, avenue des Chapelles, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres. Come and try it - it's free. For further info tel 05 55 78 45 24 or email oradourbowlingclub@ outlook.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks!

Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit. Our “monitrice” is English and will happily provide bilingual instructions.

We meet every Thursday at 8 pm in Pontarion Town Hall, for a one-hour workout. Come for a free trial, or call 05 55 64 98 87 or 06 32 42 95 68 for more details.

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

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

Chabanais Bowls Club Indoor Short Mat Bowling Whether you wish to start, improve or just enjoy indoor bowls, we offer a friendly atmosphere with regular competitive and social events. We meet on Tue 10h-13h and Thu 14h-17h.

All equipment supplied, only €2 pp/ week. Regular gentle exercise for all ages and nationalities. If interested, join us for a free taster session at the salle des fêtes, Chabanais, or email: chabanaisbowlsclub@gmail.com INSPIRATIONS – Art & Craft Group We are a small group of artists and crafters who meet every Friday from 2 pm until 5 pm at the Salle Barbara, Droux 87. There is no formal tuition but we all help, advise and encourage each other to perfect our skills and learn new ones. New members welcome, from absolute beginners to experts. Materials can be supplied for try-outs.

Contact: inspirations.droux@gmail.com Art Classes Mainsat The class runs every Thurs (term time) at the Salle du temps libre in Mainsat from 14h-16h. We do a little bit of everything: pencil, charcoal, watercolour, pastel, acrylics, oils and sculpture, etc. Contact Susan Neill for more info: Tel 05 55 83 12 18 / Mob 06 87 99 31 37 / Email thomasDirecteur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège: 19, route de Champagnac

17500 MEUX SIRET: 514 989 748 00025 Imprimé par: Charente Libre

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

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

susan.neill@hotmail.com Zumba Dept 18 & 36. Contact: Coralie tel 07 78 66 52 01 Web: fun-life-attitude.webnode. fr Facebook: Coco Zumba Email: coralie. pouille@hotmail.fr Dordogne Short Mat Bowls Association Learn to play Indoor Short Mat Bowls in the heart of the Dordogne at Eyzerac, just off the N21, south of Thiviers.

We are a small friendly inclusive club who meet every Thursday afternoon throughout the year at the Complex Sportif in Eyzerac 24300. We are looking forward to welcoming new members, both novices or experienced players. We have all the equipment you need to play, so why not join us any Thursday at 2 pm until 5 pm.

To arrange a taster session or simply for more details contact Paul Boswell (Secretary) at boswellmoore@hotmail. com or call 05 53 56 99 75.

Walking Football, Dun-le-Palestel

We will be holding our annual 6-a-side Walking Football Tournament on Saturday 5th October (postponed from June due to the hot weather) commencing at 2.00pm. There will be a Bar, BBQ, Tombola and Musical Entertainment during and after the event.

Come along and support those taking part and see the fastest growing recreational activity for the over 50s in the UK and now France.

If you think your footballing days are over, then think again! Our association, Entente Cordiale, is trying out a new venture – Walking Football, a slower version of the beautiful game! And it's for all adults over the age of 50. We meet every Monday from 16h-17h in the Gymnasium, just opposite The Apollo.

Walking football is designed to give you the chance to play the game you love, but at a much slower pace. It's a great way to keep fit, learn skills, have fun, and socialise at the same time, so why not come along? At the moment, all sessions are indoors, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

If you are interested in coming along please contact Steve Coram by email at: scoramcoram69@gmail.com Also now – Badminton! Playing Badminton helps to improve your fitness, and is great fun too! Come and join in with us every Tuesday afternoon from 16h-17h in the Gymnasium. Everyone welcome.

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

Laurière Carpet Bowls Club Registered & insured. For some gentle exercise with a friendly social club, learn to play Indoor Bowls at Lauriere, 87370, in the Haute-Vienne. No experience required. Come and take a look. It is great fun and easy to play. Join us any Monday at 2 pm until 5.30 pm at La Maison des Jeunes (Community Centre), on the route de St Goussaud (D28) just off the D914 at Lauriere. Parking available. Session includes short refreshment break with home-made cakes (€2.50 per person).

For info, please call 05 55 71 23 83.

Currently, we have British, French, and Dutch members. We look forward to seeing you.

American Line Dancing (French Style) The new course for 2019/20 has just started so why not come along.

The Phénix Country Club welcomes new members - men & women, beginners & experienced dancers - to the salle des fêtes at LACS, near LA CHÂTRE, dept 36.

Learn French & learn to dance in a friendly environment every Tues & Fri evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 1st 2 sessions are free. Annual subscription is 80 euros per person.

For more information in English contact Annette on 06 85 39 83 41 or email our French Présidente at phenixcountryclub@ gmail.com Art Classes in Bujaleuf in French and English Caroline welcomes you at her workshop in Bujaleuf for drawing and watercolour painting. 2 courses weekly: Tue and Wed afternoons, 10 euros per person for a twoand-a-half-hour session. The classes are

in both French and English, a good way to share languages and cultures in a friendly atmosphere. New students welcome.

For further information please contact Caroline on 06 72 08 26 15 or at carolineplatter87@gmail.com.

Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Meet Thursday afternoons, dates below.

2.30 pm in the Mairie at St-AmandlePetit. Everyone welcome. Contact: pjlimousin@gmail.com.

2019 Programme: Jan 17th - Bird and song identification; Feb - No meeting; Mar 21st - Drought: sedums, sempervivums and succulents; Apr 18th Soil testing - knowing what to plant; May 16th - Gardening for the bees; Jun 20th - Car rally and lunch; Jul 18th - Fragrant plants for all year; Aug 15th - Very Berry shrubs; Sep 1st - Annual Show; Oct 17th - AGM followed by Plant Name Origins; Nov 21st - Natural dyeing using plants; Dec 12th - Christmas Party.

Integration Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble We offer an easy-going and relaxing range of social functions to bring members of the French and English communities together, and a range of language courses for different levels of experience in English and French in Rochechouart (87) and Brigueil (16), as well as a Life & Culture in France course in Rochechouart. All lessons are in small groups with qualified teachers for just 7€ per hour; membership costs only 15€ per year. Visit www. learningtogether.moonfruit.com or email apprenonsensemble@orange.fr for more information. For help and advice on choosing the right course telephone 05 55 58 02 88 or email frenchlessons. learningtogether@gmail.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) Founded in 2003 The Charente Limousine Exchange (CLE) are a group of enthusiastic members who form a valuable resource for the exchange of information, ideas and experiences. Run by a small volunteer committee they provide help and support with many varied issues associated with living in France.

CLE organise many social activities and regular trips, including monthly lunches, quizzes and (usually) friendly boules games. Forums on French tax and other relevant issues provide crucial membership support. Visit the website for more information and calendar of activities. President: Dave Brown.

Web: www.cle-france.com Tel: 05 49 87 05 85 Email: contact@cle-france.com Aubusson’s Network Each week, for 7 years now, we meet between 11.30 am and 1 pm every Saturday at the café "Aux Baladins" opposite Aubusson’s Gare Routière car park.

We are a friendly group of French and English who enjoy conversation in both languages. We like to exchange views, make new friends, help and advise one another and help integrate newcomers.

You can contact us by phone: Jo 09 72 41 40 47 - Jan 00 44 74 68 20 66 12 - John 05 55 67 37 60 Association Rencontres FrancoBritanniques The association of 120 members, based in Bourganeuf, aims to help British people become integrated in their communes and local life.

We organise a range of cultural and social activities for our members. A list of our activities is on our website www. francobrit.com Our fortnightly conversation groups give the opportunity for British members to

improve their spoken French, and our French colleagues their English.

We would very much like to welcome new people, both French and English, into the association.

The annual subscription for membership is €12 per person or €22 for a couple.

Contact: Christine Gee 05 55 64 22 25 Email: cgeeinfrance@gmail.com French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/Haute-Vienne border.

We are accompanied by a retired French schoolteacher and a current French teacher of English. Discussion is informal, loosely based on everyday topics, including some grammar plus general discussion. We need a few more people to help keep it vibrant and to cater for inevitable absences. The only cost is yearly membership of the local Association, about €16, which brings with it other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Chrissy Smith at chrissysmith.rc@gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-le-Château Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-le-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters, as well as with practical matters where language is a problem. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mon/Wed/ Thu from 9am to 12pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-lechateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@ orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-le-Château Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-laPerche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Four levels taught: Level 1 Beginners - Mon 10h30 - 12h; Level 2 - Thu 10h30 - 12h; Intermediate - Tue 10h30 - 12h; Advanced – Tue 14h - 16h.

All courses are held at our premises 1, rue de la Piscine, St-Yrieix-la-Perche 87500. For more info tel 05 55 09 30 86, email afr2.styrieix@wanadoo.fr or visit www.famillesrurales.org/styrieix Les Franglais de Banize (23120) French and English people meet every Wednesday at 2-3 pm in the mairie in Banize to share English and French language and lots of laughter.

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

The meetings have been going on for ten years now but new arrivals are always welcome. For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60.

Bessines-Accueil Bessines-Accueil is a group based in Bessines-sur-Gartempe (87250) which seeks to welcome new arrivals both to the town and to the surrounding region and to assist them with integration in the community.

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

Through these activities, which include

Peyrat Film Club

The CINEMA in Peyrat-le-Château, run by the volunteers of the Association Bande Originale, regularly shows VOST films (original version with French subtitles), especially for all the non-French speakers in our region.

In October we will be showing: The Operative – Friday 4 October, 20h30 Never Grow Old – Saturday 5 October, 17h Edie (2017) – Saturday 12 October, 17h Ticket price €5, but just €3.50 for members of the Association.

See our website for dates & times, etc: http://bandeoriginale.jimdo.com

COMMUNITY ♦ 23

OCTOBER 2019 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu visits, talks, entertainment and much more, the group aims to discover and promote an appreciation of the life, the history and the heritage of the area and to help new arrivals settle.

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

Café Franglais Organised by the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB). Every Wednesday evening at 18h30 in la Maison des Associations, Quartier Pasteur, 23600 Boussac. Come and join us for an informal chat to improve your French or English with native speakers in a café atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and nibbles. From 9th January until 24th April without stopping for Easter. Break for the summer, then recommence 4th September until 11th December. For more info please email angela.dave@icloud.com.

Open Door Association – English Language Library & Cultural Exchange Group The Association organises a range of activities throughout the year aimed at bringing together French and Englishspeaking residents through cultural exchange.

Our range of activities for 2019 include a Burns’ Supper, an Occitan Musical Evening, a bilingual guided bird-walk, Beaujolais Nouveau Evening, a Pub-Style Singalong and selected readings from the works of JRR Tolkien. See our website for a full list: www. opendoor23.com.

In addition, Open Door operates an Englishlanguage library service with outlets in StPardoux-Morterolles and Bourganeuf, with a choice of around 5,000 fiction, non-fiction and children’s books as well as DVDs and jigsaw puzzles. See our website for opening hours.

We welcome new members of all nationalities and offer individual and family membership as well as temporary membership for holiday visitors. Contact the Secretary on heathernorman99@gmail.com for details.

Tea Time Cultural exchange workshop designed to bring together those who want to practise their French or their English in a friendly and fun environment. Held at the old school in Sussac (87) every Tuesday morning, 10 am till 11.30 am, except school holidays, the session includes group discussion/chat, structured role play and games for grammar practice, specific weekly topics, a small library of English/ French books, CDs and DVDs and an exchange of recipes, thoughts and ideas, followed by tea/coffee and cake.

Cost: €144 for the year, plus €25 annual membership fee to the Foyer Rural. Contact: Jasmine (en français or in English) on 06 41 36 05 03.

Bilingual Montessori Workshops At the Foyer Rural in Saint-Léonard-deNoblat for children aged 3 to 8 years old, run

by Catherine Hutchinson and Sue Greenbank.

The children are immersed in an atmosphere where both French and English are spoken.

The workshops take place on Wednesdays from 13h30 to 15h30 and on Saturdays from 10h to 12h. The workshops take place without the parents. For further information please contact Catherine on 07 70 46 57 70 or Sue on 06 52 26 54 79.

Libraries & Books Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisillesur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of second-hand books (both English and French) from 9 am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac. All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-sur-Briance and St-Méard RPI).

La Souterraine English Library and Information Centre Located in the historic Porte de Puy Charruad, at 10 rue de Portal, la Souterraine, we are a lively, well-stocked English language library with almost 4,000 books and DVDs available to borrow. We have an attractive cafe which serves tea, coffee and a range of home-made cakes when available. The library hosts a lively mixed conversation group for French and English speakers plus a more traditional French language class. There are a number of thriving and popular special interest groups such as the Art Group and Camera Club who regularly display their work in our cafe. We also have a Writers Group and hold a collection of their published books in the library. Whatever your interests don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and you will be made most welcome.

We are open Thursday 10 am to 3 pm, Friday 10 am to 1 pm and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm.

For more info tel 05 55 89 57 62 during opening hours, email info@ lasouterraineenglishlibrary.fr or visit www. lasouterraineenglishlibrary.fr The English Library – La Bibliothèque

CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE Charente Plus

Laika and Duchess

Free confidential support for Englishspeaking people touched by cancer Volunteers & Active Listeners needed (full training will be given) If you are interested please email: bloomdenis@outlook.com

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

Facebook : Cancer Support France - Charente-Plus Anglophone, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 12 years, is part of the Anglo-French Association Entente Cordiale and is situated in the route des Ratteries, adjacent to the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The Library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, whilst browsing through our extensive collection of around 10,000 books, talking books and DVDs. Thanks to donations and an active purchasing policy we are able to offer something for everyone. For our new acquisitions we concentrate on recent publications, as well as member requests for older books.

Open Thu 10h-13h & Sat 10h-12h30.

Entente Cordiale hosts a wide range of other groups and activities too, including English lessons, French lessons, Traditional Dance Group, Art Group, Theatre group, Les Troubadours, Traditional Embroidery Group, Walking Football and Badminton. For more information email eccreuse@yahoo.com Music OuiRock Choir Do you enjoy singing? Fancy being part of a great group of people who come together once a week? If you do, why not come along to a taster session. We meet every Wednesday evening at 18h at the salle des fêtes in StSulpice-les-Feuilles (87160).

For further details contact us on Facebook @ouirock87 or via email on: ouirock87@ gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you!

L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52.

Le Chambard du jeudi Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 2nd Thursday of the month, from 19h to 23h at “La Maison des Associations", place du 8 mai 1945, ChâteauChervix (87). All music lovers who would like to share and exchange information and stories around songs and singing, in French AND in English, or who might like to jam a little, are welcome. Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34.

JJ's Music Club Hosted by L'Authentique Restaurant, 25 rue Principale 23360 Lourdoueix-Saint-Pierre.

Singers and musicians of all styles and levels will be warmly welcomed on the last Friday of the month. Free entry.

Please reserve food in advance (05 55 80 21 67) - 17 euros for 3 courses.

For more information email Jacky at jjsclubdemusique@gmail.com Live music sessions, Rochechouart Our acoustic music sessions take place every second Friday of each month at Salle Jacques Brel in Rochechouart. You’ll hear all kinds of music from celtic, country, jazz, music hall, pop, classical, comedy & swing. If you’re a singer or musician or just want to listen to some great music, why not join us?

Doors open at 7.30 pm. Join our Facebook Group Folk-Galerie for more information or,

if you would like to perform, contact folk.galerie@gmail.com Support

These two super girls are called Laika, a German shepherd cross and Duchess, a Maltese cross. Both are six years old and have been at the refuge for a couple of weeks now after their owner passed away.

Both dogs are affectionate and sociable with other dogs but have had a sheltered life and have not had much interaction with the world.

At the refuge they are beginning to experience new things and are enjoying playing and being pampered. Duchess is a little more nervous in new situations, but is coping well and they are both now learning to relax and trust the people around them.

Ideally, the SPA would like to find a home for them together, but would consider homing them separately with the right people.

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

For details of the meetings or other information contact Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 (Périgueux) or Angela 05 49 87 79 09 (Civray). Other meetings in South-West France can be located on our website at www. aafrance.net Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Free confidential support for Englishspeaking people touched by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86.

CSF 24 hour helpline: 06 45 35 32 30, Email csfcharenteplus@gmail.com, Facebook: Cancer Support France - Charente Plus Volunteers & Active Listeners needed (full training will be given). If you are interested please email: bloomdenis@outlook.com CSF Charity Shop open at 3 rue Nationale, 16150 Chabanais (entrance opposite the mairie – we are on the 1st floor upstairs) Tue & Wed from 10 am – 4 pm.

Cancer Support Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87), Creuse (23), Corrèze (19) & Indre (36). Our helpline number is 0800 240 200.

If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, helpline@cshautevienne.org or visit www. cshautevienne.org Association France Alzheimer in Dordogne We offer English-speaking support as a part of the national French charity supporting families affected by dementia. Our network of English speaking volunteers works across Dordogne. A support group meets near Bergerac on the first Tuesday of each month.

Website: www.francealzheimer.org/dordogne Email address: alzheimer.dordogne@orange. fr Telephone: 05 53 27 30 34

This beautiful German Shepherd is looking for a very special person to give him the chance to enjoy living in a caring home for the first time in his life.

Zorro was brought to the SPA in Limoges several years ago, having been rescued along with 25 others who were all living in one room. All the others have long since been adopted but, due to his problems, the SPA decided to move Zorro, along with his mother, to a specialist “pension” where he could learn to interact with other dogs and become more adoptable.

This was many months ago and his mother has since died. Zorro's behaviour has improved greatly, although his main problem is that he has become very bonded to the owner of the pension.

It is now time that Zorro was given the opportunity to have his own owner and spend his remaining years in a home where he can be loved and cared for. This will require a special person, an experienced dog owner and preferably one who knows this breed, someone with the understanding, patience and the commitment to build a trusting relationship with this handsome boy.

If you think this could be you, email pamrob1@hotmail.com

CHARITY SHOP

Do please come in and visit us.

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

HELPLINE 0800 240 200

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

24 ♦ WHAT’S ON Sat 28th Sep to Sun 6th Oct SAINT-JUST-LEMARTEL Salon International de la Caricature, du Dessin de Presse et d'Humour Exhibition includes the work of award-winning British political cartoonist Steve Bell, works on the theme of Brexit by the Scottish Cartoon Art Studio and "Gagged" - work by British cartoonists on the repression and censorship of cartoonists around the world.

Espace Loup. For more info visit: www.st-just-humour.fr Fri 11th Oct to Sun 3rd Nov Jazz à La Sout

Jazz Festival with events organised all over the Creuse.

Visit www.jazz.lasout.com/fr/ to find events near you.

Fri 11th Oct to Sun 13th Oct LIMOGES 20e Salon Fête Mariage Réception Getting married? Need to organise an event for friends and family? Looking for inspiration? Why not pop along to this 3-day fair taking place at the Zenith from 11th-13th October!

Fri 14h-19h; Sat & Sun 10h-19h.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ OCTOBER 2019

For more information visit: www.fetemariagereception.com Sat 12th Oct BOUSSAC Pink Day for Breast Cancer Awareness The Pays de Boussac are organising a special day to support the scientific research for breast cancer at the salle polyvalente in Boussac-Bourg.

All proceeds will be donated to the Ligue contre le cancer.

Local producers market, information stands, conference, decoration of the tree of hope, Soirée Cabaret.

For more info: 06 87 53 55 88 or 06 25 25 37 02 (English speaking) Fri 18th Oct LIMOGES La frairie des petits ventres This gastronomic fair - "La frairie des petits ventres" - is one of Limoges' most popular events and takes place on the third Friday of October in rue de la Boucherie.

The Frairie des Petits Ventres was created in 1973

by Renaissance du Vieux Limoges, an association of preservationists and butchers who came together successfully to fight plans to demolish the old city centre.

Sample Limousin specialities including the region's meat products, prepared by the city's tripe and offal butchers, galetous, potato pie, trépaïs, clafoutis.

Sat 19th to Sun 20th Oct CROZANT Journées des plantes d'automne Autumn plant fair at the Arboretum de la Sédelle.

Conferences, sale of plants & guided visits of the Arboretum.

10h-18h. Adults 6 euros. Under 15s free.

For more information visit: www.arboretumsedelle.com Sun 20th Oct FLAVIGNAC Fête du cidre et des produits naturels Cider festival & vide-greniers. From 8h.

Sun 20th Oct RANCON Fête du cidre et de la châtaigne Cider & Chestnut festival & vide-greniers. All day.

The Bugle Film Club Thursday 10th October

What? Downton Abbey Where? Cinéma Sénéchal, 1 rue du Sénéchal, 23000 Guéret When? 19h00, Thursday 10th October How much? JUST €4

(mention The Bugle when purchasing your ticket)

For details of the Cinéma Sénéchal, visit www.cinema-senechal.com Details of each month's screening will be included in The Bugle,

but to receive emails about upcoming Film Club nights, please send an email to editor@thebugle.eu quoting “Film Club” in the subject line, and we will add you to our contact list.

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

Sun 20th Oct SAINT-LAURENT Fête de la Citrouille et des cucurbitacées Pumpkin fair & vide-greniers. 8h-17h.

Fri 25th to Sun 27th Oct FELLETIN Journées nationales de la laine "Days of Wool" celebrating Felletin's long heritage of wool.

Salon des Créateurs with workshops & over 130 exhibitors. Fri 14h-19h; Sat 10h-19h; Sun 10h-18h.

Pôle sportif. Free entry.

For more information contact the Felletin tourist office or visit journeesdelalaine.wix.com/felletin Sun 3rd Nov BOUSSAC Puces des Couturières The Crétions de fées association of Boussac is organising its 6th edition of the Puces des Couturières on Sun 3rd November in the salle polyvalente in Boussac - avenue d'Auvergne from 9h-18h.

40 stalls selling all sorts of secondhand goods: wool, fabric, haberdashery, buttons, old linen, lace...

There will be a sandwich and drinks stall and a tea corner with French and British home-made cakes.

For more information contact Carine on 06 09 39 10 46 or Cécile (English speaking) on 06 84 20 42 29.

Sun 17th Nov LUSSAC-LES-EGLISES Christmas Craft Fair Tina and Jane's Barn, 5, La Trigalle, 87360 Lussacles-Eglises from 2-6pm.

Craft stalls including handmade cards and jewellery, mince pies and mulled wine, tombola and raffle, and a Christmassy friendly atmosphere.

Raising money for Twilight retirement home for abandoned dogs and Noah's Ark rescue for all animals.

Come and get some cards and presents and have a good time helping the animals.

If anyone has any gifts we can use for the raffle, or anything that will be good for our tombola stall we would be really grateful. Drop it off before time or call Tina or Jane on 05 55 60 69 23.