The Bugle Dordogne - Sep 2020 by The Bugle

France bans outdoor terrace heaters As part of a bid to cut carbon emissions, the government has announced a ban on terrace heaters from next year >> Page 9

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Tour de France hits the road

>> continued on page 4

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Maracineanu proposed that the Tour could go ahead as planned but without a public. This idea was met with fierce opposition from organisers and an eventual compromise was reached to delay the race and allow spectators under strict health guidelines. It was a nervous moment for the cycling world; if the race did not take place, it would have been the only time the Tour de France had been cancelled during peacetime since its inception in 1903. The only previous cancellations came during the two World Wars. When the race departs from Nice on Saturday 29th August, the number of spectators on each stage will have to be carefully limited. Gatherings of more than 5,000 people are still banned in France and organisers will have to make sure that this limit is not

The problem of too much champagne? - pg 5

Face coverings now compulsory in Bergerac and Périgueux - pg 3

Despite fears it might be cancelled for the first time since World War II, the peloton will now race in a Tour de France that is shaping up to be like no other. Tour de France like no other will finally begin on 29th August, two months after the peloton were initially due to take to the roads. The late August start is not the only change to this year’s race, with notable absences, limitations on team numbers, selfie bans and the end of a controversial custom. Traditionally, the threeweek race takes place in July, with the stage held on 14th July - Bastille Day - holding particular significance for the French riders. When the global pandemic forced a national lockdown, the future of the race was in obvious doubt following the introduction by then Prime Minister Edouard Philippe of a ban on large sports gatherings until “at least September”. Sports Minister Roxana

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s a parent, when summer draws to a close and September creeps into view, one thought dominates all others... la rentrée. For me personally, it is a happily anticipated event as two months with the kids under our feet is usually more than enough! This year, what with “one thing and another”, my little bundles of joy have been an almost constant presence since mid-March, so I ought to be counting down the seconds. In reality, while I can’t wait to have a bit more structure and routine in my life, the usual joy is mixed with a generous spoonful of trepidation. I would normally describe my self as a rationalist and my brain will favour evidence, facts and figures over heart, hunch and emotion. So I know that my children probably face more danger on the drive to school than they do when they get there, but such is the world at the moment that a large part of my brain still worries if going back to school is the right thing to do. It is of course, and I know that. For the current generation of children, the problems that may arise in the future from lost education will be orders

of magnitude more significant than the dangers they face right now from Covid-19. Studies have shown that a tiny number of cases, and even fewer deaths, have occurred amongst children contracting the virus. The rational part of my brain agrees with President Macron, who cautioned this month that, “Zero risk never exists in any society. We must respond to this anxiety without falling into the doctrine of zero risk”. An increasingly vocal, emotional part of my brain, however, wants to lock the door and wait this thing out. If I never let them leave the house, then no harm can come to them, but I know deep down that there is a huge difference between being alive and living. It is such a hard circle to square. On average, 1,000 people tragically die each year in France from accidental drowning - it is the largest accidental cause of death in the under-25s. Do I stop my children from trips to the pool or days out at the seaside? Not in a million years, because these are so often the days you remember and the ones that make a childhood a happy one. My concession is to make sure that I mitigate any risks as much as I can: lifeguarded beaches and

never letting them out of my sight. On our summer holiday this year, I must have spent twenty hours sitting by the pool and only read half a book, as most of the time I was staring over the top of it while they played, thinking they were being given absolute freedom. So I will ignore the emotional part of my brain and my kids will all go back to school on 1st September. They can’t wait and I know that it is best for them, and whatever will be will be. The other headache that comes with la rentrée is the logistics of after-school activities! Annoyingly for me, I don’t have the kind of children that get bored after a few months and ask to stop. My eldest two love everything they currently do and my youngest is now asking to start his own. I cannot see how we can possibly do any more in a week, but I am resigned to the fact that we will probably have to and that ultimately we will find a way. There is quite a famous analogy about a jar being full which goes something along the

lines of: A philosophy professor once stood up before his class with a large, empty jam jar. He filled the jar to the top with large stones and asked his students if the jar was full. The students said that yes, the jar was indeed full. He then added small pebbles to the jar and gave it a bit of a shake so the pebbles could disperse themselves among the larger rocks. Then he asked again, and the students agreed that the jar was still full. The professor then poured sand into the jar to fill up all the remaining empty space. The students agreed that, finally, the jar was now completely full... then he filled it up with water. There are plenty of ways this analogy has been used to demonstrate various philosophical arguments over the years, but I like to think of it as representing available time. As a young man I filled my jar with large stones: going to the pub, watching sport and Playstation...

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no time left in the week. Growing up and taking on responsibilities filled my jar with small pebbles and my young family then provided the sand. At every step, I could not see how I could fit anything else in. With one child, the thought of three was literally incomprehensible. With three, I looked back and realised one-star Dad didn’t know how easy he had it. I have to be honest, the water has been running for a while now and I am expecting my jar to overflow at any moment... I just hope that there is not a fifth element to the analogy that I am not aware of! Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor www.thebugle.eu articles.thebugle.eu facebook.com/The BugleFrance

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SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

A number of Dordogne towns make face masks compulsory in the streets

s the number of cases of coronavirus has steadily risen again across the department, more and more communes have introduced measures making the wearing of face masks compulsory in public. Following a decree by the Prefect of the Dordogne, Frédéric Perissat, twenty communes initially requested powers to enforce the compulsory wearing of face coverings. Many of the subsequent local arrêtés issued cover market days or other one-off events, but the department’s capital, Périgueux, has followed the region’s capital, Bordeaux, by introducing a permanent rule for the city centre. As well as face masks being compulsory for weekly markets every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, Périgueux has also made them obligatory across large areas of its centre, principally the heart of the old city which attracts the most tourists and sightseers and also has the narrowest streets. The constantly changing rules have understandably led to some confusion. “Honestly, I didn’t realise, it’s not displayed very well,” said one visitor to Bergerac market, where face masks must now be worn between 7h and 14h. “I will pop to a pharmacy and buy one.” “I’ve been wearing a mask outside for a month already,” said another shopper. “For me it just makes good sense, and on market day it is even more logical.” While the new rules are enforceable with a fine, local authorities are currently taking a softer approach. “The local police are taking preventative action and no penalties have so far been handed out,” explained Jonathan Prioleaud, mayor of Bergerac who added that most people complied when they were made aware of the new rules. “The only issue we have had so far is with one gentleman who was being particularly recalcitrant.” Although the situation is fluid, at the time of going to print

the communes concerned are Périgueux, Bergerac, Montpon, Issigeac, Eymet, Lalinde, Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, Sarlat, Les Eyzies, Nontron, Thiviers, Brantôme, Excideuil, PiégutPluviers, Villamblard and Peyrignac. Four other communes requested specific one-off powers for cycling events that have already taken place during late August. ■

Macron appears to rule out second lockdown

n a magazine interview, President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that France will not impose a second nationwide lockdown, saying that the country “cannot be put on hold”. Speaking to Paris Match from his presidential holiday home in Brégançon on the French Riviera, Macron insisted: “We can't shut the country down because the collateral damage of lockdown is considerable. Zero risk never exists in any society. We must respond to this anxiety without falling into the doctrine of zero risk.” The interview came after figures released for the week starting 10th August showed the highest number of daily infections since mid-May. Releasing the statistics, the national health body wrote in an accompanying statement: “In French cities, all indicators continue to progress and transmission of the virus is accentuating. This concerns all age groups, particularly young adults.” The new prime minister Jean Castex also warned that rates were “headed in the wrong direction” and when asked about the possibility of another total lockdown, said bluntly: “No one wants to live through that again.” Rather than a second national lockdown, the government appears to favour localised restrictions to curb the spread of the virus in the most affected areas. Local prefectures have been asked to come up with plans for restrictions to impose if it becomes necessary, and authorities in “red zones” are being given extra powers. Speaking to the magazine, the president stressed the need to “let scientists make progress, speed up vaccines, guarantee access to them, give the best health response with the knowledge we have, test, trace, isolate, organise our A&E wards, warn people and make mask-wearing widespread where it’s necessary”. ■

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>> continued from pg 1 breached. Whilst this should be relatively straightforward in rural towns and villages, it could prove difficult for the Grand Départ in Nice and the final stage on the ChampsElysées. “The public will be able to come to the Tour, but there will probably be some form of filtering,” tour boss Christian Prudhomme told French media last month. “This is certainly not the best year to collect autographs!” Teams will also be limited in numbers, with no more than 30 riders and staff, and they will be constantly monitored for symptoms. Tests will be performed on all team members twice a day and if two people in the same team test positive, that team will be removed from the race. Organisers have stayed silent, however, on how many positive cases would result in the race being abandoned. The early racing season was cancelled, but there have been a number of one-day races in France since professional cycling was given the green light to resume on 1st August. While there have been a number of cases of coronavirus within teams since then, they have largely been contained and none appear to have been directly linked to actual races. Another significant difference this year is that riders have not had the usual build-up to what is considered the biggest challenge in professional cycling. By this stage in the season, the top riders will usually have had several months of hard racing

in their legs, but with just a few weeks to prepare competitively, riders are fresh, but undercooked, making the race a hard one to predict. To compound this, the 2020 route is one of the toughest in recent memory. The challenging mountain stages are usually left until the riders have at least a week of largely flat racing in their legs as the teams feel each other out and find form. The start in Nice, however, means the race will head straight to the Alps, with a tough mountain stage on day two and a summit finish on day four. It will be a rude awakening for many and will challenge any riders who do not start the race in peak condition. In disappointing news for British cycling fans, former winners Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas have both been left out of the nine-man Team Ineos. “Chris needs that little bit longer to get to the highest level,” said team boss Dave Brailsford, who explained that the 4-time Tour de France winner would instead target the Vuelta a España, which is now due to take place in October and which Froome has also won twice. “Chris is a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash last year. We want to support him to compete for another Grand Tour title and the Vuelta gives him that little bit more time to continue his progress to the top level.” The postponed Giro d’Italia, the third of the Grand Tours, will also take place in October and Welshman Geraint Thomas

Tour de France rides despite Covid-19

will now focus on this race. “Geraint will target the Giro and take on the opportunity to double up his Tour de France win with another Grand Tour title, with the aim of being the first Welshman to win it,” said Brailsford. Team Ineos - formerly Team Sky - have won the Tour de France every year since 2015 and have taken seven of the past eight Tours. This year they will be led by last year’s winner, 23-year-old Colombian Egan Bernal. In another significant change, organisers have dropped one of the race’s most famous, but also controversial, customs. Instead of two young women accompanying the stage winner onto the podium, this year will feature

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one female and one male host. “Yes, it’s new but we have already been doing it in other races for 20 years like in Liège-BastogneLiège,” said Christian Prudhomme, although he did not confirm whether the tradition of the winning rider receiving a kiss on the cheek from each host would remain. Many argue that Le Tour has been slow to adapt to modern attitudes and during last year’s race a petition containing nearly 38,000 signatures objected to the use of podium girls, with activists protesting “women are not objects nor rewards”. Formula One “grid girls” had been ever-present at the start of Grand Prix races since the sport’s inception, but organisers put an end to their use back in 2018. ■

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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 5

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Record champagne harvest raises tensions

credit: musement.com

his summer has been an exceptional one in the Champagne region. The weather has been almost perfect for growing grapes: long periods of hot sun with large downpours of rain at just the right time. The vines are heavy with fruit and producers are expecting an outstanding harvest, slightly ahead of schedule. Perhaps unexpectedly, however, this has created a huge headache for the industry. While the weather conditions have been perfect, market conditions are the worst they have been in living memory. Since the global pandemic began, weddings have been cancelled, celebrations have been put on hold and it is fair to say that people have not been in the mood to party. This plummet in demand has led to a decline in sales of 100 million bottles and a surplus of more than a billion bottles of fizz gathering dust in the cellars around Reims and Epernay. It has also ignited age-old tensions between the small producers and the main champagne houses. Every year, negotiations take place between farmers and producers over how many grapes will be harvested per hectare. It is a delicate balancing act: growers understandably want to sell the maximum number of grapes, but producers want to carefully manage production volumes to limit the risks from poor harvests and drastic price swings that could put many players out of business. With three years

worth of sales already bottled and waiting in the cellars, the unusually high yield could not have come at a worse time for both sides. “Covid has left everything reeling,” says Bernard Beaulieu, a champagne producer and former head of the CGT Champagne winegrowers union. “The fall in sales is staring us in the face. It's hastened a crisis that, if you ask me, has been a long time coming.” Uniquely in French wine, the Champagne region follows a “single-yield” rule whereby growers agree to sell only a fixed amount of grapes per hectare. Any surplus is left to rot in the field or is turned into a refrigerated “reserve” for use in case of poor future harvests. The négociants - the 300 or so dealers who buy up grapes for the prestigious

champagne houses such as Bollinger, Krug, Veuve Clicquot and Mumm - want a low yield. They have been arguing for no more than 7,000 kg per hectare - about 200 million bottles - in order to spare themselves the cost of stocking millions more litres of unsold bubbly. With vines expected to produce as much as 16,000 kg per hectare, the union representing the growers refused to go below 8,500 kg, which they say is the minimum amount that would allow the growers to stay financially afloat. Farmers are less worried about unsold stocks and insist the current exceptional conditions are too good to miss. With the price per kilogram likely to be around €6.50, the stakes are high. “The problem certainly predates Covid-19. Young people

are drinking less and less wine and there is growing competition from Prosecco and other sparklers” said Bernard Beaulieu. “But the other crisis is the growing imbalance between the big houses and the small producers. By offering high prices, the houses have lured more and more vignerons into selling them all their grapes. As a result there are fewer independent producers, and at tense times like this it is the rule of the big houses and their financial backers that prevails.” Negotiations are usually done and dusted by the early summer, but in this exceptional year and with the harvest just days away, an agreement had still not been made by mid-August, leading to pessimism from many growers. “Far from finding an arrangement that pleases everyone, it

looks like they'll settle on one that pleases nobody,” said Yves Couvreur, one of the independent producers who was downbeat about the prospect of the crisis resolving itself anytime soon. In the end and with the clock ticking, the two sides finally agreed on a figure of 8,000 kg per hectare, equating to around 230 million bottles of champagne and one third down on the average rendement of 12,000 kg. While the arguments continue, those within the industry are maintaining a sense of historical perspective. Champagne has been going strong for 300 years, surviving revolutions, wars and depressions and it will surely not be too long before the world once again has something to celebrate and a reason to get one billion corks popping. ■

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Oil-fired boilers to be banned

Quarantine flight lands seconds too late

A credit: moroil.ie

he government has announced a ban on the installation of oil-fired boilers from 2022. It is estimated that as many as four million households, many of them in rural parts of the country, are currently heated using fuel burners. The move is one of the recommendations of a “citizens committee” put together by the government to look at green initiatives. The committee has also proposed a ban on terrace heaters (see page 4). The new rules look certain to fall short of an outright ban on existing oil-fired boilers, which will come as a relief to the many businesses across the country that make their money selling heating fuel. It is also hoped that the development of more widely available bio-fuels could further extend the lifetime of boilers in rural areas, where gaz de ville (mains gas) is rarely available and for households where alternatives such as geothermal heating systems are too expensive. According to sources, “new installations of oil-fired boilers which burn 100% fossil fuel will no longer be permitted”, opening the door for such bio-fuel options. For several years, the industry has been working on a type of heating fuel which incorporates

one-third colza oil, a renewable fuel, which could lead to a generation of bio-fuel boilers. Existing oil-fired systems could also be converted by having their boiler unit upgraded, but the government appears not to favour this approach. “We are not focussed as much on the type of equipment as the CO2 emissions,” explained a spokesperson for the housing minister, emphasising that the move would not specifically target oil-fired burners. “The industry tells us that they are capable of creating a

fuel that meets these energy requirements, but we are yet to be convinced. Nothing currently exists, and we consider the possibility of this option to be marginal.” The government has indicated that grants will be made available to encourage households to upgrade their heating system to a more efficient one. This could cover as much as 80% of the cost of a new boiler for the least well-off households. Details should become clearer in the coming months. ■

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s the number of coronavirus cases steadily increased during the month of August, several European countries placed France on quarantine lists, requiring travellers to isolate on arrival. One such country was Norway, which placed France on its “red list”, introducing a 10-day quarantine period for anyone arriving from France from midnight, Friday 7th August. As has become a familiar sight on news channels in recent weeks, people hurriedly boarded planes to avoid having to isolate and this was the case for the 158 passengers on Scandinavian Airlines flight SK470 from Nice to Oslo. With quarantine rules due to come into effect at midnight, the plane was initially scheduled to land at ten minutes past, but there was hope the pilot could make up the ten minutes required during the flight. When the wheels hit the tarmac and the pilot announced that the plane had landed at exactly midnight, the cabin erupted into cheers. The joy would be short-lived, however: according to the Norwegian rules quarantine came into effect at midnight inclusive, i.e. from 00:00. The flight had landed a few seconds too late! Although there was initial confusion, Elisabeth Johansen of the Norway Ministry of Health later confirmed: “The change to the red zone was from midnight inclusive, so whether they landed at exactly midnight or one minute after, they must still quarantine.” ■

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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 7

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Lalinde, short walk to the shops. House on two floors semi-detached at the garage. Mains drainage, oil-fired central heating redone last year, PVC front and back entrance door. DPE: D

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8 ♦ FRENCH NEWS

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Cold call laws toughened... again Nestlé accused

over dead fish

credit: iStock (londoneye)

he French government has further strengthened the laws surrounding cold calls and introduced tougher sanctions for those businesses that continue to flout regulations. Since it was first introduced in 2016, the Bloctel system has had limited success in stopping the vast number of unsolicited cold calls that make many people's lives miserable. Bloctel replaced a largely ineffective voluntary scheme that had previously been in place and was to be enforced by law, with a maximum fine of €15,000 for companies that flouted the rules. “I can guarantee you that this will definitely work,” said the Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, Martine Pinville, at the time. In reality, unscrupulous call centres found loopholes, moved their operations abroad or simply ignored the law, with very few fines being handed out in recent years. The latest efforts to clamp down on the cold callers will see maximum fines increased to €375,000 and also aim to remove many of the exceptions that have plagued Bloctel. Previously, businesses could contact any clients that they had already dealt with in the past, but from now on they can only contact

clients with whom they have a current and ongoing agreement. Also targeted is the energy-saving home improvement sector which has attracted a number of unscrupulous businesses following the introduction of significant government grants for home insulation projects. The most common is the €1 loft insulation scheme, but many companies have been hard-selling the contracts and cutting corners on the work to increase their own profits. All cold calls for energy-saving projects are now banned. The move has been welcomed by many within the construction industry who had been campaigning for tougher rules to drive out the bad apples.

Whilst hailed as a step in the right direction, consumer groups have also expressed concern that the service remains opt-out and fear that lawyers will simply find new loopholes to exploit. “Why do we have to opt in for texts and email messages, but we need to opt out from far more intrusive phone calls? Why must we actively sign up to Bloctel, when no calls should be the norm?” asks Cédric Musso from consumer protection group UFC-Que Choisir. “And if Bloctel is to be more restrictive, then the DGCCRF [France's consumer protection agency] needs extra staff to be able to enforce it more rigourously.” To find out more about Bloctel, visit www.bloctel.gouv.fr ■

everal tonnes of dead fish have been pulled out of a river in north-eastern France, leading the head of a French fishing federation to lodge a complaint against global food conglomerate Nestlé. The fish, which died due to low oxygen levels in the water, were discovered in the Aisne river, close to a Nestlé factory. Volunteers, firefighters and fishermen spent three days clearing the remains of the fish from the river. “We have lodged a complaint against Nestlé France for pollution and violation of article 432.2 of the environmental code,” confirmed Michel Adam, president of the Ardennes Fishing Federation. “All the fish in a 7-kilometre stretch of the Aisne have died. We have already recovered three tonnes of dead fish, but there are still some left. Around 14 species have been affected, including protected species such as eels and lamprey. I have been with the federation for 40 years; I have never seen pollution of this magnitude.” “I decided to help with the clean-up as a civic duty. A river has to be protected, as well as its species, for the good of all,” said Régis Piette, a resident of the area since 1991. “The experience was traumatising and difficult to accept. It was so sad to see the Aisne impacted in this way, and I am very angry this could still happen in our times. I have never seen pollution like this in the river. The smell of rotting fish was strong and difficult to bear. The river was carpeted with fish.”

Mystery over horse mutilations

olice investigating a series of attacks on horses across the country have said they fear that an internet challenge may be behind the brutality. In most of the attacks, the murdered animals have had their ears cut off. The latest incident involved a mare that had already died of natural causes in Roanne, near Lyon. The body had been left in a field awaiting professional removal when its owner noticed that the ear, eye and nose had been removed. Isolated attacks on horses were reported in 2014 and 2016 and similar mutilations have been reported in the past in Belgium and Germany, but this year France has seen an unprecedented number of the seemingly unrelated incidents. Local police have linked the current case to “about 15 other mysterious acts of torture and mutilations

of live horses around France these last weeks”, according to AFP. Police posted a “call for vigilance” on social media and said breeders and equestrian centres have been alerted. Shortly before the most recent attack, a horse in the Jura region, also in the east of the country, was stunned before having an eye gouged out and a piece of bone removed. The animal later died. “We invite you to report any suspicious individual or behaviour noted in the vicinity of horse pastures, stud farms, livestock farms or equestrian centres,” said a local police appeal on Facebook. A national police spokesperson said: “We don’t understand the motivation. Is it a satanic rite, insurance fraud, a search for macabre trophies, or an internet challenge? We don’t know. It is very traumatising.” ■

Lego launches Braille bricks

CSF Cycle for Life to go ahead Cancer Support France - Cycle for Life 23 to 26 September 2020

C Leg_Group (Twitter)

anish toymaker Lego has launched a new version of its iconic plastic bricks for the blind and visually impaired. The bricks have the same shape as regular, rectangular Lego blocks, but the studs on top are rearranged to represent the letters of the alphabet in Braille. The company has released the new range of blocks in seven countries worldwide, including France, although it hopes to extend this to other territories from next year. “The bricks are moulded so that the studs on top reflect individual letters and numbers in the Braille alphabet while remaining fully compatible with the Lego system,” a statement from the company said. “With thousands of audio books and computer programs on the market today, fewer young people are learning Braille. Yet, individuals with blindness or impaired vision all over the world rely on Braille to work, study and enjoy their daily lives to the fullest.”

The pollution is believed to have emanated from Nestlé’s plant in Challerange, which produces powdered milk used in its Dolce Gusto line and has an outflow into the river Aisne. Nestlé said in a statement that its Challerange plant usually only discharges clean water into the Aisne, but confirmed that there had been an “occasional and involuntary overflow of biological sludge effluent, without the presence of chemicals” from its wastewater treatment plant. “As soon as we learned of the report on Sunday, we immediately stopped production and put an end to the spill,” factory director Tony do Rio said in a statement. “This spill was a oneoff and lasted less than three hours,” adding that activity at the factory had been stopped for several days. ■

The bricks also feature a printed version of the symbol or letter, which the company hopes will encourage sighted and visually-impaired children to play and learn together on equal terms. The Braille bricks have been adapted for each language and along with France they are now available in Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the UK and the US. ■

ancer charity Cancer Support France (CSF) has confirmed that its ‘Cycle for Life’ event will still take place from 23 to 26 September. The event had been postponed from June due to the Covid-19 crisis. This year’s event sees CSF and its cyclists following La Flow Vélo, a dedicated cycle route crossing from the Atlantic, through the Charente and ending in Angoulême for four days of gentle exercise. Starting on Wednesday lunchtime at Rochefort, with its 17th century maritime arsenal, cyclists will stop at Saint-Savinien and Cognac, ending with a welcome lunch on Saturday at Angoulême, best known for its paper industry and as the capital of cartoons. There are still places available on the

ride. For up-to-date details please see our Cycle for Life Facebook page at www. facebook.com/activityforlife. Anyone who is unable to ride can consider making a donation through http://www.alvarum.com/cancersupportfrance/cycleforlife-2020 And for more information about CSF and what we do have a look at our website here: www.cancersupportfrance.org

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FRENCH NEWS ♦ 9

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

France bans outdoor terrace heaters

rance is famous worldwide for its cafe culture, but you may need to take a coat and scarf if you want to enjoy an evening aperitif on the terrace following a government announcement of a ban on patio heaters. In a statement, Ecology Minister Barbara Pompili said outside heating and air conditioning was an “ecological aberration”, although she did confirm the ban would not come into force until after the winter to lessen the impact on restaurants that have already been hit hard by Covid-19. Restaurateurs began relying more on heated terraces when the country extended its indoor smoking ban to restaurants and bars in 2008, but the trend an-

gered environmental activists, who railed against the wasteful use of electricity and natural gas. As part of the changes, the minister also announced that air-conditioned shops would be banned from leaving their doors open, telling journalists that it was wrong for shops to “aircondition the streets” in summer simply to spare customers from having to open the door. “Neither should terraces be heated in winter so people can feel warm as they drink coffee.” Studies have shown that four gas-powered outdoor heaters running at full power for eight hours will produce the same amount of carbon as the average car travelling for a distance of 350 km. Although a number of cities

have taken unilateral steps to ban outside heaters in recent years, they remain a common sight across the country and it is estimated that as many as 75% of restaurants and cafes in the Paris area have a heated terrace. The recommendation to ban outside heaters was one of several made by a “citizens committee” put together by the government. In the wake of last year's gilets jaunes protests, President Macron announced the creation of a Citizens' Convention on Climate, made up of 150 randomly picked members of the public. The terrace heater ban is one of the first changes to come from the committee along with a ban on oil-fired boilers (see page 5). ■

here was anger across France recently when one of the country's most important memorials to World War II was defaced with what appeared to be anti-Semitic and Holocaust-denying graffiti. The wall of the memorial centre at Oradour-sur-Glane, scene of the country's worst war-time civilian massacre, bears the inscription “village martyr”, but vandals used spray paint to write “menteur” - liar - along with other anti-Semitic messages. Other graffiti - which has all since been covered over - claimed, “Reynouard is right”. In 2004, former maths professor Vincent Reynouard was convicted by a French court under the 1990 Gayssot Act for distributing a pamphlet and video that questioned the reality of the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre. He was sentenced to two rears in prison. The Gayssot Act makes it an offence in France to question the existence or size of crimes against humanity. There was universal outrage to the vandalism, which President Emmanuel Macron condemned as “unspeakable”. Prime Minister Jean Castex spoke of his “anger” when he heard of the incident, adding: “To soil this place is also to soil the memory of our martyrs.” Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described the vandalism as “spitting on the memory of our martyrs”. “Shame on those who did this,” Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti tweeted. “All will be done to find and judge those who committed these sacrilegious acts.” While revisionist conspiracy theories surrounding the facts of the Oradour massacre have circulated online for years, local authorities confirmed that nothing like the recent vandalism has happened before. “There have always been attempts to rewrite history, but we have never seen anything like these revisionist tags,” said local mayor Philippe Lacroix. “This time, it feels like things have been cranked up a notch,” lamented the memorial centre's president. “What shocks me is that people forget that women and chil-

@olivierbianchi1 (Twitter)

Outrage after Oradour-sur-Glane memorial centre vandalised

dren disappeared here in an atrocious way,” said Robert Hébras, 95 years old and the last remaining survivor of the massacre. “At Oradour, we recognise what happened, how people were brutally executed. My fear is that we will talk about Oradour again now for 48 hours, then we will stop and then we will forget.” In the days after the Normandy landings, a local Nazi commander was informed that resistance fighters in Oradour-sur-Vayres were holding a German officer hostage. On 10th June 1944, a German battalion sealed off the town of Oradour-sur-Glane - having confused it with their intended target of nearby Oradour-sur-Vayres - and ordered all the townspeople and passers-by to assemble in the village square, ostensibly to have their identity papers examined. The men were then taken to a barn where a machine gun nest awaited. The women and children were led to the church, which was set alight. In a few short hours, 642 of the town’s inhabitants were dead, 207 of whom were children, with only a handful managing to escape. The town was subsequently sealed off by thenpresident Charles de Gaulle and preserved in ruins as a memorial; it has remained a centre of remembrance ever since. The modern day town was built later, a few hundred metres away. The massacre was the largest atrocity committed against civilians in France by Nazi forces and became a powerful symbol of the war. ■

Marseille latest city to ban smoking on the beach Marseille has become the latest city in France to ban smoking on its beaches following a successful trial in 2019. Smoking will not be permitted on Borély, Bonneveine, Pointe-Rouge and Prophète beaches until October 31st. France's second city joins La Rochelle, which banned cigarettes from its beaches last year. Marseille's deputy mayor Benoît Payan said that as well as the health problems of passive smoking, especially for children, cigarettes were a pollution hazard, tweeting that: “Just one cigarette can pollute 500 litres of water.” Elsewhere, Paris and Strasbourg have also recently introduced bans on smoking in some parks. ■

Belvès cheese and wine bar a success

heese and wine bar Planches et Plonk is celebrating its first month in popular Belvès, Dordogne. British owners Graham Welch and Damon Biddlecombe opened the bar on the village’s pedestrianised high street on 30 July. The bar has proved extremely popular with the British and French locals. With two chambres d’hôtes above, it has also been a welcome stopover for tourists visiting the area.

Its wine list comprises more than 35 wines – all available by the glass or bottle – plus beers, spirits and soft drinks. Platters, or planches, of cheeses and charcuterie are the house speciality and they come in varying sizes, for one, two or four people. Classes in how to taste wine like a professional are also available. The first class, priced at just 22 euros a head and to be held in September, is already fully booked. Graham will lead the session. He holds the Wine and Spirit Education Trust’s Level 3 qualification with merit and also graduated from the French Wine Scholar programme with honours. “We’ve been delighted by the reaction to the bar from locals and tourists alike,” says Graham. “We’re bringing something slightly different to the village, complementing what’s already here.” Planches et Plonk will remain open throughout the year. Check its website or social media profiles for opening hours. Planches et Plonk 34 rue Jacques Manchotte, 24170 Belvès 06 40 89 93 53 www.planchesetplonk.com facebook.com/planchesetplonk

10 ♦ FRENCH NEWS

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

The paradox behind the Covid-19 numbers

t the start of the global health pandemic, daily briefings delivered by experts - and their accompanying graphs and statistics - became a part of our lives. In March, the public watched as the graphs climbed inexorably higher and then, with lockdown in place, we checked each day as the curve first flattened and then slowly began to fall. As confinement came to an end and people began to move more freely across the country, the decline slowed and the numbers began to once again slowly increase... but curiously, not all the numbers. By late August, the number of daily cases had risen from double-digits and the low hundreds to more than 4,000, but in contrast to the early days of the pandemic, the numbers of hospitalisations and deaths did not follow. Many have suggested that the reason for this anomaly could be an increase in overall testing and therefore the increased reporting of asymptomatic cases, or improved knowledge about the virus and better treatment. According to the experts, however, the actual answer is a lot less complicated “The reason is actually quite simple,” explained epi-

demiologist Pascal Crépey. “The section of the population currently being exposed to the virus is predominantly young people.” The country's health minister Olivier Véran appeared to confirm this theory when he was interviewed on France 2. “Those French being diagnosed today are the young, principally in the 20-40 age bracket,” the minister explained. “Older people are continuing to protect themselves.” It has long been established that Covid-19 affects young people far less severely than the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions, which has encouraged many in the younger generation to get on with their lives. Bars and nightclubs have once again begun to fill up with a demographic that has less fear of catching the virus. Furthermore, as the country has gone back to work, it is predominantly this age group that has returned to the workplace, exposing themselves to potential infection. The numbers also appear to back up the theory. Statistics from the week beginning 3rd August show that the highest rate of infection was among the 15-44 age bracket, with 28.9 cases per 100,000. In the over 75s the rate was

just 9.6. In the same period, the increase in infection rate among 25-29-yearolds compared to the previous week was 55%, and 52% for 30-34-year-olds; this compared to a national average of 42%. Although the younger generation are less at risk and pose a far lower threat to the country's healthcare system, experts are warning that any increase in infection rates in the general population will eventually impact the most vulnerable.

School trips to the vineyard

Comeback for sleeper trains

credit: touraineloirevalley.mobi

or most people, school trips will bring back memories of the zoo, dusty museums and terrible packed lunches. One thing you will probably not remember is a trip to a vineyard to learn to distinguish your floral notes from your citrus overtones. In a country where wine is so much more than just a drink, however, this is exactly what a new generation of students are doing as part of their studies. The Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux opened its doors for free to under-18s this summer and a number of vineyards are encouraging children to learn about viticulture and the history of winemaking on school outings. One such place is Château Canet, a stately 19thcentury domaine with 111 acres of vineyards in the southern Occitanie region. Believing that the vineyard would make a perfect real-world classroom, owner Floris Lemstra now regularly invites groups of

primary schoolchildren to learn all about grape varieties, harvesting and bottling as well as to poke around the vines and investigate the cellars. “Teaching them about wine and alcohol is a little abstract at eight years old. However, we believe that demystifying wine and its consumption is important,” Lemstra told Wine Spectator. “Explaining at an eight-year-old level that wine can be pleasant, but is also an alcoholic beverage with its drawbacks is, in our opinion, an important message.” Those children who have so far been on these trips are, understandably, more likely to live in wine-producing regions and have family or relatives who work in the industry. “Children are the future, and wine is a huge part of our - and their - culture, economy and daily life,” explained Lemstra. “It is always a joy to see the curious looks on their faces when they discover something that has always surrounded them, but they didn’t re-

ally know much about.” At the Cité du Vin the lessons are not limited to theory and children can also learn to identify tastes and smells, although it must be stressed this does not involve actual wine. “To host a tasting soirée for children, you need soft drinks, sugar, salt and water to make both adults and kids understand how all senses take part,” explained a representative of the museum, where exhibitions and workshops teach kids to identify aromas, colours and tastes like sweetness, acidity and bitterness. “It’s both fun and educational.” “Some people may think the Cité du Vin is not a place for children because of its theme,” said Solène Jaboulet, director of marketing and communications. “However, once they’ve visited, they realise it is as well suited for kids as any other museum. It's a place where everybody, whatever their age or cultural background can enjoy discovering an important part of our history and heritage.” ■

“We can not hermetically seal off a whole section of society,” warned Pascal Crépey. “It is logical that those who know they are most at risk take more precautions and you are far less likely to see them in a bar or a nightclub. But they remain at risk of infection within the family. This may take longer, but if there is a general resurgence in cases which are not controlled then, irrespective of which demographic is most affected, the virus will spread.” ■

The growth of high-speed trains combined with the advent of lowcost airlines has seen night trains all but disappear from France in recent years. Historic routes were cut and what was once an intricate network of night trains across Europe was reduced to just a handful of services. The recent coronavirus pandemic has seen entire fleets of planes grounded. This, combined with an increased awareness among passengers and governments of the carbon footprint of travel, could soon lead to an unexpected renaissance of couchettes and wagons-lits. Austria and Sweden are among several countries pressing for a return to night train travel and President Macron announced in July that the government would “redevelop” night trains as part of a campaign to reduce emissions. According to the Secretary of State for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, the government plans to restart overnight connections between Paris and the Mediterranean city of Nice, as well as with Tarbes in the Pyrenees, by 2022. “I think there is a real demand,” said Christophe Fanichet, the chief executive of SNCF's passenger arm SNCF Voyageurs. “There is a young population that is paying attention to carbon emissions and is prepared to take a little more time to travel. I think there is a real demand.” Sweden, which is the home of the concept of flygskam - flight shame - has been leading the way in promoting night trains. The government is planning to invest €39 million to relaunch daily connections between Stockholm and Hamburg, Malmo and Brussels by summer 2022. ■

Speed change reduces pollution A trial in the southern city of Toulouse has shown that a small reduction in the speed limit can have a huge impact on local air pollution levels. Speeds on a section of the A6 motorway, which passes close to the city, were reduced from 130 km/h to 110 km/h and resulted in around half of the nearby residents no longer living in a red zone for air quiality. The research saw scientists take air samples from 300-metre sections of the motorway along a 7 km stretch between Saint-Jory and Toulouse. They checked levels of nitrogen dioxide, benzene and fine particulates, the main sources of traffic pollution. It reported “there was a significant positive impact in nitrogen dioxide during the period of 110 km/h”, resulting in a 9.8% drop. There was only a marginal fall in fine particles and benzene levels. Researchers found the changes not only cut road speeds and pollution but also saved drivers money by reducing fuel consumption by 9%, resulting in 4,020 fewer tonnes of CO2 being put into the atmosphere. While the reduction in the speed limit has been shown to reduce local pollution levels, it is unlikely to be rolled out nationwide. The lowering of the national speed limit to 80 km/h was the catalyst behind huge civil unrest in 2019 and the government has already rejected lowering the speeds on all motorways to 110 km/h. ■

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PRACTICAL ♦ 11

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Radon gas - what are the health risks?

hen we talk about radiation, many people think of nuclear power plants. But the share of radiation we receive from the nuclear industry is very small when compared to the contribution from the inhalation of naturally present radioactive substances in our environment. And the one responsible for the majority share is radon. Radon is a radioactive, colourless and odourless gas that poses a risk of lung cancer to humans. It is formed through the natural decay of uranium in the subsoil and is present in all homes in France as well as parts of the UK. Radon released from the soil into the open air will spread over an enormous area and thus the outdoor radon concentrations are extremely low, negligible and do not form a health risk. Indoors, however, the radon gas gets trapped and can result in dangerous concentrations. In France there are large regional differences in the concentration of radon found in homes and this is mainly due to different soil types. Two effects are important: how much uranium is present in the subsoil, and how easily the radon gas can escape. High concentrations of radon gas can be found in homes in several departments of Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Corrèze, Haute-Vienne and Creuse) as well as neighbouring departments. Elsewhere in France Burgundy, Brittany and Corsica are also affected. (See map right) People who have recently bought or sold a property are perhaps familiar with the radon risk zone that is indicated in the Dossier de diagnostic technique (DDT). This is a new obligation that has been in force since July 2018. If you are not sure in what zone your property is located, then a map is avail-

able from the French radioprotection institute (IRSN). A Google search for “connaître le potentiel radon dans ma commune” should reveal an online map where you can enter your commune and find the associated zone: Zone 1 for a weak risk, Zone 2 for a moderate risk and Zone 3 for a significant risk. As you can see the risk class is assigned to the entire commune and says nothing about an individual house. It is highly likely that you have a property in zone 3 but this does not necessarily pose a problem. Equally, having a property in zone 2 does not exclude all risk. All public buildings and workplaces in France in areas with high concentrations (zone 3) of radon gas are mandatorily screened. For private properties, however, there is no legislation, other than the indication of the zones in the DDT report, although the French authorities highly recommend you check your house.

depts in most affected areas

Health risks of radon gas The air we breathe can contain radon gas, so this gas will get into our lungs. That in itself is not harmful, because we exhale the radon seconds later. But radon is an unstable element and decays quickly into other products which are not gases but solids. These products attach themselves to dust particles in the air that are inhaled and often remain behind in the lungs. These byproducts will then emit radiation and this is what can cause damage to the cells of the lungs, which in the long term can lead to lung cancer. This is a process similar to a lottery. If someone inhales a little radon then the chance of lung cancer is very small, but as exposure increases, so does the risk.

The effects can be compared to passive smoking. Lung tumour mortality is seen as the most important effect of exposure to radon. Recently, other forms of cancer (leukaemia and mammary tumours) have also been associated with radon. In France around 3,000 deaths a year are attributed to radon. Measuring radon The amount of radioactivity is expressed in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m 3). This is the number of atoms decaying per second. The European Union's recommendation is to set an action level at 300 Bq/m 3. The more the concentration exceeds this value, the more reason there is to do something about it. However, this does not mean that there is no risk below this level, but the lower the concentration, the lower the risk. One problem when measuring the concentrations of radon gas in a home is that these will fluctuate greatly and depend on the season, ventilation and even from room to room. Because of these strong fluctuations, a single instantaneous measurement is only of limited value for the exact determination of the radia-

tion risk from radon gas. In order to be able to make a statement with certainty, measurements should soon be taken in the order of months. If you are a property owner, then this long timeframe is not a problem but if you are a potential buyer of a property you do not have months to make a decision. In that case specialist equipment can be used to screen a house in a couple of hours. The outcome will not be exact but does give a very good indication. Sufficient in any case for a buyer to decide if they want to proceed. But even if high concentrations have been measured, that should not directly be a reason to cancel the purchase of a property. If the radon gas concentrations have been properly measured and radiation detection equipment is used the source of the radon gas can be identified. Several steps, such as mechanical ventilation or blocking cracks and holes can be undertaken to bring levels back down to a healthy level. For more information, or to book a screening, contact: RadONE www.radone.eu 06 34 39 01 75

12 ♦ PRACTICAL

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

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Moving to France tax efficiently Blevins Franks

re you a UK national hoping to secure residence in France before the transition period ends? Or have you recently started your new life here? Either way, it is important to prepare for French taxation and adjust your wealth management accordingly. Generally, once you arrive in France to live here indefinitely, you become tax resident the following day. You are deemed resident for tax purposes if your main home is in France, or it is your principal place of abode (you spend 183 days here a year), or your principal activity or centre of economic interests is in France. Research all the various taxes you will be exposed to in France, then establish where your assets stand in consideration of those taxes and what you can do to improve your tax position. The key taxes you face as a French resident Income taxes - Income tax rates for 2020 income range from 11% for income over €10,064 to 45% for income over €157,807. An additional 3% or 4% tax is levied on income over €250,000 and €500,000 respectively, with higher thresholds for families. Social charges are additionally payable on income, at 9.7% for employment income; 9.1% for pension income and 17.2% for investment income. Retirees with Form S1 escape social charges on pensions and pay a lower 7.5% rate on investment income – however we do not yet know what the situation will be for those who take up residence, or are only eligible for the S1, from January 2021.

Investment income benefits from a special fixed rate of 30%, which includes both income tax and social charges. Wealth tax - This used to apply to the entire wealth of a household, but is now only levied on real estate assets. This annual tax affects households with real estate wealth exceeding €1,300,000. The first €800,000 is tax free, then rates range from 0.5% to 1.5%. Succession tax - French inheritance tax is charged on each beneficiary, with rates and allowances varying considerably according to who the beneficiary is. Inheritances between spouses/PACS partners are tax free (but not gifts) and children have lower rates and higher allowances than more distant relations. You need to be particularly careful where stepchildren are involved as their tax-free allowance is very low and the tax rate is generally 60%. This may seem daunting, but there are usually steps you can take to improve your tax position in France, particularly for investment capital and inheritances, sometimes considerably so. Estate planning In France you need to give estate planning almost as much importance as tax planning. Even if you do not expect to live here forever, life is unpredictable. If you are resident in France when you die, your heirs will be impacted by French succession law and tax. French succession law imposes forced heirship. Your children are ‘protected heirs’ so you cannot leave your entire estate to your spouse. The European ‘Brussels IV’ succession regulations do allow you to opt for the law

of your country of nationality to apply instead of French law (provided you organise this in advance through your will), but take specialist advice first to understand all the pros and cons; it may not be the best option for you. If you have not yet bought property, familiarise yourself with succession law first. There are various ways of owning property in France, which can have succession tax and law implications. Establish which option would best suit your family situation. Pensions

Retirees should also review their pension funds and the options now available to them, such as whether you could benefit from moving your pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme. If you are considering a QROPS, note that the UK could start imposing the 25% ‘overseas transfer charge’ once it sheds its EU obligations at the end of the year. Alternatively, you could potentially take your UK pension fund as a lump sum and possibly pay just 7.5% tax in France under certain circumstances (plus 9.1% social charges unless you escape them as noted above). You could then re-invest the capital into tax-efficient arrangements. With something as important as your pension, it is vital to take regulated professional advice tailored for your situation.

sets. There are arrangements available in France that can prove very advantageous tax-wise, for yourself and your heirs. They can also provide succession planning benefits. While preparing for French taxation is a major part of relocating here, to create a successful wealth management strategy look at the whole picture, including estate planning, pensions, savings and investments, etc. The way you hold investments, for example, can make a big difference to how they are taxed and how easily they can be passed to your heirs. Planning a tax-efficient move to France involves both French and UK taxation, so talk to a specialist crossborder adviser who is familiar with the interaction between both regimes and regularly advises on effective planning strategies. ■

Overall planning

All advice received from any Blevins Franks firm is personalised and provided in writing. This document, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation and/or investment advice. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page:

Your UK tax-efficient vehicles may not be tax-efficient in France, so review your tax planning and how you hold as-

www.blevinsfranks.com Tel: 05 53 63 49 19 Email: bergerac@blevinsfranks.com

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Facebook & Instagram: Acorn Cat Rescue Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: 19, route de Champagnac 17500 MEUX SIRET: 514 989 748 00025 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Monthly circulation: 12,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège: 19, route de Champagnac 17500 MEUX SIRET: 514 989 748 00025 Imprimé par: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac Tirage mensuel: 12,000 copies Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite. Dépôt légal à parution.

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FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Mini Digger

with Driver for Hire

Landscaping, Ditching, Land Clearance etc. Hedge Removal and Stone Wall Construction John Bonella

87440 Marval

05 55 53 03 56

siret no. 523 183 580 00019

john.bonella@gmail.com

Professional retired pianist seeks employment with professional instrumentalists in the Périgord Vert region. Please respond to katy.bs@hotmail.com

The wines of Bergerac - Value for money

Jill Wellington (Pixabay)

by Martin Walker

he summer comes to an end, delivering just enough late rain to promise a decent harvest after the heatwaves, and many of my friends among the winemakers started picking their grapes for white and rosé wines in the last ten days of August. The house has been filled with friends and family over the last couple of months, broken by a last-minute rush to get back to Britain after the new self-isolation rule was imposed. One of the pleasures of these visitors is to introduce them to the happy realisation that here in the Périgord, our Bergerac wines offer a remarkable price-quality ratio. I firmly believe that in terms of euros per bottle we drink better wine here at more affordable prices than anywhere else in France. So I have learned to set up a kind of welcome package of wines to greet guests and get them started on the Bergerac trail. I always begin with a bottle of Brut from Château Lestevenie, a lovely and cheerful fizz that is less sweet than Prosecco (and goes very well with crème de cassis in a Kir), excellent value at 9 euros a bottle. Then for white wine we start with Bergerac Sec from Château des Eyssards (a snip at 5 euros) and then a Natura organic white wine from Château de la Jaubertie, usually at around 6 euros depending where you buy it. For the rosé wines, which we have been exploring this summer, we are

spoiled for choice. Again, Lestevenie is in the running with a juicy, slightly darker rosé at 5 euros, and at Domaine du Siorac the highly drinkable rosé is even cheaper at 4.90 euros, with the 12th bottle free if you buy a case. (Which we did, and it went very quickly.) Then I have become very fond of a wine that is new to me, even though the Colin-Madrigal vineyard has been in the same family for nearly 150 years. Their rosé is slightly more expensive at 7.20 euros a bottle but a subtle, interesting wine that intrigued a guest who really knows her wine. She also raved over the rosé from Château Briand, saying the quality was unbelievable at 6.90 euros a bottle. Made of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, it is one of the few rosé wines that can be served throughout a meal, with the body to stand up to barbecues and even to cheese. Of course, in these days when the guest house and swimming pool are full, people don’t want to drink only at meal times. So we put into the fridge a 10-litre box of the cheerfully drinkable white wine from Domaine de Grange Neuve for a very cheap 25 euros, either in the markets or at our local Maison des Producteurs. I am not so fond of their red wine in a box. Vignerons de Sigoulès, the wine cooperative, also does a very good 10-litre box of rosé for a bargain 22.80 euros. For red wines this summer, I have

had great pleasure in offering guests some wines that are quite new to me, starting with a very good ColinMadrigal, the cuvée Tradition 2015, at 8.40 euros a bottle. Then I came across Clos le Joncal, whose standard red at 7 euros a bottle is very good and their Terra Caucina cuvée (without sulfites) is excellent at 8 euros. The original winemaker was a fighter pilot, so the top wines of the vineyard (now run by his widow) are named for French fighters. The Alpha du Joncal at 15 euros is a very serious wine indeed and so is the 16 euro Mirage red. My standby red wines for dinner are usually the wines that are a step up from the standard red, without being the top-of-brand that vineyards now like to make. So we have been drinking a lot of my favourites, starting with cuvée Bonne Chance from Château Lestevenie at 9 euros. Then there is the cuvée L’Odyssée 2017 from Clos du Breil at 9.80 euros, and the Château Bélingard reserve at 10.85 euros. Then we have some special treats. From the Montravel, I am never without cuvée Terrement from Château Puy Servain, which won the gold medal at this year’s Paris exposition, a bargain at 9.20 euros. Their near neighbour, Château Moulin Caresse, offers another favourite, cuvée Cent pour 100, at 13.50 euros. We have yet to find anybody among family or friends, whether they are amateurs or wine professionals, who

does not adore the cuvée Mirabelle from Château de la Jaubertie, rich and luxurious at 15.50 euros a bottle for both the red and the white. Like the delightful cuvée Quercus white at 11 euros from Château La Vieille Bergerie, our cellar is never without a bottle. The glorious 2015 vintage of Pécharmant from Château de Tiregand is now drinking perfectly at 76.80 euros for six bottles (12.80 euros each) when you buy at the vineyard. And for special treats, we are never without some bottles of Château Feely’s cuvée Grâce red, at 16 euros for the 2016 and 2018 vintages, and 20 euros for the 2014, if there is any left. It will transform your views on bio-dynamic and natural wines. It has been a lovely summer of enjoying wines with family and friends, so there are now some big gaps in the cellar. It’s just as well the new vendange is under way in the vineyards. ■ Martin Walker, author of the bestselling ‘Bruno, chief of police’ novels, is a Grand Consul de la Vinée de Bergerac. Formerly a journalist, he spent 25 years as foreign correspondent for The Guardian and then became editor-in-chief of United Press International. He and his wife Julia have had a home in the Périgord since 1999 and one of his great hobbies is visiting the vineyards of Bergerac.

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

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Going nuts for Nutella by Julia Watson

hen my family moved from Soviet Moscow to Washington DC, we were ripe for food experiences of any kind. We had lived for four years off cabbage, potatoes, and meat from the local markets that had been butchered with a chainsaw, so came replete with shards of bone. Sometimes the butchers didn’t show up, so we only had cabbage and potatoes. There was, of course, a wider choice of glorious vegetables and fruits from the then-Soviet Republic of Georgia. But you needed a budget to match. When I told my husband’s editor we needed to renegotiate our food allowance because cauliflowers cost $20 a kilo, he messaged back the single line: “So don’t buy cauliflower.” Cauliflower was the only vegetable available at the time. The girls were 4 and 6 when they hit American supermarkets and the fridges and store cupboards of their school friends’ houses, impressionable ages. One of the first products they encountered and the most immediately seductive - was Nutella. I was persuaded (by the underhand means practised universally by cunning children, of tears, stamping of feet and a refusal to eat) to stock our own supply. I kept it on the upper shelf of a high cabinet for special occasions, and in order not to expose them to their playtime friends as the victims of utter deprivation. One afternoon, I reached up to fetch the full jar to make sandwiches for the next batch of after-school squealers. Lifting it off the shelf, my hand shot up and banged against the roof of the cupboard, a motion not unlike the over-counting of steps down a staircase causing the ankles to crumple on the floor. Confused, I opened the Nutella and found the insides

completely hollowed out, but for a thin and unbroken smear that lined the glass that had convinced me, till I learned otherwise, that the jar was full. No-one could disagree with children that Nutella is an ambrosia of total delight. Melted chocolate praline to spread on bread? What’s not to love. But it’s not one of the best foods to encourage a child to eat. Not only is it very high in sugar, but it’s very high in palm oil, modified to encourage its spreadability and containing a significant quantity of saturated fats. Palm oil is not the most healthy ingredient for children. But it’s also not a healthy ingredient for the environment. For years, it came from plantations whose management had an enormous impact on deforestation. The pesticides their management required released effluents into the soil and water, and endangered the lives of elephants, orangutans, rhinoceros and Sumatran tigers. Following a wide public campaign, the makers of Nutella have now committed to a supply of palm oil from sustainable sources. That’s good news. But it doesn’t affect the amount of sugar employed in the spread’s creation. Nutella’s deliciousness can’t be ignored, however. We’re about to enter hazelnut season, so you can easily make your own spread, without using sugar and certainly no palm oil, sustainable or otherwise. Enough spread for a good-sized jar will only take you half an hour to compose, start to finish. A supply of it is good to have around, not just to keep your children on side, but it makes a delectable icing for a cake. Julia Watson has been a longtime Food Writer for newspapers and magazines in the US and the UK.

Home-made chocolate spread

150g hazelnuts (dried, not milky) 250g chocolate, broken up 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons good-flavoured honey 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 175C. Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over simmering water and stir until smooth. Cool completely. Toast the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they’ve browned a little and their skins blister. Pour them into a kitchen towel and rub enthusiastically to get rid of as much loose skin as possible. If you take them outside, you can blow the skins off. Otherwise, just try to keep the skin bits away from the exposed nuts. Cool the nuts then grind them in a blender or processor to form a paste. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate and blitz again until completely smooth. Then add the melted chocolate and blend again. Pour into sterilized jars. It will thicken as it cools. Then store on the highest shelf you have.

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La Conciergerie

Taking the hassle out of your holiday home

Whether you own a large property or a small lock-up-and-leave, we can take care of every aspect of home maintenance, from preparing the property for your arrival, handling rentals and changeovers through to managing the grounds and arranging any necessary maintenance. With a network of reliable contacts and 24/7 assistance, we are on hand to take the hassle out of running a holiday home.

La Conciergerie, 24600 Villetoureix T: 06 42 67 94 50 - E: laconciergerie24@orange.fr W: laconciergerie-housekeeping.com/ www.facebook.com/La-Conciergerie-983664058478416/

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Activities & Leisure

Building Services Architects/Surveyors

Boris’s School of Art

NEU DplG ARCHITECTURE

Landscapes, still-life & Bob Ross technique.

P r o v i d i n g A L L architectural services

Learn How to Paint in English or French.

Member

Chamber

Architects

M: 06 47 98 50 71 E: guidetoeasypainting@gmail.com W: borishuguenelart.com

V e ry s m all to v ery b i g projects welcome

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

05 53 56 52 27 a@mon.archi 06 42 86 59 12 (www)mon.archi

Pre - pu rc h as e a s s i s ta n c e Feel welcome to ask for a non-binding meeting

Based in Périgord vert 24340 A ll o f F ran c e c over ed

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Auto Services MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

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

+44 (0)7830 170761

motorptscharente@aol.com www.motorpartscharente.com

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

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

FR: 0033 (0)6 52 06 22 79 UK: 0044 (0)7448 466 662

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com Siret: 498 843 051 00018

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

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

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

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POINTING Entreprise Electricité Générale All aspects of electrical works undertaken Departments 36, 23 and 87 UK / French Satellite and TV Aerial installations

06 16 91 64 67

06 04 17 80 93

contact@reactive-resource.com www.reactive-resource.com

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners Darren Piper

Your advert here

Building Services

06 04 17 80 93

Carpentry &

Qualified craftsman with over 20 years experience running his own business in the UK - Specializing in:  Decking (all shapes and designs)  Renovations, alterations & conversions  Kitchens  Bathrooms Roofs Based in Sigoulès and covering Eymet, Bergerac, Duras & surroundings FREE QUOTES

e: darren.piper@hotmail.com

06 89 18 35 89 Siret: 847 651 072 00013

Building Services Electricians CONFORELEC

06 32 91 13 15 see main ad - pg 4

Siren: 808 481 170

Building Services General

ANGLO SCAFFOLDING HIRE UK scaffolding supplied and erected here in France Qualified and fully insured FREE no obligation quotes Call Ian on

06 34 24 64 11 or see

www.lakesidebandb.net

Email: akbrunnstrom@yahoo.co.uk SIRET: 799 067 939 00014

FOR ALL YOUR REPOINTING WORK

Email: repointfr@icloud.com Tel: 04 73 52 14 43

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Harlequin Developments est. 2007

All aspects of renovation and

refurbishment, big or small.

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

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

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

CHARKER DAVID

Specialist in the renovation and restoration of period and contemporary buildings All small works undertaken

Stonework, Traditional renderings in Lime, Doors and Windows, Dry line walls, Zinc work, Electrical wiring and interior finishes Based near Brantôme

E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr

Tel: 05 53 09 42 18 No Siret: 402 444 871 00030

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16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

Is it payback time?

ADVERTORIAL

– Rosemary Sheppard, International Financial Adviser

his month I am literally going to hand over my commentary to one of our Pension Providers, Paul Forman of Novia Global, as he recently wrote an interesting piece that relates to all us expats. “Recent press reports quoting ‘HM Treasury sources’ seem to indicate that the UK will soon have to start repaying the massive Covid-19 financial packages that were originally implemented to prevent mass financial hardship. This is because the UK government is facing the mammoth task of balancing the books now that we start

to emerge from the global pandemic. One of the most mooted policy ideas has been around potential changes to inheritance tax (IHT) legislation. The good news is that this gives advisers an opportunity to prove the value of good quality ongoing advice because the political landscape rarely remains unchanged for long and advisers know from previous changes that they usually have big implications for existing client goals and financial plans. We have not seen any immediate changes to IHT announced by the government as yet, but we will likely get to hear about these if the widely anticipated emergency Budget is announced for the early autumn. One group of clients that could be affected by any changes to IHT are expats. Their plans are more complicated than domestic UK clients due

to complex cross-border aspects adding further considerations to their finances. Many expats believe that they are out of the scope of UK IHT simply by moving abroad but this is not the case for most. That is because UK IHT rules around a taxable estate (the amount in excess of any allowances and reliefs available) are driven by domicile and not necessarily just by residency. In broad terms, these can be summarised as: UK resident & domicile – taxable estate based on worldwide assets; Non-UK resident & UK domicile – taxable estate based on worldwide assets; Non-UK resident & domicile – taxable estate based on chargeable UK assets only. However, as well as supporting a client with an income during retirement, pensions such as a UK SIPP scheme can also be a very tax-

efficient way of passing wealth on death. That is because funds left in a pension can currently be passed on to anyone more tax-efficiently than ever before following the ‘Pension Freedoms’ changes in regulation made back in April 2015. Unlike most other investments, a pension fund is currently free of IHT on death of the pensioner because it is not deemed to be part of their taxable estate. Therefore, keeping some wealth within a pension fund and passing it down to future generations that way can be a very tax-efficient form of estate planning. This is because it combines the IHT free inheritance element with investment returns that are partly tax-free and potentially, for some beneficiaries, withdrawals that are free from income taxes too. On the flip-side any money taken out of a pension becomes part of an individual’s estate and so any large PCLS and/or large flexible drawdown payments taken from a scheme could be

subject to IHT if these coincide with an untimely death. Expats will therefore need to keep in regular contact with their advisers and be ready to react to potential changes in their situation, particularly if the UK government does make the anticipated changes to existing legislation to deal with the economic fallout from the Covid-19 crisis.” If you would like to arrange an independent, professional and impartial consultation, please contact me by email: Rosemary. sheppard@blacktowerfm. com, visit our website www. blacktowerfm.com or call me on 06 38 86 99 70. Blacktower Financial Management has over 32 years’ experience helping expats to make sure that their money works for them. 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.

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 €12.50/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 30,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

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

together.

How it works The principle behind Solarventi is simple: a small, builtin, solar cell powers a 12V fan that is connected to an air vent, a control unit and an on/ off switch. Whenever the sun shines, the air in the solar panel is heated and the fan, receiving power from the solar cell, introduces warm, dry air into your home at the rate of 20 to 100 cubic metres per hour. The initial models were more than capable of keeping the cottages dry (and ventilated), even with the limited sunshine hours available in Denmark during the winter season. Since that time, the technology has really come along in leaps and bounds. Now, more than 20 years later, the 3rd and 4th generation Solarventi have exceed-

ed all expectations. In Southern Europe, Solarventi is not only used for ventilation/dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution? The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is. There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when

the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance - if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■ Units start from €490 TTC.

SOLARVENTI - Available in the Dordogne From Harlequin Developments Mobile: 06 06 60 46 97

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Building Services General Nigel’s Handyman Services Based near Beynac/Sarlat (24)

Garden/General Maintenance, Metal Repairs, Property Maintenance, Small Odd Jobs & General DIY A friendly & experienced service, all enquiries welcome

Tel: 06 02 16 76 37

Email: jillcarney68@aol.co.uk siret 848 588 919 00011

Dan Dan the odd Job Man!

Based near Bergerac General Maintenance - Shelving Woodwork and Carpentry Dry Walling - Small odd Jobs Garden Maintenance

Tel: 06 78 67 02 91 siret: 831 746 193 00018

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06 04 17 80 93 Computers, Internet & Satellites

CCTV

Protect your Home Free Estimates

Stephen Wisedale

WiFi Anglais Slow Internet? 4G is the answer... Call us now!

Wi-Fi networks for homes, gîtes and small businesses. Outdoor Wi-Fi 4G Internet. Windows and MacOS.

06 04 17 80 93

www.wifianglais.com Email: hello@wifianglais.com Tel: 05 53 30 23 96 Mob: 07 78 52 20 46

Garden Services

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06 04 17 80 93 Food & Drink The Dordogne Chippy

Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you

Or Liam: 06 01 10 19 75 Email: LAsurveillancefr@gmail.com

www.thedordognechippy.com 05 53 74 01 91 or 06 19 99 25 62

Contact either Lawrie: +44 7968 984888

Siret: 880 473 525 00017

Massage: Holistic + Hot Stone + Aromatherapy + Sports Clinical Hypnotherapy: + EMDR + NLP Fears, Phobias, Anxiety, Weight Control, Panic Attacks, Habit, Trauma PTSD, Smoking Cessation, Sport / Business Performance, Relaxation. Relax, Recharge, Release Mentally, Physically, Spiritually, Emotionally

Pete or Irene: 07 69 42 17 99 petehypno@gmail.com dordognetherapies.com Based near Verteillac 24320

Siret: 800 525 040 00013

All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm Wednesday: Mauzac, Le Barrage Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Campagnac-lès-Quercy See our website for full details:

---------------------------------

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siret: 444 925 630 00014

SIRET 830 715 785 00010

DMS gardening & cleaning services Now taking on new clients for 2020 for all your cleaning and gardening needs, including changeovers and key holding. Reliable, trustworthy and experienced. Areas 16/87/86/24 covered

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06 42 14 26 56 siret: 827 791 054 00014

Handholding & Language Services FRENCH LESSONS Via Skype

with a native French speaker Why commute? Long distance learning is the answer! C’est simple, call Sophie...

06 61 56 47 17 scarolinea@yahoo.fr

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93

Health & Beauty Cabinet d’Ostéopathie Lederman UK Trained Osteopath

05.53.91.46.67 41 rue du 26 mars 1944, 24600 RIBERAC

Fully bilingual Call for appointments Siren: 504 744 517

FRENCH HEALTHCARE ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Access, guidance & support for the French healthcare system in the Dordogne Have everything explained by

EVELYNE DROUIN

(fully bilingual) Healthcare specialist: Carte Vitale and Mutuelle cover for individuals and businesses Free quote, direct contact Get in touch for more information or a free appointment: email: evelyne.drouin@axa.fr tel : 06 76 46 13 43

Your advert here 06 04 17 80 93 Pools & Spas Limousin Spas

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

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

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ADVERTORIAL

Houses on Internet: A Global Property Network

ouses on Internet – Global Property Services (hereafter referred to as “HOIGPS”) is the internet/marketing company that has helped people sell their French property to buyers worldwide since 2009. Richard Kroon, founder and director of the company: “In spite of Brexit, this year started off extremely well. And then the Covid-19 crisis shut everything down. We decided to keep the international advertising of all properties at the same level. “This seemed to be a good move. Now the lockdowns are more or less behind us, we see a large number of prospective buyers making appointments for viewings, and sales of properties in all price ranges are now higher than usual for this period. “It shows why our worldwide advertising is so important. Our marketing efforts are definitely

paying off and guarantee a worldwide exposure of your property to buyers wherever they live. “Last year HOI-GPS sold properties in the price range from €35,000 to €875,000 to people from 14 different countries such as France, Australia, Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark and South-Africa. “The actual work all starts with the presentation of a property. If that’s not good enough, all other marketing efforts are useless. Our photographers usually take 150 to 200 photos of a house and in addition copy any good (summer) photos our clients may have themselves. “About 50 to 60 of those photos are selected, enhanced and presented on the dedicated website we make for each property in English, French and Dutch.

“The texts don’t just describe the house, garden and outbuildings, but information about shopping, schools, airports and leisure is given too. “When the website for the house is online, we first connect it to our main HOI-GPS websites which attract over 135,000 visitors from 35+ countries each month. Most of these people find us through Google and additional Google advertising. “To reach an even larger audience, a summary of the presentation of the house is also placed on several other leading property websites. These adverts are also connected to the dedicated website of the house, making it all one big global property network. “As the property market has become a global one, a prospective buyer can be on the other side of the world while the owner is in bed sleeping. With our approach, the buyer does not have to wait and can

see the entire property whenever he wants, at the moment he is interested in it.” For more information on HOIGPS or to market your property through them, visit their website. ■

Houses on Internet Global Property Services www.housesoninternet.com

+31 (0)6 41 20 73 69

18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

ADVERTORIAL

Communicology consultancy

Speech, Language, Voice, Stammering Needs (adults & children)

ommunicology Consultancy is a new service offering advice and guidance around speech, language and communication needs in France. Communicology already provides a speech and language web-based service in the UK via Telehealth. The service is run by Ruth who left the NHS after 34 years' service as a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (Lead Clinician) & Service Manager to move to France. She is a UK registered Speech & Language Therapist. Guidance & support is available for English-speaking families who are concerned about a child’s communication development and for adult clients seeking coaching/training for speech, stammering & voice difficulties. Advice can be provided for communication difficulties linked to neurological conditions, following a stroke or those living with Parkinson's disease. Ruth can listen and support families who are

Property Maintenance

concerned about communication development. In Communicology Ruth uses her expertise to create a family-focused, holistic approach for those living with a communication difficulty. Ruth believes in listening first and talking to you and evaluating the situation, analysing your needs and giving guidance. If required bespoke training/ coaching workshops are scheduled giving families online support around speech, language and communication needs. In England Ruth worked extensively with children and families of children and young people with Autism and Complex Special Educational Needs. Stammering and voice is a special interest and Ruth can be contacted for an informal conversation and a listening ear by you or a family member. Individual coaching is available for anyone wishing to increase general confidence in communication. Communication skills include voice, body language and how we express ourselves in confident conversation. It

Can your business fill this space?

sales24@thebugle.eu

06 04 17 80 93

La Conciergerie Taking care of your home all year round providing you with a wintering service, managing your summer rentals or organising a happy holiday for you.

www.laconciergerie-housekeeping.com

24600 Villetoureix laconciergerie24@orange.fr Tel: 06 42 67 94 50

Support

Give us a call or send us an email:

SOS Help

anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up!

siret: 840 556 228 00010 - APE 9609Z

may be about strengthening the singing voice as we get older. Sometimes we want to adapt our style and change the pitch or volume of our voices. At her base on the Indre/Creuse border Ruth offers short courses for confident communication in a relaxed learning environment. With a Masters degree in Professional Training & Development Ruth utilises a short course/ training approach to support and extend confidence in communicating. Specific courses are scheduled for those who stammer and visitors from the UK can combine a workshop with a mini break. Ruth includes Mindfulness and what is known as Positive Therapy in her work and writes on these topics. The stress and anxiety around communication difficulties can be helped by these coping techniques. As Communicology launches the plan is for a regular schedule of monthly visits to Dordogne, Poitou-Charentes and Corrèze/ Haute-Vienne. Home visits are available by

sales24@thebugle.eu

01 46 21 46 46

06 04 17 80 93

www.soshelpline.org

3 - 11pm daily Confidential & Non-profit

bookstop English second-hand books Tea room Art exhibitions

09 51 45 57 49

bookstop24@gmail.com facebook.com/bookstop24 19 rue Victor Hugo, 24310 Brantôme

Psychologist (MBPsS) looking for part-time work giving affordable care and respite to dementia sufferers in their own home / environment. Native English speaker. Please contact Catriona:

catcool61@aol.com Périgord Noir, will travel up to 45 mins from 24170. siret: 841 001 456 00018

Email: communicology@mail.com Call: 06 66 46 32 43 or visit www.communicology.co.uk www.speechtherapyconsultancy.com (UK service)

Smart Moves For a fully insured, careful service

FORTNIGHTLY SERVICES TO FRANCE FULL OR PART LOADS WELCOME WE COLLECT FROM ALL AREAS OF THE UK AND DELIVER TO ALL AREAS OF FRANCE Find us on Facebook: @smartmovesukfrance Please CALL or EMAIL Stephen

sales24@thebugle.eu

smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk

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Transport, Removals & Storage

+44 (0)7966 287 430

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arrangement, combined with online meetings and telephone contacts. Visits in Creuse and South Indre are available most weeks. Contact Ruth for an informal conversation about communication skills at no cost. ■

06 04 17 80 93 Local and European Removals France to France, Spain, Portugal, Italy etc We Offer: Removals, Storage, House Clearance, also Car, Caravan, Plant Transport. French Registered Business. Local Friendly Service.

+33 (0)6 73 96 38 39

www.dordognestoragesolutions.com

Man & Van Transport

Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local + Europe + UK runs House/Barn clearances! 15m3 capacity 4m load length English & French Spoken

09 82 12 69 73 06 06 40 81 07 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu Siret 530 213 644 00012

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

Franklins Removals

sales24@thebugle.eu

Contact Stephen or Ben: 0044 121 353 7263 sales@franklinsremovals.co.uk www.franklinsremovals.co.uk

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

A family business offering a quality, professional service since 1985

06 04 17 80 93

Get in touch today to find out how we can put your business in front of

Buying or Selling French Property? Legal advice from English-speaking lawyers Also the #1 portal for property auctions

www.frenchpropertylawyer.fr

05 55 82 18 99

30,000 readers each month

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SEPTEMBER 2020 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

WHAT’S ON ♦ 19

Worship services in English held throughout the Dordogne: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Eymet Temple, Limeuil, Négrondes, Sainte Nathalène (near Sarlat). All are welcome!! Please visit our website for more information: www.churchinaquitaine.org Find us on Facebook: English Church Aquitaine

Do you have an event for The Bugle? 06 04 17 80 93 - sales24@thebugle.eu

Discover our award-winning Cognac and Pineau des Charentes Guided tours in English, in the heart of the Cognac region CLASSIC TOUR

PRIVATE TOUR

Enjoy a guided visit of our family domaine and discover the essentials of Cognac and Pineau des Charentes production. Tasting of 2 Cognacs and 2 Pineau des Charentes. Monday to Friday. Duration 1 hour. Price: €10 per person.

A privileged, multi-sensory discovery of the history and craft of our Domaine. A private and guided tour which also includes the distillery, ageing cellars and vineyards. Tasting of 3 Cognacs and 4 Pineau des Charentes accompanied by gourmet canapés. Ideal for families and groups. Monday to Sunday. Duration 2 hours. Price: €20 per person.

* by appointment only - free for under-14’s

20 ♦ WHAT’S ON

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ SEPTEMBER 2020

The Journées européennes du patrimoine (European Heritage Days) take place this month on 19th and 20th 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 www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/ to find out what is happening in your area.

DON’T MISS THE GREAT PHOENIX BOOK FAIR SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2020

Music in the Dordogne sponsored by ARCADES Join us for concerts in the air conditioned new hall in Le Buisson, mostly of classical music, with top class French,

English, Russian and other international performers. Concert tickets cost €15 including wine in the interval. All events are organised by volunteers and serve as a meeting ground for the French and international communities of the Dordogne, including ACIP and La Tulipe.

Venue - Le Buisson de Cadouin, salle des fêtes, avenue Aquitaine

For more info, tel 06 31 61 81 68 or 05 53 23 86 22 or visit http://www.arcadesinfo.com/

The next Great Phoenix Book Fair is due to take place on Saturday 3rd October at the salle des fêtes, Campsegret (24140) on the N21 just north of Bergerac.

Sunday 20th September at 5 pm

The Fair will be organised slightly differently to take account of the current health regulations and guidelines, but every effort will be made to make the Book Fair safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Violin and Piano Recital by Eléonore Darmon and Antoine de Grolée

You will find over 20,000 used books in excellent condition – fiction, non-fiction, children’s, French, Dutch, antiquarian, collectibles, cookery, history and many more. You’ll also find DVDs, CDs and vinyls, jigsaws, children’s games, bric-a-brac, plants and cards. Prices start at just one euro! The Phoenix Catering Team will be serving a selection of their usual, delicious home-made goodies, both sweet and savoury. Doors open at 9.30 am (9.00 am for those with limited mobility) and close at 3.00 pm. Free parking is available. Children and dogs are very welcome. All donations of money, books, CDs, DVDs, plants, bric-abrac, etc. are welcome on the day.

Programme: Brahms – Sonata n°2 for violin and piano Debussy – Sonata for violin and piano

If you spent the weeks of ‘confinement’ reading and badly need to restock your bookshelves before October, come along to one of our minisales. These take place every Friday between 1 and 3 pm at our new book sorting premises in Bergerac. Details and directions are available on the Phoenix Facebook page and website: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance/ https://phoenixasso.com/book-fair-update/

Saint-Saens/Ysaye – Caprice sur l’Etude en forme de valse and Extracts from Tea Time Eléonore Darmon, has won several international prizes and awards. Her career as a concert violinist began at age 16 with a performance of Mendelssohn’s Concerto with the Nancy Symphony Orchestra. The conductor, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, was as astounded as the audience by this “phenomenal young violinist”. Internationally renowned French pianist Antoine de Grolée was born in Picardy and started playing the piano at the age of 6. He was winner of the Long-Thibaud competition in 2007 and finalist of the Chopin competition on historical instruments in 2018. Passionate about chamber music, he is a highly sought after accompanist.

All proceeds will go to the Phoenix Association to continue the work of caring for and rehoming animals in need.

PLEASE COME AND JOIN US! PS If you interested in helping at the Fair or sorting books throughout the year, please contact Sandra Hall at sand.hall@orange.fr