The Bugle Limousin - Sep 2017

Elephant sanctuary gets final go-ahead After 3 years of hard work, the Elephant Haven sanctuary in Haute-Vienne will soon >> Page 5 welcome its first residents November 2016 - Issue #85

Limousin

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September 2017 - Issue 95 - FREE!

France retains its tourism crown Despite a difficult 2016, France has once again been revealed as the world's top tourist destination, with figures for 2017 showing a sharp increase in the number of visitors.

visited France in 2016.

The number of tourists visiting the US was also down, falling three per cent to 75.61 million, which saw the country narrowly maintain its second position as Spain experienced a 10 per cent jump in visitors to 75.56 million.

Spain has benefited from unrest in Turkey and north Africa, with many appearing to chase their sun in southern Europe rather than further afield.

China came fourth in the global list, with Italy fifth.

In terms of the money generated from tourism, Britain plummeted from third to seventh place due in large part to the fall in value of the pound

>> continued on page 6

The Highland cattle in the Limousin - pg 3

Warnings after Mont Blanc deaths - pg 6

Bilingual: The English Channel - pg 14

The Bugle Business Directory - pg 15-22

© J. Patrick Fischer (WikiCommons)

I

t has been a mixed few years for those in France that rely on the tourist industry.

Following the terror attacks of 2015 and early 2016, last year was a bad year for tourism, particularly in the capital.

However, recently revealed statistics have shown that despite a 2% drop in 2016, France remains the most popular destination in the world and early signs show the industry is once again booming in 2017.

Figures from the UN's World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), calculated according to the number of visitors who spend at least one night in a country, show that 82.6 million people

Joy and sadness after first ever panda births in France - page 7

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

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'm sure I must have said this before around this time of year, but I for one can't wait for la rentrée and packing my kids back off to school! Honestly, who thought that children need an eight-week summer holiday!

Not a working parent, I'll wager you that!! And my eldest would agree. She is also bored stupid and can't wait to get back in the classroom, although I do admit she has more than a little of the geek about her and probably doesn't speak for all her kind.

Aside from wanting to tear my hair out, it has been a funny old summer. Drought warnings everywhere, but weirdly autumnal at times. On at least one occasion in August my wife and I had a serious conversation about lighting the fire, while she greedily clutched a hot water bottle. To be fair, she is always cold. If she ever found herself in the fiery pits of hell, it wouldn't surprise me to hear her ask Lucifer if he could put an extra bar on the fire, so she's perhaps not the best judge.

At other times the heat and humidity have been unbearable, another one of those years that f luctuated between extremes and spent very little time in between getting it “just right”.

So we were very nervous for some friends of ours who were having an outdoor wedding at the end of August, as with 10 days or so to go the forecast was looking mixed at best. In the end the weather was hot and the skies were blue, which was perfect for the wedding photos, but not so great on eyes and heads the next morning!

It was the first “French” wedding that I had ever been invited to and it was fascinating to see the differences between what is considered “normal” in France, and a typical British wedding. For a start, we were invited to arrive at the mairie at 4 pm, a time at which a distant relative is often being told “leave it, we've all had a drink” at many of the weddings I have attended back in Blighty.

Cocktails and nibbles started at the venue an hour and a half later and we did not sit down to eat until at least ten o'clock! And the food was, perhaps unsurprisingly for a country that prides itself on its gastronomy, out of this world.

“Chicken or beef ?” this was not! After marinated quail, foie gras and a filet de bar, each paired with their own wine, we were tucking into the pigeon fillet en croûte around midnight

when the conversation turned to how the English celebrate weddings.

I explained that we would normally start eating the wedding “breakfast” (!) around four in the afternoon and if you were still eating at six then something had gone terribly wrong, but was met with completely blank stares. I tried again, but suspect I would have had more luck explaining quantum theory to my twoyear-old. They just didn't get why you would do that.

Now, I'm not saying that the French way is “better”. I prefer to live by the mantra “not good, not bad, just different”, but it was a wonderful way to spend a long evening. The meal lasted a few more hours, although the courses were punctuated by parlour games and excuses to get people talking. These I later learned were quite common in France, but I had never seen anything like them at a formal meal.

The fun continued until the wee small hours and the most amazing thing was that most of the 20 or so children who were there were all still going strong at four o'clock when we finally called it a night. We later learned that the last guests went to bed at seven thirty after toasting the rising sun.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience and it was a real privilege to have been invited, although it has left me with another crosscultural headache. One of the games played during the meal involved making pledges to the newly-weds, a few of

Ian Scott

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which were then randomly selected. I was given a piece of paper asking me to pledge to do something for the happy couple in the next 12 months and chose “to teach them the rules of cricket”. Unfortunately for all concerned, my ticket was picked out and if I thought describing a British wedding breakfast was hard, I now have to explain a game that lasts five days and still often ends in a draw. I may have to use a quote we ran previously in this paper that I have just dug out: So, there are two teams, one which is out in the field and one which is in. Each player in the team that is in goes out, and when all the players that were in are out, the team that was out goes in, and the team that was in tries to get the players from the team that just came in out...

That should do it, no?

Until next month!

Steve Martindale, Editor

Tel: 00 33 (0)5 55 60 08 46

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

INSIDE this edition

3-5 Local News

6-11 National News 12-13 French Life 14 Bilingual 15-22 Directory 23-25 Community 26-28 What’s On Copy deadline:

15th September for October's print edition

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The crowdfunding campaign bringing Highland cattle to the Limousin

© Domaine de la Ganne (WikiCommons)

E

very now and then, traditional life meets the modern world, often with surprising outcomes. This was the case when a local farmer turned to a crowdfunding website to introduce Scottish Highland cattle onto his farm on the Plateau de Millevaches in northeastern Corrèze.

Jacques Virolle and his wife Sabine already own a herd of around 50 Limousin cattle that they breed for meat on the high pastures of the plateau. Much of their land is covered in boggy areas, however, that they have found difficult to tend and maintain in their natural state. A brief visit of a small group of Highland cattle several years ago provided the answer to this problem and they set their minds to introducing a herd.

“The Highland cattle are very beautiful, it's a race that I like very much,” explained Jacques. “The Limousines are not enough for the maintenance of these peat bogs. The Highlands, they can clear the land, eating both heather and shrubs. The financing of the project was due to be carried by local authorities, but it was struck by delays, so we decided to find the money ourselves.”

Jacques explained that the areas already grazed by the Highland cattle have sprung back to life. “The work already carried out has allowed us to rediscover the specific flora and fauna of this landscape. The dragonflies have returned, you can now see otters, and the plants characteristic to the peat bogs are back on the soil, bringing beautiful colours to the land.”

The farmers initially set their target at

€4,200, an amount that would allow them to add three pregnant females to the single female, “Jolie Fleur”, they had already acquired, guaranteeing at least several calves in the near future. A further €1,200 would then allow them to add a bull, who they hoped would become the founding father of the new herd. The response from the public was overwhelming and the couple were soon past their fund-raising target. In return, generous donors were offered anything from a heartfelt

thank you, to days on the farm to meet the cows, or the promise of the first cuts of meat produced.

In total €8,700 was raised from the public and with the extra money the couple are now able to add three castrated bulls to the burgeoning herd: “Little Boy”, “Loulou” et “Mowgly”. This means that they will be able to accelerate the start of their meat sales to 2019, faster than the 4 years it takes to bring Highland cattle to slaughter from birth. ■

Sharp increase in passenger numbers at Limoges Airport Following the national trend for an increase in visitor numbers this year (see front page), Limoges Airport has unveiled impressive growth in passenger numbers in 2017, especially over the first half of the peak summer months. With 38,957 people passing through security in July, Limoges Bellegarde Airport saw 19.3% more passengers than during the same period last year.

Ryanair's move to Manchester, in favour of its previous Liverpool route, has brought success for Europe's largest low-cost airline, with an increase in traffic of 29.7% compared with July 2016. There was also strong growth on routes into London Stansted (13.4%) and Nottingham / East Midlands (9%).

British Airways, a recent entry into the London market with flights to Gatwick, saw more than 55% more passengers flying to the English capital compared to last July. Not missing out on the upturn, Flybe also increased passenger numbers to Southampton (17.6%) and Birmingham (46%).

Overall, in the first seven months of the year, airport usage rose by more than 7% compared to the same period in 2016. ■

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4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

Macron portraits arrive in Limousin Creuse Lyme disease conference

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s is customary for each five-year presidency, Emmanuel Macron has released his official photograph, which will be hung in every mairie and official government building across the country.

Of the 50,000 copies of the photo that have been printed, 750 or so have recently arrived at prefectures and sub-prefectures across the Limousin for onward distribution.

Much is made of the official portrait, with nothing left to chance and every detail containing a nuanced message. The picture of the Fifth Republic's eighth president is no different.

The photo is perfectly centred, with Macron in his office in front of an open window, framed by French and EU flags - a nod to his strong pro-European stance. For many, it is the items on his desk that are most interesting: three books, a clock, and what appear to be two smartphones.

Including the smartphones is a deliberate and telling decision for Macron, as well as being a first for a presidential portrait. Macron has positioned himself as a pro-business politician who wants to bolster France’s start-up economy and embracing modern technologies is seen as key to this ambition.

Before the picture appears in your local mairie, however, your commune may have to shell out a few euros. Not for the photo, which is provided for free, but for a new frame. According to some mayors, presidential photos have typically been printed in a format of 50 cm x 65 cm, but the most recent photo is 50 cm x 70 cm. The result is that the 36,000 communes across France may each have to pay for a new frame, a national expenditure of over €2.7 million at a time when the president has asked local authorities to find €13 billion of local spending cuts.

Whilst the image will soon be on the wall of town halls and police stations across the Limousin, there is no text enforcing this; it is more a tradition than an obligation. And it is an obligation that some mayors would refuse to comply with.

In the commune of Les Billanges in Haute-Vienne, the image of Jean Jaurès, the socialist leader who was assassinated in 1914, has pride of place on the wall. The commune has not given the honour to any recent president and the current

mayor has no plans to override his predecessors: “It is a tradition and I do not want to be the one to break it,” he explained.

At Sannat, a commune in eastern Creuse, the local council voted in 2007 not to hang the portrait of Nicolas Sarkozy, a move which attracted much criticism and even death threats!

And in 2011, several couples in the commune of Beauvin in northern France refused to get married at the mairie unless the photo of Sarkozy was taken down!

If you are a particularly proud citizen of the Republic, you can buy your own copy of the photo from the Direction de l'information légale et administrative (DILA) for around €9. ■

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he Limousin, along with the Alsace region, has the highest concentration of ticks in France and by extension, one of the highest rates of Lyme disease. There has been an increased focus on this potentially debilitating disease in recent years, but it remains incredibly difficult to diagnose. The telltale symptom - a “bullseye” rash - does not occur in 20-30% of cases and when it does this can be up to a month after being bitten by an infected tick. When further symptoms of the disease do eventually manifest months or even years later, they are wide and varied, making correct diagnosis notoriously difficult.

As part of a campaign to raise awareness and discuss the wider issues surrounding Lyme disease, the Creuse branch of the Association France Lyme are organising a conference and debate, hosted by Professor Christian Perronne. The professor will also hold a book signing of his recent work “La Vérité sur la maladie de Lyme” - The Truth about Lyme Disease.

The conference will take place at 14h on Saturday 14th October at the Centre Médical National MGEN de SainteFeyre (23). For more information, or to book a place at the conference, visit www.francelyme.fr and search for “Creuse conference”. Tickets (reservation is necessary) can be booked online and cost €5, all of which will go back to the associated charities.

There are a few myths surrounding the removal of ticks, but in general terms, always remove them with a tick removal device - these are cheap and readily available. Do not try to burn off the tick and do not cover it in petroleum jelly or perfume - although this may kill the tick, it may first cause it to regurgitate potentially infected material into the skin, increasing the risk of transmission of infection.

If you are unlucky enough to catch Lyme disease, a course of antibiotics will usually do the trick, but treatment will vary depending on individual circumstances, so as always with medical issues, check with your GP! ■

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Guéret retail park opens

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lthough the official launch will not take place until November, the new Pop'A retail park on the outskirts of Guéret has opened for business.

The site is located just off the RN145, behind Jardiland. Following a project that was a decade in the making, which saw €13 million invested, it offers a total of 10,000m2 of retail space and will create 100 new jobs.

Some of the names that have already opened their doors in the Creuse's only retail park are: Action (discount store), Chausséa (shoes), a second Gémo (the fashion retailer already has one store on the other side of town near Carrefour), Orchestra (fashion), Sport 2000 (which will transfer from its current location), Provenç’Halles (fresh produce), Marie Blachère (bakery), Optic 2000 (optician) and Maxi Zoo (animal products and food). A total of 346 parking spaces have also been created to accommodate eager shoppers.

Philippe Vidal had no hesitation in transferring his Sport 2000 store from its current location, despite moving from a 1,500m2 unit to a smaller one of 1,200 m2. “People will be able to park and visit other shops, it's a real centre of activity that will attract visitors,” explained Philippe. “It's something that we have been planning for a long time and it will be a new adventure for us!”

Whilst the retail park will no doubt prove popular, it will come as a further blow to struggling independents in the town centre. Many have been forced out of business in recent years as large retailers - so-called grandes surfaces - draw increasing numbers of people away from the more traditional shopping streets of Guéret, a pattern that is being repeated across the region and France as a whole. ■

Elephant sanctuary gets final go-ahead

T

here is always plenty of wildlife to see whilst walking through the Limousin: cows, sheep, buzzards, deer and even wild boar are never too far away. If you live in the south of the Haute-Vienne, however, you will soon be able to add another animal to the list of local wildlife... elephants!!

Those who have followed these pages over the years may well be aware of the project launched by an expat Flemish couple to create an elephant sanctuary in the heart of the Limousin. The pair began their ambitious adventure back in 2014 and whilst the road has not always been smooth, they have just received the official permission that will allow them to welcome their first three elephants.

The Elephant Haven sanctuary is the brainchild of Tony Verhulst and Sofie Goetghebeur, who each have 20 years' experience working with animals at Antwerp Zoo. Before embarking on this adventure to create a home for retired elephants, Tony had been a full-time carer for the zoo's pachyderms since 2001. As more and more circuses are choosing - or being forced - to phase out live animals from their shows, the aim of the project was always to offer a place for elephants to live out their days in peace, as sadly, the alternative is often euthanasia.

Overjoyed by the news that their hard work has paid off, the couple were quick to thank the small army of volunteers that have helped them create what at some stages must have seemed the impossible. “Our project is finally coming to fruition, we now know that we are approaching the moment when we can welcome our first elephant!” said the proud couple. “This time it is certain: next year we can finally present to the

public a beautiful animal that will come to live its last years here, at this wonderful site.

“We have created, here in the Limousin, a real community of volunteers, people who have helped and accompanied us along the way. And now that we have this prefectoral authorisation, new doors will open. We still have to put fencing around the 4-hectare enclosure, but we have also received a wonderful gift in that respect: Hitachi has offered us the machinery to install it. The ZX38U-5 will play a vital part in preparing the facilities at Elephant Haven. Little by little the elephant park will take shape. In six months we will be able to set up phase 1 of our project and soon after phase 2 will be started to welcome the public, with the creation of a bridge and a platform. The

caretakers of the zoos at Beauval (Loir-etCher) and La Flèche (Sarthe) have also supported us and offered practical help. Soon, former circus animals will be able to come here and live a peaceful retirement!”

Whilst the Elephant Haven will be open to the public, its founders are keen to stress that they are not creating a zoo. There will be not be any other animals at the sanctuary, there will not be any breeding programmes and the public will remain separated from the elephants at all times. According to Tony, they will, however, be looking to provide educational opportunities by encouraging school trips and running workshops.

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

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

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Warnings over Mont Blanc deaths France retains

tourism crown

A

fter a deadly month on western Europe's highest mountain, a local mayor has called for the introduction of fines for ill-equipped climbers. In August, climbers from Japan, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, France and South Korea died on the slopes of Mont Blanc and authorities also had to airlift a Hungarian woman and her nineyear-old twins down from the mountain after they encountered difficulties.

Exasperated by the sharp increase in accidents and deaths involving poorly equipped tourists, mayor Jean-Marc Peillex of Saint-Gervais, from where many Mont Blanc climbers set off, has issued a local regulation mandating mountaineering equipment. He has also urged authorities to send more gendarmes into the mountains to enforce stricter rules.

His list of required equipment for those taking a local route known as the “royal path” includes a hat, sunglasses, ski mask, climbing shoes and warm wind-proof jacket. The mayor said that the decree would be posted on mountain paths in French, English, German and Russian as a “rap over the knuckles” for the “hotheads, who refuse to listen to advice”.

The decree followed the death of a 46-year-old Frenchman who attempted to climb Mont Blanc by the Goûter route wearing shorts and trainers. Lt Col Stéphane Bozon, of the mountain gen-

© Tangopaso (WikiCommons)

>> continued from pg 1

darmes at Chamonix, told journalists the climber had been wearing “only trail equipment”, including shoes that would have been more appropriate for “a grandmother walking in the town”. “I’m furious! Mont Blanc is high mountain climbing. It’s alpinism with a capital A. This was the height of stupidity. He might have been a good trail runner, but he sure as hell didn’t know the danger of the mountain.”

Not everyone agrees with the new rules, however. Alpinist Lionel Tassan posted an open letter to Peillex arguing that the decree may prove to be “counter-productive” as a helmet and gloves were missing from the list of recommended equipment.

“You’re making certain people believe that if they have this equipment they’re

prepared, without even considering the question of their experience,” Tassan wrote.

It is not the first time the local mayor has hit the headlines. In 2014 Peillex threatened to take legal action against Paul Sweeney, an American who attempted an ascent of Mont Blanc with his two children aged eleven and nine. Sweeney had wanted to set the world record for the youngest climbers to reach the peak, but the three were almost killed by an avalanche on a section of the mountain nicknamed the “corridor of death”.

Peillex accused Sweeney of reckless and selfish behaviour: “Climbing Mont Blanc is a matter for serious mountaineers.

It isn’t a trek or a playground to get a mention in the Guinness World Records.” ■

compared to the dollar after the Brexit vote, added the UNWTO. Over recent years, a series of terror attacks have struck major tourist centres across Europe and it would appear that people are now becoming less influenced by these tragic events when making holiday plans.

Repeated terror attacks have fostered “a kind of fatalism” explained Josette Sicsic, head of Touriscopie, a firm that tracks tourist behaviour. “Attacks are affecting tourism for shorter and shorter periods. You have to be vigilant, but everyone is aware that the world has changed.”

Nicolas Lefebvre, director of the Paris Tourism Office, agrees that people are becoming inured to terrorism. “The constant repetition of these events has made them sort of part of the landscape, and it no longer stops people from imagining, thinking about, and organising a trip to Europe, and to Paris in particular.”

After the low of last summer, visitor numbers picked up at the end of 2016 and figures from this year suggest a significant increase. According to Foreign Minister JeanYves Le Drian, the number of foreign tourists visiting France this year could reach a record 89 million, 6% more than last year. ■

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Increased fines for First panda birth in France Airbnb landlords

© Aaron Logan (WikiCommons)

S

ince its launch, Airbnb has revolutionised the holiday rental market worldwide... and made some enemies in the traditional hotel industry at the same time. The company has endured a difficult summer, however, in the face of growing antipathy towards its business model and increasing criticism of its tax structures.

There has also been anger in popular tourist destinations across Europe, particularly Spain, for causing an influx of holidaymakers at certain locations and making it more difficult for traditional hotels. In Barcelona, the impact of sites such as Airbnb on the local housing market has led to anti-tourist protests.

A further blow to potential landlords was dealt recently when it was revealed that €615,000 was collected in fines from 128 properties across Paris in the first half of this year alone - up from €45,000 for the same period in 2016. The fines were imposed on landlords who broke regulations by renting their properties for more than 120 days per year; Paris has introduced limits on the short-term rental of apartments and rooms as they compete with hotels, encourage property speculation and reduce the housing available to residents.

A recent survey has shown that over one quarter of all properties in central Paris are not permanently occupied. The sharp increase has been put down, at least in part, to the impact of online holiday rental companies such as Airbnb.

“You can't turn your lodging into a cash machine and yourself into a speculator,” local official Ian Brossat told AFP. “These numbers do not reflect an explosion in the number of rental offers but in the effectiveness of the monitoring. We are pleased to see that the courts have a heavier hand than before.”

Airbnb says that it warns homeowners on its website that they must comply with local laws, and insisted it had proposed a solution last year to the city which would have automatically limited rentals to 120 nights per year. “This would have simplified monitoring without stigmatising the large majority of hosts who abide by the rules and count on Airbnb to make sure ends meet at the end of the month,” the company said in a statement.

The French government is also unhappy with the tax revenue it receives from Airbnb. Like many multinationals, the company routes its bookings through headquarters based in countries with more beneficial tax systems. In the case of Airbnb this is Ireland - which charges just 12.5% corporation tax - and despite being the second largest market outside of the US, France received just €92,944 in taxes last year.

The company defends its position, arguing that it contributed €6.5 billion in secondary income to the French economy in 2016, bringing in tourists who then go to local restaurants and shops.

During his campaign for the French presidency earlier this year, Emmanuel Macron said that the battle against beneficial tax arrangements would be a priority in Europe. “We will fight, at a European level, for a tax on business revenue made by online service companies. This will eliminate the possibility of sending profits to a tax haven,” Macron said. ■

I

t was a bittersweet moment for keepers at Beauval Zoo in August when their giant panda Huan Huan gave birth to twins, only for one to die. The birth of the first ever pandas in France had been eagerly anticipated ever since it was announced in July that the zoo's female was pregnant, after Huan Huan (meaning 'happy') was artificially inseminated by the country's only other panda, Yuan Zi (meaning 'chubby'). Pandas are notoriously difficult to breed, with the female being in heat for a mere 48 hours per year.

Giant pandas can only raise a single cub at a time and typically keep the one that is most likely to survive. Huan Huan abandoned her first born when the second cub arrived and, despite being placed in an incubator, it died a short while later.

“It was too weak to survive. The Chinese experts, who have experience of this, saw it straight away,” zoo director Rodolphe Delord said of the

121 gramme baby. “Our veterinary teams did everything they could to save it, but it was too small, too weak.” He added that the second twin, which weighed in at a healthier 142.4 grammes, was in “perfect health”.

Nine-year-old Huan Huan and her male partner arrived at Beauval Zoo in January 2012 on a 10year loan from China following intense, high-level negotiations between Paris and Beijing. Panda diplomacy has been an important tool in Chinese foreign relations. The couple in the Beauval Zoo are among the roughly fifty pandas living in captivity in 22 countries outside China. If all goes well, the surviving cub will leave Beauval in the next few years to be returned to China.

There are around 1,864 pandas still living in the wild according to the World Wildlife Fund - 1,246 of those live in one of the 67 panda nature reserves in China. ■

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New York removes Pétain tribute

T

he mayor of New York has announced plans to remove a plaque dedicated to Nazi collaborator Philippe Pétain, who led Vichy France during World War II. The move came in the wake of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, where a woman was killed and 19 others injured when a suspected white supremacist drove his car into a group of anti-racism protestors at a neoNazi rally.

“After the violent events in Charlottesville, New York City will conduct a 90-day review of all symbols of hate on city property,” Democrat mayor Bill de Blasio told journalists.

“The commemoration for Nazi collaborator Philippe Pétain in the Canyon of Heroes will be one of the first we remove.”

Pétain’s name is engraved in a granite strip across a pavement in Manhattan’s financial district, along with others such as Churchill and Charles de

Gaulle. The Canyon of Heroes strips commemorate figures who were honoured in New York with ticker-tape parades, in a tradition dating from the 19th century. Philippe Pétain visited New York in 1931, at which time he was considered a hero of the First World War. So vast was his fame that a dozen or so towns and cities in the United States named streets after him.

A decade later, however, Pétain went on to lead the collaborationist Vichy government, which participated in the rounding up of Jews during World War II - a period known in France as la grande rafle (the big round-up). Despite officially having autonomy from German policies, Pétain passed legislation that saw Jews around 150,000 of whom had fled to southern France believing it to be safer - subjected to severe discrimination. Under the Vichy regime, 15,000 people were put to death and a

further 80,000 deported. Vichy forces also fought against the Allies in various battles during the war.

Following France's liberation in 1944, Pétain was sentenced to death for treason, although his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment by General Charles de Gaulle and he died in detention in 1951, aged 95.

New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind told The Jerusalem Post in May: “The idea that he would be in the Canyon of Heroes on any level is just unacceptable. He was involved in the final solution, plain and simple. He wasn’t forced to do things, he did them willingly and that is very, very clear.”

France has also struggled with the legacy of Pétain over the decades. As a Great War hero, the country had numerous statues and monuments to Pétain, most of which have been removed over the years and virtually every town in

France at one time had a road named after him. In 2013, however, the last rue du MaréchalPétain in the country was renamed by villagers in Berlain, a town near Verdun, the site of a famous WWI battle in which Pétain was the senior French commander. “Pétain Street had existed since the 1930s, without really causing a stir,” explained Patrick Gondouin, mayor of Berlain at the time.

“But when I was elected mayor in 2008, it bothered me - I suspected that one day or another it would be a problem.”

In July, Pétain's tomb on the Île d'Yeu in western France was vandalised on the eve of the 66th anniversary of his death. Police and firefighters were called to the site after reports of a rubbish bin on fire at the Port-Joinville cemetery on the island. The fire was quickly extinguished, but police then discovered that the cross on Pétain's tomb nearby had been broken. ■

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26% increase in speed camera flashes France's network of speed cameras flashed more than 25 million times in 2016, an increase of 26% on the previous year.

The radars generated €920 million in fines for the government. Whilst this sounds like a lot of money, the Sécurité routière says it spends €3.4 billion on road safety each year.

Much of the increase has been put down to the rolling out of speed cameras mounted on unmarked police cars. These mobile units, which are used to patrol accident black spots and areas of roadworks caught 3.5 million motorists.

Furthermore, the conversion of 400 fixed radars into more modern dual-direction speed cameras also added to the sharp increase as did the introduction of EU rules allowing for the enforcement of cross-border fines – 12 countries currently have such an agreement with France.

Not everyone is happy with the government's efforts. “Even when a car is ever so slightly over the limit, it is caught on camera in France.. it doesn’t do any good!” said Pierre Chasseray of the association 40 Millions d’automobilistes. “The radars don't catch those who are driving drunk or on drugs, or those on the phone at the wheel.” ■

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Archaeologists unveil France caught up in French 'little Pompeii' fipronil egg scandal

A

rchaeologists have unveiled what is being described as a “real little Pompeii” at a dig site near Vienne on the River Rhône, an area which is already famous for a Roman theatre and temple. “This is undoubtedly the most exceptional excavation of a Roman site in 40 or 50 years,” team leader Benjamin Clément told AFP news agency.

The city of Vienne was an important hub on the route connecting northern Gaul with the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis in southern France. The neighbourhood being uncovered by the archaeologists contains homes dating to the 1st century AD and is believed to have been inhabited for around 300 years before being abandoned after a series of fires.

“A marketplace appears to have been totally burned down,” Clément explained. “We have found artisan artefacts, which look to have been left onsite as shopkeepers escaped the flames.

The other elements are the ‘domus’ - extremely well-preserved aristocratic houses - including 19 mosaics, which will allow us to understand more about life in Vienne 2,000 years ago.”

The mosaics themselves are being painstakingly removed and taken away to be restored, with a view to being exhibited in Vienne's museum of GalloRoman civilisation as early as 2019.

Experts also believe that they will be able to restore a home dubbed the Bacchanalian House, so called after a tiled floor depicting a procession of female followers of Bacchus, the god of wine.

A blaze consumed the first floor, roof and balcony of the sumptuous home, which boasted balustrades, marble tiling, expansive gardens and a water supply system, but parts of the collapsed structure survived. “We will be able to restore this house from the floor to the ceiling,” Clément announced.

The site was discovered during preliminary work to build new housing in the suburb of Sainte-Colombe, on the right bank of the river, but remains have now been uncovered on both banks. In total, the 2,000-year-old complex covers an area of 7,000 square metres. The excavations, which began in April, had been due to end in mid-September, but have been extended by the French State until the end of the year to allow time for more discoveries. ■

A

fter initial reports suggested that France had escaped the Europe-wide contaminated egg scandal, the government revealed that a number of potentially dangerous eggs had been delivered to a processing plant, before being used to make products that went on to be sold in French supermarkets. 17 kinds of packaged waffles by different brands were on sale at several major chains including Carrefour, Monoprix, Casino, and Franprix, but have now been withdrawn.

A further 250,000 eggs were also sold by French supermarkets, including 196,000 imported from Belgium which were distributed between April 16 and May 2 and a second batch of 48,000 Dutch eggs sold by the discount retailer Leader Price between July 19 and 28.

The eggs contain traces of the insecticide fipronil, commonly used to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks. Fipronil is banned by the European Union for use on animals destined for human consumption, such as chickens, but entered the food chain in the Netherlands, which is one of Europe's biggest egg producers. Dutch eggs have

been withdrawn from sale as far afield as Hong Kong. The UK's Food Standards Agency said 700,000 eggs imported to Britain had been affected.

Fipronil is a popular pesticide, often used to de-flea household pets such as dogs and cats, but is also effective at treating red lice, which are commonly found in poultry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says fipronil is “moderately toxic” to people if it is eaten in large quantities, and can have dangerous effects on the kidneys, liver and thyroid glands. It can also cause “nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and epileptic seizures,” says the Dutch food standards agency NVWA, although its effects are reversible.

Health authorities have been keen to play down any public health fears, however.

“The risk for human health

is very low, given the levels of fipronil detected in the contaminated eggs, but also given French habits of food consumption,” explained agriculture minister Stéphane Travert.

In total, more than 200 farms across Holland and Belgium were found to be contaminated and a criminal investigation is now under way focussing on two firms: Poultry Vision, a pest control firm from Belgium, which is alleged to have sold the treatment to a Dutch poultry farm cleaning company, Chickfriend.

The NVWA have released a series of batch codes identifying eggs that should not be consumed, with the code “2-NL-4015502” potentially posing “an acute danger to public health”. See below for an explanation of how to read egg codes. ■

How to read the code on an egg All eggs in Europe are stamped with a code, made up of a number indicating the type of production, a 2-letter country code and then a number uniquely identifying the producer:

0 - organic 1 - free-range 2 - deep litter indoor housing 3 - cage farming

So 0-FR-12345 would identify a French, organic egg and 3-NL-12345 would indicate a battery egg produced in the Netherlands. ■

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Ministers banned from employing family

M

acron's government has followed through on a key election pledge by banning MPs from employing family members. The changes, which were overwhelmingly backed by parliamentarians, ban députés from hiring “immediate family members” - spouses, children, or parents. Future breeches of the rules will be punishable by fines of €45,000 and up to three years in prison.

“Practices that were probably tolerated, maybe accepted for some time, are no longer accepted today,” Prime Minister Édouard Philippe told French radio. Politicians who wish to employ more distant family members, such as cousins or a spouse's non-immediate family, will also now be required to declare this. Those same obligations apply for “cross-employment”, i.e. politicians hiring the family members of another MP or minister.

Furthermore, elected officials who fail to declare any interests or pay their taxes in full can be removed from office and barred from seeking election for three

years.

The issue of politicians hiring family members was brought into the spotlight earlier this year when the 'fake jobs' scandal contributed to the downfall of the Républicains presidential candidate François Fillon. After defeating Sarkozy in the Right's primaries, Fillon was the red-hot favourite to become France's next president, until media revealed that his wife Penelope had received nearly €900,000 for a job as his assistant, despite very little evidence of her doing any such work in a scandal that became known as “Penelopegate”. Private investigations also revealed that Fillon had paid two of his children for jobs related to his government role - the inquiry into the scandal is still under way.

The Macron administration is planning a separate crackdown on how MPs spend their allocated budgets. Each member of parliament currently receives an annual €130,000 budget on top of their pay, and the new government says there are not enough checks in place as to how these funds are used. ■

Mobile website for local fuel prices The government has launched a new website to help the public find the cheapest fuel in their area via their mobile phone. To use the service, go to www.prixcarburants.gouv.fr/mobile/, enter the type of fuel you are after (SP95, SP98, Gazole, etc.) and your postcode.

The site will then list the nearest petrol stations to you and the price of fuel.

The site does not discriminate between large and small businesses and will report the fuel price of any petrol station selling more than 500,000 m³ of fuel per year – the threshold at which businesses are required to publicly provide accurate prices.

Users can also remember certain petrol stations as “favourites” for easier comparison in the future. ■

French athlete offered Decathlon job A French 400-metre hurdler received some good news after failing to qualify for the final in the recent World Athletic Championships in London. Mamadou Kassé Hann arrived in France from Senegal in 2012, but despite his prodigious sporting talent, he has not managed to find a job.

Former presidential hopeful François Fillon and his wife Penelope

Interviewed after his semi-final, the athlete told France 3: “I'm looking for work, but haven't managed to find any yet. Life is not easy but you've got to keep going. I came here in 2012, it was here that I started to speak French. In life, you have to persevere, you must always move forward.”

Within minutes, he had received an offer of help from sports retail giant Decathlon. “Hello @francetvsport.

Can you please pass on our details to Mamadou Kassé Hann? If we can assist him in his search for work, we will,” tweeted the French retailer.

It was later confirmed that Mamadou had been in touch with Decathlon's Montpellier branch where he was due to meet management to discuss employment options. ■

Culinary crimes against the humble croissant Britain and France have been through a lot over the years, but always somehow managed to re-establish the entente cordiale. That could now be in threat, however, after a British recipe website dared to mess with one of the symbols of France, the golden, buttery, flaky croissant.

Stuffed with bacon and sausage, before being covered in eggs and cream and baked in the oven, this “take on the classic croissant” understandably went

down about as well as 2204.62 lbs of bricks.

“Wars have started for less than this” said @ JezequelB with only a degree of exaggeration. Perhaps guilty of hyperbole, one social media user went further, tweeting: “Oh mon Dieu mais c'est une blague c'est quoi ça !! Quel sacrilège !!” - “Oh my God, is that a joke, what is that!! What sacrilege!!" ■

French voted the sexiest language in the world According to a survey conducted by language learning app Babbel, French is the sexiest accent in the world, followed by Italian and Spanish. The poll of 15,000 people also revealed that Polish had the unenviable claim to being the world's ugliest language on the ears.

If you want to make your French accent work for you, consider heading to Australia, where 63% of those questioned found it the sexiest in the world. On your way back, maybe travel via America where 43% of the public will be fawning over your phonemes. For their part, the French think that Italian is the sexiest language (40%), a feeling that is apparently mutual, with 47% of Italians choosing French.

English-speaking expats in France may have to rely on other, non-verbal forms of charm, however, as only 23% of French voters opted for British as their favourite foreign accent. ■

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Governments cash in on offshore tax evasion crackdown - Blevins Franks

T

he UK tax office has reaped the rewards of its latest measures to tackle tax fraud. The past tax year netted HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) £29 billion from tax evasion investigations, helping boost its overall revenue by 7%.

HMRC puts part of this success down to using their “full powers” to uncover secret offshore accounts. Over £2 billion was collected by “cracking down on people who think they can hide money offshore” they said, adding, “there are no safe havens”.

For expatriates – who are likely to have financial interests overseas and need crossborder tax planning – this heightened scrutiny is an extra incentive to get your tax affairs in order.

The new cross-country transparency One of HMRC’s methods for uncovering global tax evasion was co-operation from overseas tax authorities. Over five years it has nearly doubled its requests to foreign governments for information on offshore accounts – totalling 1,096 in 2016.

International data sharing is about to get easier with the new ‘automatic exchange of information’ regime. Last year, over 50 countries – including Portugal, Spain, France, Cyprus and Malta – started collecting information on their taxpayers’ assets and income. By September, this data will automatically flow between these countries,

enabling local tax offices to verify whether taxpayers have made accurate declarations on their tax returns. In 2018, another 50 countries, including Switzerland and Monaco, will do the same.

They will have access to contact details and information about accounts and investment income earned over the year, such as interest, dividends, income from certain insurance contracts and annuities. Account balances are also reported, as are gross proceeds from the sale of financial assets.

So if you live in France and have assets elsewhere – whether they are investments in the Isle of Man, Swiss bank accounts or just UK property or pension funds – your local tax authorities will know about them. Even if they have no reason to question your tax situation, they will automatically receive information on your overseas accounts, structures, trusts and investments.

Should you be worried?

These measures are designed to catch out those who are deliberately committing tax fraud or incorrectly declaring themselves and their income and assets. There should be little to worry about if your tax planning is in order and you are declaring your finances correctly.

However, if you live in France and have assets or receive income abroad, it may be hard to determine what you should be declaring and where tax is due.

If you are tax resident in France, you are liable to French tax on your worldwide income, gains and wealth. This includes most income that is also taxed elsewhere.

In any case, cross-border taxation is complex; getting it wrong may be easier than you think and could result in costly fines and even prosecution. Take extra care to make sure your tax planning is above board and legitimately protects your wealth and income.

Careful tax planning The first thing you need to do is make sure your arrangements are fully compliant in France and anywhere else you have income, assets or heirs.

Second, your tax planning should suit your particular aims and circumstances, and work beneficially in both France and the UK. A mistake many British expatriates make, for example, is assuming ISAs remain tax-efficient – once you are no longer UK resident, they lose their tax-free status and the interest is usually taxable overseas.

On the other hand, tax-efficient investment wrappers offered through a French-compliant bond could legitimately reduce tax on savings and investments. While some structures can seem similar, however, their tax benefits can vary significantly so explore your options.

Finally, make sure you are declaring your finances and taxes correctly in each country.

Some British expatriates wrongly believe that if income is taxable in the UK – like rental income, pensions and ISAs – they do not have to declare it in France. Even if you declare income and pay tax in the UK, you may still need to report it here. It is your responsibility to regularly check you have declared all your tax liabilities and bring your tax affairs up to date if necessary. If you have not been following the rules correctly, you should rectify your position as soon as possible.

With today’s scrutiny of tax evasion, it is more important than ever to take time over your financial planning. While France can be a very tax-efficient place to live for expatriates, you need specialist, up-to-date knowledge of local, UK and international tax regimes to achieve the best results. An adviser with cross-border expertise can help you enjoy favourable tax treatment while offering peace of mind that you are meeting your tax obligations, here and in the UK. ■ Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com All information in this article is based on Blevins Franks’ understanding of legislation and taxation practice at the time of writing; this may change in the future. It should not be construed as providing personalised taxation, investment or pension advice. You should take personalised advice for your circumstances.

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

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The wonder of figs

S

To serve 6

by Julia Watson

eptember is fig season of the ‘tardive’ kind, the ‘précoce’ variety coming into fruit in early summer. For me, this makes September the month for another effort at grappling with Salman Rushdie. I’m a little ashamed to admit to it, but I’ve read the first few pages of each of his novels several times over but have never managed to penetrate the rest. Figs help because I’m so passionate about them that I will eat 15 of them in one go. A fig of around 40g also weighs in at approximately 30 calories. But not many of those calories have time to hang about. After a brief period of digestion, 15 figs will rush straight through you. Which makes for a series of 2 am visits to the bathroom. Painless visits, but a good time to tackle Salman Rushdie one more time without distraction.

It's the high fibre content of figs that causes their instability. The lignin they are high in is an indigestible food fibre. It’s this fibre that turns them more than any other common fruit or vegetable into a laxative, although I would strongly recommend you don’t include an artichoke in any meal that features figs. Nevertheless, EU regulations don’t permit a bottle of syrup of figs to be labelled a laxative.

They also contain tryptophan which promotes sleep. But of course when you've eaten too many of them, their laxative effect will keep you awake.

If you’re a fig fanatic like me, the prospect of another broken night’s sleep is not enough to prevent me from settling under one of the fig trees growing all over the coteaux around my house the very next day, and the next, and the next, until the fruit has all been consumed.

But I don’t just sit there and guzzle. I bring them home to the kitchen to use in dishes. They have a remarkable capacity for marrying with salty ingredients as much as sweet ones. An open fig tarte is a wonderful way to end a meal, served with a bowl of crème fraîche. But figs go well with roast loin of pork, added half way through to bake in the juices of the meat. (Another asset of the fig is that the protein-digesting enzymes it contains break down muscle and connective tissue, so will tenderize any meat they are cooked with.)

Jambon de Bayonne, prosciutto or any other air-dried ham is a key component of this first course recipe (see right). It can also be made around the Christmas season with dried figs for passing as a cocktail appetizer. It will make two dozen bites. ■ Julia Watson has been a long-time Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

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2 tablespoons butter 12 fresh or dried figs, sliced in half top to bottom 115ml port 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar 55g goat cheese 12 slices Jambon de Bayonne or prosciutto sliced in half lengthwise Heat a 10-inch frying pan over a medium heat. Add the butter. Once the butter is melted and the sizzling subsides, add the figs, cut side down.

Once the pan is hot again, carefully pour the port into the pan, standing back while you do this as it will flame, so don’t pour directly from the bottle into the hot pan. Use a small glass or measuring cup.

After the flames subside and the port is reduced, add the balsamic vinegar and swirl to combine. Simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Cool off the heat.

Once the figs are cool enough to handle, dollop a teaspoon of goat cheese on the cut side of the fig, then wrap a strip of prosciutto around the middle. Continue with the remaining figs, goat cheese and sliced prosciutto. If you’re serving them with cocktails, impale each one on a cocktail stick, otherwise plate up 4 per person.

For 2 1/4 litres of spiced figs Not that I want to keep mentioning the approach of Christmas, but the following recipe makes a good present.

600g fresh figs 400g sugar 1135ml water 2-4 slices of fresh ginger cut into quarters

1 vanilla pod sliced in half 3 cardamon pods, crushed 4 whole allspice 1 lemon, sliced, seeds removed 2 tsp citric acid

Blanch figs in water for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside. Measure 1135mls of the blanching water, discarding the rest.

Bring the blanching liquid and all ingredients except the citric acid to a gentle boil, add figs and boil for 5 minutes.

Remove figs and lemon slices to sterilized jars, gently tapping the bottom of each jar on the countertop to help pack the figs down gently.

Add 1/4 teaspoon citric acid to each 565ml of boiled syrup.

Add syrup to jars, leaving 2cm headspace. Seal jars and place in a large pan. Gently boil for 45 minutes, keeping jars covered with at least 5cms water.

Remove and cool without touching for 12 hours.

The figs will keep for a year.

In the garden - jobs for September

I

think I may have une abeille in my bonnet when it comes to discussions about climate change and global warming. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t believe it’s happening. But what does seem rather lacking from the debate, as far as gardeners are concerned at any rate, is the idea of climate instability.

We’re often told to grow warmer climate plants, and that’s fine when it’s hot and dry, but the instability of climate patterns means that may not be completely successful. Since last month, thankfully, we’ve had some rain, but also some sudden sharp drops in night temperatures - great for some things, but having a major slowdown effect on the chillies, aubergines, peppers.

Courgettes have been good in patches, pumpkins and squash equally.

We as gardeners will therefore have to be more resourceful, and plan for both extremes, so basically that means not deciding that you’re gardening for Mojave desert conditions, or for Normandy, but for the possibility of both! And now it seems to me that water management is key. If you don’t have enough water then things are hard if there’s a drought, and if you can’t channel it where you want it things are hard when there’s too much.

by Michelle Pierce

And that takes me to the internet. There are so many great people out there, often in desert-type conditions, with interesting water management ideas - just check out Brad Lancaster at www.harvestingrainwater.com or search for “DIY homestead projects” on YouTube. Both of the above are trying to garden in arid environments, but their ideas could apply to us, given that we’ve been in drought conditions for much of this year; just go and look at the nearest field - not lush!

Some trees in my area have even gone orange to shed their leaves and save water. An early autumn! So it seems clear that not only harvesting your rainwater but also being able to move it where you want it with minimum effort is really fundamental.

After all, carrying watering cans of heavy water about the place is not only a big effort but also too slow, when you're talking about watering whole beds. Much better to store water directly in the soil, if possible.

And at the same time, nights in later August have become really quite frisky much more like September than August, so seedlings in greenhouses, or young plants just planted out may need protection. But then again, they may also have to deal with very hot daytime temperatures. So therein lies the conundrum!! How to do both ?!

One thing I have decided to do this autumn is install a big water butt in my greenhouse, to act as a passive solar heat source - the water absorbs the heat from the sun in the day, and releases it at night, helping with mitigating the cold - and harvest more water in the future than I do now. I'm also going to try to make a low-tech system that will enable it to go where it needs to go with the least effort, and make my greenhouse work better for me.

This month is a good time to get sowing, or planting bought seedlings, now that the seriously hot, dry conditions have modified. Winter crops like brassicas (cabbages, kales, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, etc.) as well as leeks, winter lettuce, chicory, winter radish, mustards, sorrel, spinach, chard, oriental greens, lambs lettuce, cress, etc. can be sown. You can decide to plant onion sets and garlic for an early harvest next year. Keep picking beans, tomatoes, courgettes as long as possible to keep them going. Organise a clean, frost free place to store your potatoes, onions and pumpkins.

Take cuttings of roses, hydrangeas, fuchsias and other shrubs, as well as pelargoniums and tender things that might get lost over the winter. You can also take cuttings of black, red and white currants from the prunings you have left over after giving the

bushes a nice airy shape.

Collect, dry and store seed.

Label your asters, chrysanthemums, etc. whilst they're in flower, so you can easily remember what colours they are when dividing the plants later.

Plant spring bulbs. Decide whether you'll risk leaving your dahlias in the ground over winter, (protected under a blanket of mulch) or lift the tubers and store them.

Prune stone fruit trees like plums and peaches after they've finished fruiting, and before cold weather.

This month is the perfect time to enjoy pottering around outside, in generally lovely weather, and at the same time be preparing the next few months in the garden.

Plant what you want to take you through the winter and spring, prepare how you'll protect them, clean and tidy things away (leaving spaces and shelter for the wildlife ) and generally start looking forward.

Make lists of projects for the next year and note changes and improvements you'd like to implement. Think about what didn't do so well this year, and if it matters to you, decide how to correct it.

And spend a little time surfing the internet to get some good ideas. So many interesting people doing fantastic things!!

Good gardening! ■

14 ♦ BILINGUAL

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

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Check out our online Classifieds... updated daily!

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Two countries separated by one Channel

L

a Grande-Bretagne et la France partagent une histoire longue, à défaut d’avoir toujours été heureuse. Nos deux pays ont réellement beaucoup en commun mais, à part quelques petites différences ponctuelles en termes de langue, de culture et de climat, il y a une chose qui a toujours été un obstacle entre nous…. C’est le “English Channel” ou la “Manche”, si vous êtes né au sud de l’étendue d’eau qui sépare nos deux pays.

Cependant, ce ne fut pas toujours le cas car il y a encore à peine 8 000 ans, la Grande-Bretagne était reliée au continent européen lorsqu’un des plus grands tsunamis jamais enregistrés submergea une grande partie du pays. Les rives d’une mer intérieure en Norvège se seraient affaissées et la vague se serait déversée en Mer du Nord.

A l’époque, seuls environ 5 000 chasseurs-cueilleurs vivaient en GrandeBretagne, mais depuis que le pays est devenu une île, il semblerait que nous soyons devenus obsédés par la traversée de ces 33.3 kilomètres qui nous séparent du Continent.

La première traversée aérienne de la Manche eut lieu en 1785 lorsque le Français Jean-Pierre Blanchard et l’Américain John Jeffries quittèrent Douvres dans une montgolfière avant

© MODIS image, NASA - April 2003

G

reat Britain and France have a long if not always happy history. Our two countries do have much in common, but apart from occasional differences in language, culture and climate, one thing has always come between us... the English Channel, or La Manche if you were born south of the body of water that separates our two countries.

It was not always that way, however; Britain was connected to mainland Europe until as recently as 8,000 years ago when one of the biggest tsunamis ever recorded flooded much of the country. It is believed that the tsunami was caused when a landlocked sea in Norway burst its banks and surged across the North Sea. At the time, Britain was home to around just 5,000 hunter gatherers, but since becoming an island, it seems that we have become obsessed with crossing the 33.3 kilometres that separate us from the Continent.

The first airborne Channel crossing came in 1785 when Frenchman JeanPierre François Blanchard and American John Jeffries set off from Dover in a hot air balloon, before landing in Calais after a two-and-a-half hour flight. Exactly 100 years later, Matthew Webb would become the first person to swim across the Channel when he stepped onto French soil after 21 hours and 45 minutes in the water.

It was a further 24 years until the crossing was made by aircraft, as another Frenchman, Louis Blériot, made a 37-minute flight from Calais to Dover. In achieving the feat, he picked up a £1,000 prize offered by the Daily Mail for the

first successful flight between the two countries.

In 1926, American swimmer Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across La Manche, although after strong currents turned the 33-kilometre crossing into a 56-kilometre marathon, she was met in Dover by border police asking to see her passport!

Crossing this famous stretch of water - the busiest shipping lane in the world!

- became a much easier task when the Channel Tunnel finally opened in 1994.

Today the journey can be completed in as little as half an hour, accompanied by a glass of wine in a reclining seat and without the need to cover yourself in goose fat or risk your life. ■ d’atterrir à Calais après deux heures et demie de vol. Exactement un siècle plus tard, Matthew Webb fut la première personne à traverser la Manche à la nage lorsqu’il posa le pied sur le sol français après 21 heures et 45 minutes dans l’eau.

Il fallut attendre encore 24 ans pour une traversée par avion, quand un autre Français, Louis Blériot, réalisa un vol de 37 minutes de Calais à Douvres. Pour cette prouesse, il décrocha une prime de 1 000 livres décernée par le Daily Mail en récompense du premier vol réussi entre les deux pays.

En 1926, l’Américaine Gertrude Ederle devint la première femme à traverser la Manche à la nage. Bien que de forts courants aient transformé une épreuve de 33 km en un marathon de 56 kilomètres, la police de l’immigration lui demanda son passeport à son arrivée à Douvres !

La traversée de cette fameuse étendue d’eau (le couloir maritime le plus fréquenté du globe !) se trouva nettement simplifiée quand le tunnel sous la Manche fut enfin ouvert en 1994.

Aujourd’hui on peut effectuer le trajet en une petite demi-heure, installé sur un siège inclinable avec un verre de vin à la main, sans avoir à se couvrir le corps de graisse d’oie, ni de risquer sa vie. ■

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

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

BUSINESS DIRECTORY WOOFERS RETREAT

Animals & Pets

Holiday Home for Dogs

Home from Home Established 7 years Pet Sitting available 19510 Masseret Tel: 05 55 97 27 33 Mob: 06 61 05 06 13 debbie_shiralee@hotmail.co.uk

Valhalla dog holidays

Animals & Pets Antiques/Brocantes Auto Services Building Services Chimney Sweeps Cleaning Services Computers/Satellites Food & Drink Garden Services Gifts & Crafts Handholding Services Health & Beauty

Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys.

Verbal & written reports.

Structural calculations & drawings.

Redevelopment ideas & solutions.

RING BILL!

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

Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad Below

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

La Tour des Chats

MOTOR PARTS

Luxury holiday home for cats

Open 365 days a year Call Leanne on:

Château-Chervix (87380) 12 € / day Spacious rooms, outside space, video surveillance.

Payment: CB, cheque and cash.

Contact Jessica 06 31 94 63 87 / 05 55 58 86 52

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

or email

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

"Home from Home" A holiday for your dog (NOT KENNELS)

Family home in the countryside, between Linards/Châteauneuf-la-Forêt & Limoges (87) Walked twice a day plus enclosed garden

15€ / night Feel free to visit! Contact Jane:

05 55 00 34 79 / 06 71 15 15 65 waggingtails87@hotmail.com

www.latourdeschats.fr

Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats JUNCT 22 off A20, Arnac la Poste

+44 (0)1377 538 639

motorptscharente@aol.com

At Masterplans.eu we can help guide you through your planning application in France.

From initial feasibility to completed dossiers.

We will compile all the relevant drawings and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure your application proceeds smoothly.

We are equally at home working with clients here in France or those living abroad.

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

05 55 62 28 70 / 06 88 96 09 14 menuiserie23@yahoo.com siret: 793 679 440 00016

A. Wright

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66 see main ad - pg 11

Neuvialle Menuiserie

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

Mike Christie 05 55 64 35 11 / 07 55 20 42 90 see main ad below

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners

Carpenter

Antiques/ Brocantes

LA BRAUDERIE BROCANTE

Antiques Vintage Retro

SIRET: 520 896 671 00010

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

Renovating your French property?

Call Mark:

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SINCE 1986

06 45 82 34 03

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Building • Roofing • Kitchens • Joinery

Siret 798 692 778 00011

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

Portfolio available to view at

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

Mini Digger

Registered Car Mechanic 05 55 81 31 85

no job too small - very competitive rates

Landscaping, Ditching, Land Clearance etc.

Hedge Removal and Stone Wall Construction

30 Years’ Experience Joiner Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Flooring & General 2nd Fix Finishing, Joinery & Decking Emergency Lock Services

John Bonella

05 55 78 62 29

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

NEUVIALLE MENUISERIE JOINERY

with Driver for Hire

87440 Marval

(contrôle technique)

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

john.bonella@gmail.com

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

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

CARPENTER AND BUILDER

All types Best Rates References available

New build?

RING BILL!

SIRET: 494 617 798 00017

Siret: 498 843 051 00018

Oak barn doors from €1,700 Oak stairs from €1,900 Oak windows from €395 Oak shutters from €245 All prices fitted... Hard/softwood available Covering Limousin and surrounding regions Call Matthew:

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

champlongchatterie@me.com www.champlongchatterie.com

JOHN SOWERSBY

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com

Made to measure joinery

www.motorpartscharente.com

Lovely French finds from the Limousin Open most days on D15 4 La Brauderie, 23160 St-Germain-Beaupré

Alison & Ray

CHARENTE

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

Menuiserie23

siret: 818 954 669 00013

Siret: 792 142 341 00017

Champlong Chatterie

House Clearance >> pg 21 Insurance & Finance >> pg 21 Language Services >> pg 21 Pest Control >> pg 21 Pools & Spas >> pg 21 Property Maintenance >> pg 21 Property Sales >> pg 21-22 Retail & Commerce >> pg 22 Transport/Removals/Storage >> pg 22 General >> pg 22 Businesses for Sale >> pg 22

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Auto Services

siret 804 476 802 00017

05 55 80 42 47

>> pg 15 >> pg 15 >> pg 15 >> pg 15-18 >> pg 18 >> pg 18-19 >> pg 19 >> pg 19-20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 20 >> pg 21

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

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

Classical Carpentry

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

SAS Masters

Carlos

Electrician/Plumber

www.masters-energies.com

Based between Gouzon & Boussac, serving Dept 23

05 55 78 66 35 see main ad - pg 2

From small repairs to complete installations Boiler Servicing Over 35 years experience Fully Insured

BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ

05 55 62 63 82

Siret No. 829 638 741 00019

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners

Service Wood Work Lumiere et Energie SHUTTERS/DOORS, STAIRCASES, etc.

MADE TO MEASURE

IN SOFTWOODS OR LOCAL HARD WOODS SIMPLE ORDERING / 10 DAY TURNAROUND Please explore our website for more info: www.scrollart.co.uk

05 55 14 12 43

Oradour Sur Vayres (87150) - siren 752 051 482

Building Services Electricians

Steven Rofe 28 Years' experience

• NICEIC approved Electrician in the UK • Rewiring • External & garden lighting • All aspects of electrical works • Fully insured - (10 year Decennale) • Departments covered 87, 23 & 19 05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71 email: rofesteven@yahoo.co.uk www.lumiereservice.com See full list of works carried out on the website Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

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

SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

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

Tel: 09 72 35 74 73

Email: barwick.shaun@gmail.com @iret: 794 282 368 00016

Building Services Fosses Septiques

E-mail: installation23@gmail.com

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

électricité Keith SLOPER

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

Steve. JOHNS. SARL

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

No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

05.55.64.11.73 06.70.47.52.96

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad below Alpha Locksmiths 24/7 Emergency call out service

Tel: 06 70 34 79 32 see main ad below

Siret N° 750 725 780 00019

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Building Services General Mini-Digger with driver

05.55.78.62.29

john.bonella@gmail.com See Main Ad - pg 15

Experienced and fully registered artisan, offering a high quality finish and service

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

SERVICES

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

• vehicle with 1.5 tonne crane

05 55 37 45 35

wasteremovalmultiservices@gmail.com

siret: 824 706 444 00018

Paul Jones Renovation

• 10yr Décennale Assurance • Full house/barn renovation • Plasterboarding walls and ceilings • Tape and Jointing • Kitchen Installation • Roofing works • Carpentry • Patios/Decking

INSTALLATION23 SALAMANDRE Fosse Septique 23 WASTE REMOVAL - Electricity - Plumbing - Small renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.)

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

Dave Cardwell - Builder

siret 532 981 198 00015

Steve Johns Assainissement

fosse-septique23.com

05.55.64.11.73 - see pg 8

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

To advertise in The Bugle Business Directory, call 05 55 41 17 76 Classical Carpentry Visit our website

www.classicalcarpentry.fr

T: 05 55 65 15 31

DAVID CARDWELL PROFESSIONAL

BUILDER

M: 06 02 25 41 58

Siret: 828 055 566 00016

Keith Brown Roofs, stairs, shutters, decking, gazebos...

30 years’ experience. Registered with ENIC-NARIC. Full décennale insurance guarantee. keith@classicalcarpentry.fr

Alpha Locksmiths

24/7 Emergency call out service Lost your keys... locked out... keys locked in the car... give us a call!

Lock changes of all types, external and internal UPVC & Wood - Windows & Doors - Safe opening - Non desctructive entry No call out charge - Hourly rate based on location and time of day or night 25 years’ experience - Fast, friendly & efficient - Free estimates

Tel: 06 70 34 79 32 - Email: kyriacosdemetriou701@gmail.com

debarrasser87

House Clearance Specialists

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)

We are able to offer a wide range of specialist house clearances including hoarded property clearance and clearances where there are unsanitary conditions.

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

05.55.69.68.44 / 05.55.37.45.35 - http://www.ferraille87.com

We offer an efficient, affordable and honest service.

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

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

C.L.S. stud work is a beautiful product to work with clean dry and STRAIGHT, currently held in 2.4m lengths, 3m lengths and 4.8m lengths.

38mm x 89mm C16 planed for eased edges CLS profile.

Shiplap Feather edge Floor joists 3.6m x 47mm x 175mm 4.8m x 47mm x 200mm 5.4m x 47mm x 200mm Baton 5cm x 2.5cm x 5.4m Decking 32mm x 150mm

Decking screws 63mm PLYWOOD All in 8ft x 4ft sheets External grade suitable for construction uses with high quality finish on both sides.

Held in 5.5mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm,18mm and 25mm all Malaysian WBP BB/CC Marine ply 18mm 8ftx4ft MDF 18 mm held 8ftx4ft OSB 9mm and 18mm held 8ftx4ft Hardboard 8ftx4ft Happy to quote for all soft wood requirements SKIRTING BOARD & ARCHITRAVE IN STOCK ---------------------------British gypsum multi finish plaster 25kg

Scrim 45mm x 90m Plaster beads Cement in plastic bags store outside 25kg PVA ---------------------------ROLLS OF KNAUF EARTH WOOL NON-ITCHY IN STOCK 100mm and 150mm TYPICAL SPEC FOR 150mm (contact us for spec on other thicknesses) Pieces per pack: 2x 570mm wide Pack area: 9.18m2 Pack length: 8050mm R value: 3.40 Rigid board insulation 50mm Breather membrane 1.5m x 50m Ruberoid top sheet 10m x 1m

www.reclamation-yard.com - JOIN US ON FACEBOOK GROUP THE RECLAMATIONYARD for the latest news and more info on stock: www.facebook.com/groups/115356708929850

KWIKSTAGE Scaffold Hire DIY or Full Scaffold Service See our website or phone for details

05 55 89 69 46

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

Max Huggett

Experienced and fully registered builder with 10 year Décennale Insurance Offering a broad selection of building services in depts. 87, 19 & 23.

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

E: info@maxhuggett.com

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

www.maxhuggett.com

SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

English & French spoken - Siret: 518 511 340 00011

Harlequin Developments

GODSON

est. 2007

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

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

Paul Goldsmith Interior Renovations Registered for 8 years in France

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

e: lasout@live.com

Davis & Davis

Stephen Cullinane & Son

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments Barn conversions, loft conversions, new-build, drylining, plastering, rendering, spray rendering, tiling, installation of kitchens/ bathrooms, painting, carpentry, replacement doors & windows, velux installation, groundworks, landscaping, decking & much more...

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

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

Based Arnac-la-Poste - Covering depts 87, 23 & 19 Siret: 498 203 652 00017

Your advert here

upvc-solutions

Property Maintenance Services

Available in white, beige & oak woodgrain.

Visit our website for more information.

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

sales@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

SIRET 494 123 847 00019

uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories

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

Travaux Publics www.fossepro.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

05 55 41 17 76

t: 09 66 03 52 89

T C BONNER sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 BUILDING SERVICES

Qualified Tradesman 20+ years experience Offering extensive handyman and general maintenance services Small jobs a speciality, able to work with you on your renovation projects Affordable & reliable, a quality job every time Servicing 23 and surrounding areas. Call Jim:

05 55 66 23 97 06 27 25 07 78 Siret: 792 049 025 00010

From the foundations to the roof Established 9 years in France 05 55 81 00 53 - see pg 6

Masonry & More

With over 30 years experience within the building industry, T C Bonner Building Services offer a reliable, professional and complete building service.

For more information on how we may be able to help you complete your project, please contact Trevor Bonner.

Tel: 05 55 09 57 99 Mob: 07 69 72 44 86 E: tbonnerbbs@gmail.com Siret: 829 544 816 00012

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septiques/Micro stations

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 13

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Scaffolding Hire Building

Services Painters/Decorators

Large stock Rapid response Good rates for long & short term hire Erected or self-erect Delivery or collection All areas covered Call Dave:

Painter & Decorator

siret: 795 207 067 00013

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK

06 42 73 83 37 Barry Haggerty

Mason

Building & Property Services.

Pointing. Patios laid.

Brick/Stone & Blockwork.

Daily rates available.

Free estimates. 25yrs+ experience.

Simon Carter

experience, now based in Haute-Vienne.

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

FREE QUOTES

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

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

05 55 66 13 30 / 06 42 19 20 06 UK mob: 07778 156 754

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

A. Wright

CALL KATH

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com

Carpenter & Joiner 06 35 12 10 66

05 55 61 93 07 SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

La Noneix

Construction & Property Services

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

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

Large or small projects undertaken - please view our website.

Contact: Paul or Joanne Rands

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

siret: 807 664 263 00017

see main ad - pg 11

siret: 792.130.932.00017

Painting and Decorating Interior and Exterior

Building Services Groundworks

Colour Consultations

MINI DIGGER

05 55 63 53 06

With driver for hire

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

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

Room Re-designs Kathleen Willis

kathleen.willis@orange.fr siret 802 262 35200015

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Are your finances still on the “To Do” List?

T

he reality of life means that there are many important things we find need doing when we first move to a new country. Buying a house, getting a mortgage, setting up new bank accounts, getting into the medical system etc. etc. and whilst these are all necessary objectives that we need to achieve it seems much easier to leave behind the savings, investments and pensions that you have worked so hard to accumulate in the UK, where they will be ‘safe’ for now.

Our all too busy lifestyles mean that time is a precious thing and when you do sit back and take time to look

Building Services Plasterers CHRIS

at pensions that may be in several places and investments and savings that may be in more than one country it seems like a daunting task to begin.

However, this is possibly one of the most important things in your life – your future, that you are neglecting and the reality of leaving them in a ‘safe’ place may have disastrous consequences when you reach an age when you actually need to rely on these, if you haven’t already.

The harsh reality is that most investments are not actively managed and in the ever-changing environment that we currently find ourselves in this could have disastrous consequences meaning that your ‘safe’ investment has underperformed the marketplace and in the medium/long term this can have huge consequences on their performance and growth. Even just leaving your savings in your UK bank, whether it be an ISA or otherwise, if it is not achieving interest at the current rate of inflation, i.e. above 2.6% the

real value of your savings is being eroded. Add to that constant changes made by the government and your savings, investments and pensions could be a massive disadvantage to you without you even knowing.

Despite Brexit people are still moving around the world, whether it be for work, sun, a happy retirement or even love and we work with some of the world’s largest institutions that recognise that and offer solutions that can consolidate your investments into one safe location, in a fully French tax compliant way, allowing you to also easily access and easily transfer them back to the UK if that is your next destination.

Whether in retirement, or still aiming that way, your hard earned savings need to work harder than ever for you now and not against you, to help you enjoy the life in France that you moved here for. So whilst you are enjoying the summer sun and the hustle and bustle of the tourist season in our beautiful Dordogne spare a

Your advert here

Eurl Réno-Gén

THE PLASTERER 05 55 41 17 76 A genuine plasterer French and English spoken Traditional Plastering Rendering, Stud partition dry lining Lime mortar stone pointing

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19 christopher.willis@orange.fr Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

Building Services Plumbing & Heating

POWERFLOW A Plumber that speaks your language

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

23260 St Maurice pres crocq SIRET 519 624 084 00017 (est. 2010)

siret: 509 180 410 00011

Sand and Blast

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

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:

Roofing & Plastering/ Plasterboarding Service

06 78 60 96 16

PMC BATIMENT

info@powerflowfrance.com

Email: philip.andrews@orange.fr

MUMFORD TOITURE

An expert in cleaning and protecting heating systems to make them run efficiently using modern cleaning pumps & Thermal Imagery

05 55 67 35 02 07 69 22 26 30

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

Building Services Sandblasting

mumford.toiture@gmail.com

www.powerflowfrance.com

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

Contact Phil Andrews:

Building Services Roofing

Honest – Professional - Affordable Servicing, Repairing & Installing gas, oil & LPG appliances

Call the best, flush the rest

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Siret No. 493 159 412 00011

Roofing Specialists

www.pmcbatiment.fr see main ad below

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

www.sandandblast.com

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

thought for those things that are still on your “To Do” list – it’s not as complicated as you might think.

Not everyone has a huge amount of savings, but whatever you have needs protecting, so please do not hesitate to get in touch to see if I can help you do that and give you some straight forward advice to take the worry away from what could be a potentially evergrowing financial mess.

All initial consultations are without obligation or cost.

For an independent, professional and impartial consultation, from a company with over 30 years' experience, please contact me by email: Rosemary.sheppard@blacktowerfm. com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70.

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

financial planning activity.

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

Chimney Sweeping

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

Chimney Sweeps

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 78 72 Siren: 502 409 949

LA RAMONEUSE

Your advert here

THE LADY SWEEP Established since 1986

Brush & Vacuum

05 55 41 17 76

All types of chimney Fully Insured Call Ruth Clear

Cleaning Services

02 54 31 48 50 06 25 61 84 95 siret 504 218 454 00016

Nettoitout

TOUTE SWEEP Chimney Sweep Service

* All types of chimneys cleaned * Brush & Vacuum * Smoke Tested * Fully Insured * HETAS Approved and member of NACS * Official certificates of cleaning issued (Certificat de Ramonage) * Clean, tidy, professional & friendly service

Professional Cleaning Services Windows Conservatories Garden maintenance Offices

Contact Barry Manning

Tel: 05 55 66 48 55 Mob: 06 31 59 81 08

barry@toutesweep.com

REMEMBER - BLOCKED FLUES AND CHIMNEY FIRES CAN BE FATAL... DON'T TAKE THAT RISK!

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

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

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

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

- Skirting board & Architrave in stock.

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

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

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

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

07 81 39 21 49

SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

CONTACT : PAUL CHARLESWORTH TEL : 06 28 28 04 63

pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr www.pmcbatiment.fr

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience.

CA

R

N PE

T

RY

AN

TI-

S MO

S

ZIN

C

WI

ND

OW

S

VE

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

Siret : 531 655 231 00011

ND

AS

DIRECTORY ♦ 19

SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ 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 has been helping people sell their French property to buyers worldwide for many years now.

Richard Kroon, founder and director of the company: "The number of responses from prospective buyers and sales keep rising. No doubt one of the reasons is that we were able to increase our worldwide advertising budget and reach more prospective buyers than ever."

Last year HOI-GPS sold to people from 12 different countries, such as Australia, Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada and, of course, France.

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

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

Tel: 06 21 33 60 99

Richard continues: “Our continuous global marketing is definitely paying off and guarantees a worldwide exposure of your property to buyers wherever they live.

"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.

"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

No6 DESIGN WEBSITE

before

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

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

- Update your own site if you like!

- Enjoy a fully maintained site - Enjoy full website support contact@no6.co

Email: mimihomecare23@yahoo.fr

06 38 75 32 97

www.no6.co

siret: 818 225 526 00016

house is online, we first connect it to our main HOI-GPS websites which attract over 135,000 visitors from 40+ countries each month. Most of these people find us through Google and additional Google advertising.

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

"As the property market has become a global one, a prospective buyer can be on the other side of the world while the owner is in bed sleeping.

With our approach, the buyer does not have to wait and can see the entire property whenever he wants, at the moment he is

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Food & Drink

Siret: 80493524500014

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

GOODWIN Try Something Different SATELLITE Chez Jacques

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

Computers, Satellites & Web Design

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

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

Big Dish Satellite

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

interested in it."

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

Houses on Internet Global Property Services www.housesoninternet.com

Snack de Jack Tea Room

Petticoat Lane

05 55 80 00 07

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Tercillat, 23350

Tuesdays: 12pm-6pm Wednesdays/Thursdays: 10am-6pm Fridays/Saturdays: 12pm-8pm Sundays (July/August): 12pm-5pm English Breakfast: Wednesdays/Thursdays Fish and Chips: Fridays/Saturdays 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.

Allo Allo

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

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

Wide range of frozen items including vegetarian.

Traditional English beers, Sherries & Wine.

Cards for all occasions.

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

LES CERISIERS 33 Rte Nationale, 36300 Ciron

Restaurant/Tea Room Brocante/Books Open : Wed - Sun, 12 - 6pm Monday & Tuesday closed

Closing times may vary according to season. Please see our Facebook page to confirm times for September to June

05 87 40 02 83

1 rue Saint-Roch, Le Grand Bourg

see main ad - pg 10

closed Wednesdays

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

email for more info: lescerisiers36@gmail.com Facebook: Les Cerisiers 36

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Restaurant AUX CEPES

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98

LA veytiZoU, 87130

Tel: 09 64 00 14 51 see main ad - pg 3

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

Granulés du Limousin

Joiners, electricians and labourers also required.

Email: contact@reactive-resource.com

Très Jolie

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

(See Notice Board for where to find me)

Paula Bonella

05 55 78 62 29 06 04 08 29 53

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

20 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

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

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

6-Month Contract

12-Month Contract

€84

Small b&w Directory Ad

(€14/month)

Large b&w Directory Ad

(€18.75/month)

€134.40

(€11.20/month)

€112.50 €126

Small Colour Directory Ad

(€21/month)

Large Colour Directory Ad

(€28/month)

€168

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

€180

(€15/month)

€201.60

(€16.80/month)

Small Directory Ad 46mm x 46mm (Actual Size)

30 words max

€268.80

(€22.40/month)

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

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

Advertising is payable on publication. All prices are HT.

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 Garden Services

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

m : 07 70 39 12 23

Parties 20+ & events catered for

Sherrie et Steve Jardiniers All general

Gardening

Le Creusois

No job too small. Reasonable prices.

Contact Steve or Sherrie

Les Genêts, Azerables

E: sherrieetstevejardiniers@gmail.com

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Undertaken

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

GARDEN SERVICES Paul Brown

All gardening work: Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge Trimming General Maintenance

Reliable, professional and friendly garden services.

Garden Maintenance. Land Clearance.

Garden Construction.

Bespoke long-term maintenance plans.

Tel: 05 55 37 18 03 Mob: 06 33 66 17 45 e-mail team@teamjardin.fr

T.A.D. 23

(Travaux d'Accès Difficiles)

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

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

Dept 23 & Surrounding Areas

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

Gifts & Crafts

Siret: 483 059 242 00030

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

see main ad below

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Très Jolie

www.teamjardin.fr

Siret No. 752 549 907 00018

siret: 498 199 306 00016

Bar/Restaurant

Team Jardin

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker

Mon Chic Cottage

Tea Room

Le Dorat 87210 www.monchiccottage.com Chalk Paint, Little Greene Paint, Fat Quarters, Annie Sloan Paint Workshops

see main ad pg 19

'ROUSSIS MAID'

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

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

Email for more details: ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

Wed-Fri 10h-16h

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

Send an email to sign up to the newsletter

Tel: 05 87 77 95 59

Tel: 06 86 89 81 02 siret 528 539 448

Handmade Gifts sales@thebugle.eu Hand painted silk accessories, jewellery & much more.

See website for market locations and dates

www.nsandifer.com

05 55 41 17 76 Handholding Services

Siret: 811 512 094 00020

26, Ecurat 23150

Atelier d'Art du Jardin

Artisan art for your garden

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

Keyrings €2 plus other unique gift ideas.

Customisation and personalisation possible.

Come and visit the workshop by appointment.

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

Tel: 05.55.80.29.98

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

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

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

email: ecurat123@hotmail.com

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 14

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

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

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

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

pawsonbeverley4@gmail.com

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

DIRECTORY ♦ 21

SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

A

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

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

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

In Southern Europe, Solar-

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.

Health & Beauty Osteopathy & Acupuncture Linda & Paul Bodimeade

Tel: 09 52 32 34 87 or 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)

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

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

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Insurance & Finance

Lesley Kidd MSc

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

05 55 38 33 35

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

Chez Boutique

Formerly La Petite Place

05.55.60.08.46

See our Display Ad - pg 2

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76 House Clearance debarrasser87 www.ferraille87.com see main ad - pg 16

Language Services

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05 55 89 15 74 - pg 14 Jenny Homer BA hons, PGCE

TONY FARRELL INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

The Spectrum IFA Group with over 20 years' experience advising expatriates throughout Europe on all aspects of financial planning. Represented in Creuse

by Tony Farrell:

Tel: 05 55 89 57 94 Mob: 06 15 28 54 82

Email: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 PARIS "Société de Courtage d'assurances" R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr SIRET No.: 500 064 183 00014

HiFX

International money transfer

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

Pest Control

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

Sympathetic French Tuition 02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 87120 Eymoutiers

New term to start 11/09/2017

homer.jennifer@gmail.com

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

sales@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

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

All your language needs under one roof!

02 54 31 12 55

www.applicateur3d.com

Email: info@applicateur3d.com Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets

La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental

Pools & Spas Dave Roberts

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

Perfect for new pools, old pools, or pools leaking water Laminated on site, one piece and seam free For more information or a quote, contact Dave:

www.ecole-de-langue.net

Blevins Franks International tax and wealth

Your advert here

Self Install Pools

05 55 41 17 76

see main ad - pg 2

management advisers

www.blevinsfranks.com

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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

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

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

Prices start from €3,750.

Models seat 2 to 7 people.

For more information on our range check out our website:

www.limousin-spas.com or telephone: 05 55 63 26 20 Numéro Siret: 752 157 610 00011

Property Maintenance

SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

www.hifx.co.uk

See our main ad - pg 12

House Clearance Specialists

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

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

Email me asap to be sure of a place in the best group to suit your needs.

Free taster class (3hrs)

COUNSELLING UK Reg. Counsellor & Psychotherapist Senior Accred. MBACP 548379

- 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. ■

+44 (0)1903 893 451 +44 (0)7825 916 573

www. fibreglass-lining.com

naturalispools.com 06 31 17 25 60

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

Servicing 23 and surrounding areas.

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

Property Sales Cendrillon - Bourganeuf Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 4

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

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

22 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

ADVERTORIAL

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

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

Property Sales Leggett Immobilier www.leggettfrance.com

05 53 56 62 54 see main ad - pg 10

Beaux Villages Immobilier www.beauxvillages.com

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

Transaxia

Bourganeuf-Creuse-Limousin www.transaxia-bourganeuf.fr 0033 (0)6 83 66 83 09 - see ad pg 11

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Retail & Commerce R.S.M.DISTRIBUTION

Furniture & UK mattresses NEW STOCK HAS ARRIVED

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF RRP

• • • • •

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

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

Moulin de Tintin Furniture, interiors & gifts

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

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

8 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

Get down The Shed

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 11

Transport, Removals & Storage

Man & Van Transport

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

14m3 capacity 4.2m load length English & French Spoken

09 82 12 69 73 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

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

Central France Storage

See our Display Ad - pg 12

www.centralfrancestorage.com Dry, safe & secure storage to suit all needs Vehicle storage also possible

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

www.ex-patradio.com

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

SAFE GARDE Secure self storage units in Guéret

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

(+33) 07.61.21.85.15

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

Transition Removals

www.safe-garde.com

(+33) 05 55 34 19 46

Watson European

Siret 530 213 644 00012

05.55.63.78.72

www.themanwithavan.info vanrouge@mail.com

Eco Entrepot

SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Sarlande (24270)

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com

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

www.transitionremovals.com

DORDOGNE WAREHOUSE

By appointment only

VAN ROUGE

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

www.frenchvanman.eu

Tel: 05 49 87 67 34

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

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

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

see main ad - pg 7

International Removals

www.watsoneuropean.co.uk see main ad - pg 12

05 55 63 58 85

safegardegueret@gmail.com siret: 821 846 318 00011

Buggs Car Hire Bergerac & Limoges Airports

www.buggscarhire.com see pg 7

Smart Moves For a fully insured, careful service

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

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

+44 (0)1253 725 414

www.smartmovesremovals.co.uk

MICHAELS MOVERS

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

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

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

General

Full & Part loads All size of vehicles, from Man & Van through to 18 tonne truck Storage facilities in Sussex UK free phone:

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

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 19

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 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

Removals

UK ↔ France ↔ UK

Carrefour du Bois Limousin

Cash paid for scrap All Limousin covered Anything considered Any quantity

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

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

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

Contact for more information.

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

COMMUNITY ♦ 23

SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

LES CERISIERS

Bugle Notice Board

33 RTE NATIONALE, 36300 CIRON Food and refreshment served all day.

Shaded terrace area/Dogs welcome The Brocante Shop may have just what you're looking for, come and see for yourself. Craft books & crafting material - womens clothing/shoes/bags etc.

- jewellery - bric-a-brac - and lots more.

Books of all types, sales go to Animal Charities.

See main directory ad for opening times and contact details

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

Dates for September Please note some areas are chilled pre-orders only Guéret, Chilled orders only! - Wednesday 6th (2.50pm) Gouzon, Chilled orders only! (place de l'Eglise) - Wednesday 6th (3.30pm) Boussac, Chilled orders only! (place de l'Hôtel de Ville) - Wednesday 6th (4.30pm) Aubusson, (Now at place de la gare routière) - Thursday 7th (6pm) Le Grand-Bourg, Cancelled this month, but you can order a chilled delivery for 14th August!

Exceptional - Marsac, (Chez Jacques) - Friday 8th (8.15pm) La Souterraine Market - Saturday 9th (8.30am - 12.30pm) Exceptional - Sardent, (Auberge du lac, Masmangeas) - Saturday 9th (5.30pm) Bourganeuf Market - Wednesday 13th (9am - 12.30pm) Bourganeuf, (place Martin Nadaud) - Wednesday 13th (5.45pm) Peyrat-le-Château, Chilled orders only! Thursday 14th (12.30pm) CHILLED DELIVERIES, Thursday 14th - various areas, contact us for details Please check website & facebook for updates.

Tel: 07 70 39 12 23

Email: mandyscurry2go@gmail.com

26, Ecurat 23150

Le Restaurant Ecurat Atelier d'Art du Jardin

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

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

Work Offered!

We are looking for a skilled worker for concreting a barn, building up a pony stable and fences in private shelter 87400 Moissannes / St. Noblat Please tel 06 27 62 55 73 Work is paid.

Petticoat Lane

Find us at the following market: Saturday 9th September – Aigre Please note we will be closed for holiday from 11th to 25th September ... Re-open on 26th September Tue-Sat: 10am to 6pm

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

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Un Matin d'Avril Ladies Fashion 10% discount

for all new customers!

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

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

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

Join our company which provides real growth opportunities.

Your determination to succeed and your results will accelerate your evolution in the company.

www.newwave-energies.com Tel: 09 81 32 42 37

Roussis Maid

Find us at the following markets:

Piégut - Every Wednesday Brantôme - Every Friday If you require any cards contact us either by e-mail or mobile ellinghamroam764@yahoo.com

06 86 89 81 02 RESTAURANT

AUX CEPES

Landscaper / gardener We are looking for a professional landscaper / gardener for a manor house in 87430 Verneuil.

Please call 06 27 62 55 73.

The Broken Drum

(Le Tambour Cassé) Bar & café, 87320 Darnac, ...will be holding their

3rd annual Christmas Market on 10th December from 10 am – 4 pm.

If you are an artisan or local producer and would like to have a stall at the market please contact Toni on 09 66 80 32 41 or email tambourcasse@gmail.com.

Stalls are €5 and all stallholders will receive a coffee or tea and cake.

La Veytizou

On the main road (D979), Between Limoges & Eymoutiers ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 2ND SEPTEMBER - NORMAN LEAZE

playing an assortment of popular music

SAT 9

TH

~~~~~~~~~ SEPTEMBER - OPEN MIC NIGHT

come and join in or just enjoy the food & music ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 16TH SEPTEMBER - QUIZ NIGHT ~~~~~~~~~ SAT 23RD SEPTEMBER - MUSIC NIGHT

Bettina Richards sing for us Come and enjoy her wonderful music ~~~~~~~~~

Of course, there is always our fish & chips but you can also choose chicken in white wine sauce, salads, aberdeen angus burgers, etc. ~~~~~~~~~

For more info on any of the above, contact Sue: email: auxcepes87@gmail.com or Tel: 09 64 00 14 51

Mon Chic Cottage

21 Place Charles de Gaulle, Le Dorat

www.monchiccottage.com

Tea Room serving home-made scones / cakes Official Stockist for Chalk PaintTM by Annie Sloan & Little Greene Taking bookings now for our Spring Annie Sloan Chalk PaintTM Workshops.

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

All materials included. To book contact Jay. Opening hours: Wed-Fri - 10h-16h

05 87 77 95 59

info@monchiccottage.com

Très Jolie Fashion Accessories Where to find me:

Every Wednesday - Piégut Market Please see my facebook page... search 'Tres Jolie Milhaguet' to see what's new.

Mail order available, email for more details.

Most items now stocked at the 'Coeur et Etoile', St-Mathieu

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

Work Wanted!

Female seeking work

English, recently moved to dept 87 Ideally contract or Pôle emploi cheques.

Hard worker & reliable Please contact: 06 56 80 80 28

WANTED

Copy writer in Home Improvement Are you a fan of renovation, professional or not, and have an experience to share either through writing or reporting by video?

We are a French blog in renovating innovation and intend to create an English version of it to help English owners in France take advantage of the new French laws on energy efficiency.

To find out more contact: jeromerobertix@yahoo.fr Jérôme ROBERT BP 11 - 87230 CHALUS

24 ♦ COMMUNITY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charities The Hope Association Charity Shop 87 11 ave de la Paix, 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-16h, Wed afternoon 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 Please do come along, support Hope, have a rummage through some lovely things, then enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and delicious home-made cake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott.james@neuf.fr The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet mid-way between Crozant and Eguzon. Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am.

Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62 Fitness & Fun

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

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

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

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

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

Chabanais Bowls Club With summer fast approaching, we hope, it would be

John Bonella's London to Brighton 2017 I would like to start by telling you the reason I am taking part in the London to Brighton cycle ride. Ivan Purdie was my best friend, we were friends for 30 or so years.

Ivan was a larger than life character and the heart and soul of many a get together. He had a loud laugh, big smile and a heart of gold.

Before Ivan was diagnosed with a rare form of incurable cancer he was a keen cyclist, but Ivan's version of keen was different from most, he rode hard and fast, everywhere.

Despite being extremely unwell at various points throughout his five-year battle, Ivan never once focused on his illness, used it as an excuse, or let it stand in his way.

Instead he continued to vigorously pursue his goals and his passions in life, always encouraging others to “go for it!” too.

So for me to ride my bike again for http://go4it.org.uk/ the non-profit charity set up by Ivan's wife Kate will be a pleasure.

To help me go4it and raise money for this worthwhile cause, please visit

http://www.doitforcharity.com/JBonella to make a donation. The charity will receive your money quickly and easliy and if you are a UK taxpayer an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support!! John Bonella

nice to spend some time during the week in the open air relaxing in a game of short mat bowls. And if the weather does not come up to expectations, there is always our under floor heating.

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

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

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

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

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

Currently all our members are English (it is difficult to encourage the French to roll a ball) most being senior citizens, many bringing over their skills from the UK. If you are considering taking up the sport again, trying your hand at something new or simply coming along for a closer look, just pop down when our sessions are on or contact Brian on 05 45 29 05 73 or Terry on 05 45 89 14 05.

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

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

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

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

Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong Tai Chi, Pakua & Qigong classes organised by the ACAMIES (association culturelle d'arts martiaux internes et d'exercices de santé). Wed: Jarnages, 18h30-20h, Salle Polyvalente. Thu: Bétête, 19h-20h30, Domaine de Tournessac. Individual classes, courses, massage & treatments also available. Contact: 06 48 00 02 07 http://acamies.e-monsite.com Keep Fit Amazing abs, breathtaking buttocks! Come and join our group at the CAPE in Pontarion. We are all ages, all sizes, men & women, but are serious about keeping fit.

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

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

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

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

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

Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game, just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears!

We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can

be played. Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl!

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

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

Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www. spaequilibre.yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson. Chinese gym 17h-18h15 & 18h15-19h30 and karate 19h30-21h.

For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53 Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 - 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and a half. For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20.

Gym Bien-être Would you like to be more supple? Come to our gym class on Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am, where we do gentle exercises to help all our muscles and joints. The classes are held in Rochechouart in the Capitole building, upstairs. Our group is part of a National Federation of Gymnastics.

For information contact Pauline at pauline.maskell@ sfr.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique. Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www. dechencholing.org Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin Getting out in the garden is one of life's pleasures for many people and there's a lot of satisfaction in seeing seeds and plants thrive and grow under your care. Our Association has a different, garden related topic each month and you are very welcome to come and join us in learning more about growing plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables and trees in this region. We also have visits to other gardens and an Annual Show in September. We meet on the third Thursday of each month (excl Feb) in the Mairie at St-Amand-lePetit (between Eymoutiers and Peyrat-le-Château).

Meetings start at 2.30 pm and visit timings will be advised.

For more information contact Carolyn at pjlimousin@ gmail.com http://jardiniers-du-limousin.webs.com Agenda for 2017: 3 Sep (Sunday) 5th Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Annual Show; 19 Oct AGM followed by House Plants; 16 Nov DIY Christmas decorations; 14 Dec (2nd Thur) Gardeners' Question Time and Christmas Party Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac. We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. For further information contact: veronique.granet@sfr.fr Aux Plantes, etc.

We are an association of independent, ethicallyminded and passionate plant producers. Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It’s not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you!

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

For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or visit: www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Les Jardins de Sirius Based in Pressignac, Charente, we are a small

Integration Café Franglais Organised by the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB). Every Wednesday starting at 18h30 until 20h00 in la Maison des Associations, Quartier Pasteur, 23600 Boussac. Come and join us for an informal chat to improve your French or English with native speakers in a café atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and nibbles. Last evening before the summer holidays will be on 5th July. For more info please call 05 55 65 03 69.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact Anne Chadwick at lesfranglaisdebanize@orange.fr or tel 05 55 67 53 60.

Connect87 CONNECT is a group for English speakers of any nationality in the area of St-Yrieix-la-Perche.

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

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

French Conversation Group at Les Billanges (87340) We are a small group who meet fortnightly for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings during term time in Les Billanges, 87340, close to the Creuse/ 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 €20, which brings with it

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association of people who are keen on gardening. As well as finding plants an endless source of interest, we believe that the simple fact of gardening has numerous positive benefits for health, stress, social interaction - in other words, our daily lives - and we'd like to encourage this aspect. If you'd like to get involved, have more info on the association or become a member, please contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@gmail.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu other social opportunities. To find out more please contact Peter Metcalfe at petergmet@gmail.com Familles Rurales in Peyrat-le-Château Association Familles Rurales now offer assistance in English and Dutch to all non-French speaking people (British, Dutch, German, etc.) concerning all kinds of administrative steps. The service is available in Peyrat-le-Château and surrounding communes. We will try to provide information and help you find your way in social and administrative matters. We will also do our best to help you with practical matters such as language problems, payment of bills, hiring workmen, etc. Find Heleen Tichler-Botermans at the AFR office in Peyrat-le-Château on Mondays from 9 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. www.famillesrurales.org/peyrat-le-chateau E-mail: familles-rurales.infopeyrat@orange.fr Telephone: 06 41 20 06 83 Office address: 19 avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-leChâteau Familles Rurales 2 in St-Yrieix-la-Perche Weekly courses in French for foreigners (mainly English and Dutch) living in the area. Held at five different levels, all with the same native French teacher, so it is easy to move from one class to another if you feel out of place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newcomers are very welcome. For more info visit: www. meltingpot-limousin.com CLE – (Charente Limousine Exchange) CLE is a not-for-profit organisation whose members form a valuable resource for the exchange of news, views, ideas and information. We lobby and work with key organisations to help protect our members' best interests, particularly when Government or other proposals threaten to impact the well-being of expatriate citizens. We organise a range of events, workshops and seminars throughout the year, plus social activities including coach trips, activity days and charity events. Our special interest groups include a Fishing Group, a Pudding Club and Gourmet Club which holds regular lunches at some of the region's better restaurants where we negotiate set menus a cut above the typical 'plat du jour' but still reasonably priced – all activities to help members make new expatriate and French friends. www.cle-france.com Email: contact@cle-france.com Tel: Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 Libraries & Books Open Door Association – English Language Library & Cultural Exchange Group Based in the Old Mairie at Morterolles, commune of St. Pardoux-Morterolles, we have a selection of around 5,000 books, DVDs, etc. The library is open Mondays and Saturdays from 2-5 pm. Feel free to drop in and browse, borrow, chat or enjoy a free tea/coffee.

The association organises a variety of activities throughout the year including a number of visits to places of cultural significance. In 2017 these have included vineyards, sites of historic and artistic interest and sites of natural beauty.

A wider programme is currently being planned for 2018.

We welcome new members of all nationalities. For further information, visit our website on www.opendoor23.com or contact the President, Peter Edmondson, on 06 47 54 20 09

Caramel

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

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

Facebook : Cancer Support France - Charente-Plus or peter.edmondson2@orange.fr Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of secondhand books (both English and French) from 9am to 12 noon, at the former restaurant in La Place, opposite the bar/tabac. All proceeds go towards the local school funds (for La Croisille-sur-Briance and St-Méard RPI).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www.ententecordiale-creuse.org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo.com Music

Cantique C'est la rentrée ! - and Cantique is pleased to announce its programme for 2018. Mozart's sublime Coronation Mass and the lively Dixit Dominus by Antonio Vivaldi form the repertoire in the choir's tenth anniversary season.

We are currently recruiting and are looking for basses and altos in particular, although all voices are welcome to audition.

The auditions are informal and friendly so please do not hesitate to contact our chef or our secretary if you are interested.

You can learn much more by visiting our website www.cantique87.org May harmony reign!

“Le Jeudi Meta Blues” Organised by the association Nessgig this takes place every 4th Thursday of the month, from 19h30 to 22h at “La Petite Charrue” pub, Le Bournazeau, Château-Chervix (87).

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

Free admission! For more information email nessgig87@ gmail.com or tel 05 55 09 99 34.

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

L'Orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us. We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or MayJuly. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary. Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 / English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52 The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making.

We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave.lee@cegetel.net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr

This cheeky little chap is called Caramel, he is a four-year-old Spaniel cross and has been at the refuge for quite some time now, after being found wandering and never claimed.

He is a very affectionate little guy, who absolutely loves his walks and has so much energy. He gets a bit excited when he first meets you, but soon settles down and walks very well on a lead with a harness.

As with all dogs of his age, he needs plenty of exercise and also an enclosed garden where he can run and play and work off some of his excess energy.

Support

This little dog will prove to be a lovely companion for someone who is patient and kind and has the time to invest in him and complete his education.

A home with older children is preferred and whilst Caramel is a little choosy about his doggie friends, a sensible female companion is just what this bundle of fun needs, to help him realise his potential.

He is micro-chipped, vaccinated, wormed and just can't wait to go to his forever home.

If you think you can offer Caramel a loving home then please contact the SPA de Creuse (Guéret), 21 Le Clocher 23000 Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois, tel 05 55 81 99 31 (www.spa-creuse.com) or if you would like to speak to an English-speaking volunteer about Caramel or indeed any of our other lovely dogs at the refuge then please email Faye at faye.jones23600@gmail.com Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at Limoges, Périgueux and the recently opened meeting at Civray.

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Finn Care Registered charity Elizabeth Finn Care is able to offer direct financial assistance to British and Irish nationals or residents who live overseas. We ensure that our help does not affect any means-tested payments.

For more information contact: Mary Hughes - Case worker France, Elizabeth Finn Care - tel 04 68 23 43 79 or visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk and www.turn2us.org.uk L’Association France Alzheimer Dordogne Charitable organisation offering English-speaking support and guidance to anyone dealing with the day-to-day difficulties affecting those with dementia, their families and their carers and assistance with how to access the best provisions of care.

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

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

Twinkle and Dapple

born approximately 24th April 2017

Meet the most adorable set of tortoiseshell twins. Twinkle is a loving, affectionate kitten who will meow loudly for cuddles, but if they are not forthcoming she will happily settle down to sleep entwined with the dog.

Dapple is the more adventurous of the two, she likes exploring but is very happy to snuggle with you for cuddles too. Though we would love for them to find a home together, they can be homed separately.

Both girls will be vaccinated, chipped and de-parasited before homing. If you are interested in either one of these beautiful girls please contact their foster carer:

Sophie Nicol Tel: 05 53 73 91 13 Mobile: 07 78 21 13 55 Email: sophie.nicol@yahoo.fr Dept. 24 Bergerac

www.phoenixasso.com

www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017

Les petits jardiniers du Limousin 5th Annual Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables Show plus Vide-Greniers Mairie Saint-Amand-le-Petit 87120

SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2017 Barbecue and Bar Tea, coffee and cakes 12h – 17h The Journées européennes du patrimoine (European Heritage Days) take place this month on 16th and 17th September. This is a popular event throughout France, which sees many state buildings and museums open their doors to visitors.

There is not enough space in these pages to list everything going on so pop down to your local tourist office or visit: http://www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/ to find out what is happening in your area.

Vide-Greniers, Craft Stalls, Plant Sale From 13h Raffle For further information contact: pjlimousin@gmail.com

“OPEN STUDIO” - Alastair Riley’s latest silkscreen prints!

Early in 2017, whilst checking on the rare wallcreeper which spent the winter in Chambon-sur-Voueize, Louise and Alastair met two ladies from the western side of the Creuse.

Conversation revealed that Alastair is an artist only recent to the Creuse who occasionally opens his studio as he did in the UK. To quote one of the ladies, Trish: “Oh, good, we’re always looking for something different to do as the year progresses.”

So, here’s notice that on Friday 15th September and Saturday 16th Alastair’s studio will be open from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm in the village of Praredon, halfway between Ahun and Aubusson on the D7 minor road off the St-Sulpice-les-Champs to Blessac route.

Fresh from a well-received first full exhibition in France at AM’Carta in Aubusson Alastair will nevertheless have new works - he’s making one a week - as well as his popular blank cards, calendars and of course cake for anyone ‘looking for something different to do!’

Last year nearly 50 people attended the Open Studio and he would particularly like to thank Bugle readers for their support and for seeking out the recent Aubusson show too.

For more details and directions email Louise at Louise-barnard@sky.com or call her on 05 55 66 92 85.

www.alastair-riley.com

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

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WHAT’S ON ♦ 27

SEPTEMBER 2017 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Thu 31st Aug to Wed 6th Sep LA ROCHEFOUCAULD Exhibition of photographs by Barry Ainsworth

Exhibition of photographs by Barry Ainsworth at La Halle aux Grains.

The old factory at Saint-Florent, La Rochefoucauld, is scheduled for redevelopment. It is an enormous facility divided mainly into two multi-storied buildings, and is situated in an ancient part of the town along one bank of the River Tardoire. Sadly business declined and eventually the older buildings became deserted. It is the neglected state of these structures that interested me, as I hope is evident from the photographs.

Sun 3rd Sep SAINT-AMAND-LE-PETIT 5th Annual Flowers, Fruit & Vegetables Show Organised by L'Association des Petits Jardiniers du Limousin.

Salle des fêtes, Saint-Amand-le-Petit 87120.

08.30-11.00 - Staging of Produce 11.00-12.00 - Judging 12 noon - Barbecue and Bar Open 13.00-17.00 - Vide-greniers / Craft Stalls / Plant Sale 15.00 - Prize Giving and Raffle Draw OPEN TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING NONMEMBERS For further information contact: pjlimousin@gmail.com Fri 8th to Sun 10th Sep GUÉRET Forêt Follies Popular event, attracting thousands of visitors, which focuses our attention on sustainable development, set in the middle of 2,000 hectares of forest in which a village is created for the occasion. This year the festival celebrates its 10th birthday!

There is entertainment day and night: artisanal crafts & produce, workshops, games, play areas, music, poney and donkey rides, food & drink, etc. Plus...

- The allée Pierre la Grosle will be dedicated to land art with three artists on site transforming the forest using natural materials such as wood, soil, stone and sand - Le petit train Chabrières Forêt Follies will allow visitors to explore the forest by train - Yarn bombing - tree trunks will be covered in knitted graffiti art Forêt de Chabrières on the route de Bourganeuf.

Tickets: €4-€5.

For more information visit: www.foretfollies.com/

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

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

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

Fri 8th to Sun 10th Sep LA SOUTERRAINE Rock'n'Road Stomp: 2nd edition Rockabilly festival organised by Rock'n'Road Addicts taking place over three days at the Centre Culturel Yves Furet.

A packed programme of concerts (rockabilly, swing, rocking blues), DJs, dance demonstrations, and a burlesque show. There will also be a huge car show of pre '65 vehicles plus a variety of stands – clothing, decoration, 50s accessories, vinyl, barber and refreshments.

Fri 8th from 19h (€5), Sat 9th from 11h (€7) & Sun from 11h (€5). 3-day pass: €12.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/roadaddicts Sat 9th to Sun 10th Sep SAINT-JUNIEN Légend'Air en Limousin

Sun 17th Sep CROZON-SUR-VAUVRE Concert of an Accordion Orchestra Concert by “Passion Musique”, a group of young accordion players, in the church of Crozon-sur-Vauvre at 4 pm.

The group “Passion Musique” plays a variety of styles in orchestral accordion-playing, from semi-classical to popular and French folksongs.

With the accompaniment of percussion and wind, the orchestra produces an exciting programme of about 80 minutes for all kinds of music lovers.

The concert takes place as part of the European Heritage Days and is a collaboration between the Association Musique en Verdure and the commune of Crozon-sur-Vauvre.

Entry is free, with a voluntary donation after the concert; a ‘pot d’amitié’ will be offered by the commune.

For more information contact Musique en Verdure, Robert Drabbe on 02 54 30 70 50 or at robatie@hotmail.com Sun 17th Sep GUÉRET Fête bio écologique: Colchique Bio & ecology fair at the lac de Courtille.

10h - 19h.

40 aircraft on display at the Saint-Junien aerodrome for this year's edition of this popular Limousin air show.

Sat 14h-19h; Sun 10h-19h. Free entry both days.

For more information visit: http://legendairenlimousin.blogspot.fr/ Sun 17th Sep ANGOULÊME RUN, JOG OR WALK FOR LIFE

Sat 23rd Sep CAMPSEGRET - DORDOGNE The Autumn Phoenix Book Fair ...will again be held in Campsegret (24140) with over 20,000 English and French fiction and nonfiction books (all sorted by category and in excellent/good condition), 3,000 DVDs/CDs and many lovely greetings cards for Christmas.

So come and stock up on your winter reading/ listening, and presents and cards for the family and friends! The famous Catering Ladies will spoil you with a wonderful offer of home-made savouries and sweets. Come for the day and bring the family with you! Everything's from one euro and up! And who knows, you might meet your next furry friend for life!

All the proceeds from the Book Fair will go to the Phoenix Association to continue their work in saving, caring for and rehoming abandoned, abused and unwanted animals.

The doors will open at 9.30 am (9 am for people with limited mobility) and close at 3 pm. Entrance and parking are free. Donations of books, cakes, DVDs, CDs, unwanted gifts for the brica-brac, unwanted animal items, etc. are very welcome on the day!!

For further information go to www.phoenixasso.com

The Bugle Film Club

Thursday 14th September Raising awareness for Cancer Support France.

"WEAR PINK!!!!!"

FREE entry for all.

2.5km or 5km circular flat route around the lake.

Bring your lunch and join us for a shared picnic after the event.

11 am @ Plan d'eau de Saint-Yrieix, Angoulême.

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

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

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

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

What? Seven Sisters - in English (UK Title: What Happened to Monday?")

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

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2017