people - The Bugle
Transcription
people - The Bugle
Paris trouser ban for women SIRET: 502 907 108 00018 © 2009 Jason Staten MPs are attempting to overthrow a rule that requires women wanting to "dress like a man" to first obtain police permission. Page 10 9,000 copies distributed from over 300 points across Haute-Vienne, Creuse and the surrounding areas. June 2010 Issue #8 INSIDE > > > INTERVIEW... p6 Bugle Exclusive! We talk to the head of the Creuse Gendarmerie FEATURE ...p14-15 Jazz in France and the annual Fête de la Musique Brive airport opens B rive’s new international airport, Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne, will be officially opened on the 15th June, with flights to and from London’s City airport beginning on the 25th June. Although still officially known by its original name of Brive-Souillac by airline bodies, the airport had a recent makeover and is being promoted as Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne for commercial and advertising purposes. The project has not been without its problems and controversy has also surrounded the official launch, with critical politicians and leaked press reports. The economic and social council (CESR) of Limousin has previously stated that “the creation of a new regional airport does not seem justified”, adding that “Limoges-Bellegarde airport already has a regional role to serve all of the Limousin, and seems sufficient”. Continued on page 3... The new airport, Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne, will officially open on the 15th June. CityJet will run three flights a week to London City airport in 95-seat RJ85 airplanes. The first flights to London will take off on Friday 25th June. JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION Welcome to The Bugle W hat a small world it is we live in. I received an email this month from a retired local newspaper editor who lives in the Limousin congratulating us on our paper. She spends half of every year in France and, having just returned from wintering in the UK, discovered our paper through a local friend who had kept back copies for her. Let’s call her Jane Smith, as I haven’t asked for permission to print her email. I am proud to say that we get quite a few emails and letters like this every month and they always give me such a boost. I happened to have the in-laws staying this month, which is always an absolute pleasure and in no way inconvenient (unfortunately, they are subscribers so will read this - I must tread a diplomatic path!). I read out the email we had been sent to which my father-in-law replied, “Oh, that’s nice. She always was a nice lady, Jane Smith.” You know how in cartoons when something really big happens, all the characters carry on doing what they are doing until a few seconds later when they suddenly stop in their tracks and perform a comedy double take…? “What do you mean ‘always was a nice lady’? She’s a reader, you’ve never met her.” Unfortunately, when my father-in-law is right, he is right (I can’t imagine where my wife gets it from!) “Yes, Jane Smith, she used to live next to my parents in England.” Admittedly, her surname is a bit less common than Smith, but to be able to say with 100% certainty that you know someone in a country of over 50 million based on a name alone… I wasn’t having it. “She had something to do with publishing.” Hang on a minute, I hadn’t read out the bit about her editing a local newspaper – this was too weird! A quick Google search revealed the publishing house she still runs. “I bet the company is registered to Vale Road, somewhere between 13 and 15”. A bit more digging… 13, Vale Road. There was no doubt about it. No one does smug grin like my fatherin-law, it’s another of his endearing qualities! Contact was soon made and they were indeed the Smiths from next door. They hadn’t spoken or seen each other in 30 years or so, but very soon the clan was packed into the car and off they went for tea and reminiscing and, by all accounts, a thoroughly pleasant afternoon. In other stranger-based coincidences, we have a contribution from Graham Martindale this month, who has written us a piece on jazz in France. I had always thought my surname must be fairly uncommon and I have certainly never met another Martindale before. I can assure you we are not related, just another happy coincidence. the Internet, satellite TV and 24-hour rolling news stations, I imagine those that are interested have been following it closely enough and there would be little I could add in a few hundred words. The French are no strangers to a good coalition and understand the compromises involved. The general feeling in the media over here is one of general bemusement at the public love-in being performed in front of the cameras by ‘Clameron’, as team Cameron-Clegg have been dubbed. The naïve belief that the Liberals and the Conservatives are suddenly best mates and agree on everything tends to elicit little more than a chuckle from a more cynical French media. We were invited to La Caserne in Guéret this month to interview the head of the Creuse Gendarmerie. This was a real scoop for us and made for a fascinating afternoon. The preconceptions I had about the Gendarmerie, taken from the British police force, could not have been more wrong. I left with the impression that the Gendarmerie really is an incredible, professional organization that is dedicated to serving the community it lives in. I found the interview very interesting and I hope that comes across on the page. Until next month, Steve Martindale Editor The big news this month for most of us expats has been the elections in the UK. I try not to report stories ‘from home’ that do not carry a French angle, so we have not included anything about the elections in this month’s paper. With Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St Yrieix-Les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Sharman & Company Ltd Newark Road Eastern Industry Peterborough, PE1 5TD Monthly circulation: 9000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St Yrieix-Les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Sharman & Company Ltd Newark Road Eastern Industry Peterborough, PE1 5TD Tirage mensuel: 9000 copies Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite. The Bugle cannot accept responsibility for claims of advertisers or their professionalism. We strongly advise readers to verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France or elsewhere in the world. INSIDE this edition News >> 1 & 3>5 Local News: A new commercial zone, the "Family Village Limoges" is set to open this year. A new pipe organ has been installed at the 12th century Eglise Abbatiale Saint-Barthélémy in Bénévent-l’Abbaye. The Bugle went to meet local artist, Lorenzo Rappelli, this month to hear about his passion for painting landscapes of the Limousin. Argenton-sur-Creuse celebrates its first annual Salon Immobilier. 6 Interview: The Bugle was invited to interview LieutenantColonel Olivier Pichard - Head of the Creuse Gendarmerie. tells us about pesky mice! With modern films taking 70% of their money overseas, we look at the dubbing industry. Peak Oil - Arthur Smith considers the point at which the oil wells will run dry. Road traffic accidents - what to do if you are involved in an accident on the roads. Vide-greniers - there are more rules about boot sales than you might have thought. Feature >> 14-15 Fête de la Musique. The sound of music will be all around as France celebrates World Music Day in June. Graham Martindale takes an in-depth look at the history of jazz in France. 7>10 National News: The flight recorders of the Brazil Air France plane that crashed killing all aboard have been located in the Atlantic. Plans for a new 'super-univeristy' just outside Paris have been unveiled. France has drafted a bill banning the wearing of full-face veils. In a bid to stop money laundering, the UK has announced it will no longer distribute €500 notes. Fare-dodging Parisians have established mutuelles to cover fines for being caught. Sport >> 11 France's manager Raymond Domenech unveils his squad for the World Cup Finals in South Africa. Laurent Blanc has been announced as Domenech's successor after the World Cup. French Life >> 12>13 & 16>17 Chicken Corner - Paul Lay worries for one of his 'girls' and considers what language is best to talk to her in. Chapters of a teen expat - In the latest instalment of her regular column, Louise Catterall Directory >> 18>20 The Bugle Business Directory. 21 Classifieds / Properties. Letters to The Editor>> 22 Sky-high volcano parking fees. Where is it legal to walk your dog & do roaming rights exist in France? Games & Hobbies >> 23 Crossword and our usual easy, medium and hard Sudokus. Beginner's guitar lesson with Chris Willis. What’s On >> 24 Community Notice Board. 25 Entertainment: Dates for your diary for the coming month. 26>28 Event listings for June. CONTACT us Tel: 05.55.41.17.76 General: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] Write to: The Bugle Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St Yrieix-Les-Bois France www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3 Limoges University libraries go digital In an increasingly digital age, the University of Limoges’ libraries are losing their readers. 10 years ago, the university’s Arts library lent 30,000 works every year; now that figure is fewer than 21,000, a drop that can be directly linked to the rise of the Internet, particularly encyclopaedic sites such as Wikipedia. “Students don’t read any more, they lose their sources and tend to cut and paste paragraphs straight out of Wikipedia,” laments Joëlle Cartigny, who runs University libraries’ pooled documentation service. Students are, however, actively encouraged to use online tools. The University itself has published all of its doctorate theses online since 2002, a move that has generated 300,000 visitors annually to its online archives. “Access is simple, can be done remotely using a code and has a wider variety of material,” explains Marie Lissart, in charge of purchasing online material for the university, with a budget of €250,000 for 2010. The habits of the universities’ bookworms are changing. 'Family Village' to open in Limoges Construction is moving along swiftly of a new commercial zone on the outskirts of Limoges. The new centre has been unveiled as the “Family Village Limoges” and is situated in the industrial zone to the north of the city, just off the A20. The 25-hectare site has proved incredibly popular; only 2 plots are still available, with 23 businesses employing 520 people already signed up to open their doors by the end of September. Companies that have already committed to the new development include Leroy Merlin (15,000 m²), Darty (3,500 m²), Toys’R’Us (2,500 m²) and Mc Donald’s. They will join Décathlon, which has been established on the site for some time. The huge project has been driven by the Communauté d’agglomération Limoges Métropole along with the Société d’équipement du Limousin (Séli) and is aimed at servicing the needs of the family as a whole. The official opening of the site is set for the end of September, but some businesses will be opening over the summer months (Alinéa for example, a specialist in furniture and decorations, will open its doors shortly). “This new commercial business park is not only for the inhabitants of Limoges and its suburbs,” explained Bruno Gardelle, chief of Séli. “Our catchment area goes well beyond that. Customers from Creuse, Corrèze and even the Indre, Charente and Dordogne will be interested by what we have to offer.” “We must also be sure to direct shoppers towards Limoges city centre,” he added, in reference to fears that the new commercial zone could have a negative impact on existing smaller businesses. Access to the zone from the A20 via the Grossereix roundabout is already a traffic bottleneck, although work is planned in the coming months. “We will be trying to improve traffic flow”, said Mr Gardelle. “Two lanes are planned on the roundabout, with one giving direct access to the park.” ■ New pipe organ at Bénévent-l'Abbaye A new pipe organ, planned for the 12th century Eglise Abbatiale SaintBarthélémy of Bénéventl’Abbaye, department 23, since 2003, is now in the final stages of completion. At 6.00 p.m. on Saturday 26th June, Mgr François Kalist, Bishop of Limoges will give the traditional Benediction of the organ at a Mass in the Abbey. At 8.45 p.m. on the same evening the first concert to the public will take place. The organ, which has 1330 metal and wooden pipes, has been built and installed by Denis Lacorne and a team of craftsmen from his workshop at Carquefou in Loire-Atlantique, department 44. Funding for the project has been provided by the Commune of Bénévent, the Minister of Culture for the Limousin Region, the Conseil Général de la Creuse, the Parish of Bénévent and private donations. This magnificent instrument will have a triple function: it will naturally be used during services held in the Abbey, but it will also be used for the teaching of students of the organ attending the Emile Goué Departmental Conservatoire. Its final function will be of great benefit to the general public: a series of monthly musical concerts and recitals throughout the year, the first of which will be the concert on 26th June as mentioned above, which will be free of charge. On Sunday 27th June between 3.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. there will be a free ‘Open Door’ event at the Abbey when various musicians from the Creuse region will perform in the inauguration of the organ celebrations. Further concerts have already been programmed for Tuesday 20th July at 9.00 p.m. and Sunday 15th August at 5.30 p.m. and dates for the Autumn and Winter will be announced shortly. Organ recitals will feature works by J. S. Bach and renowned 19th and 20th Century French composers such as César Frank, Louis Vierne and Olivier Messiaen, and future concerts will present a variety of instrumental and choral works in the stunning setting of this ancient abbey. A warm welcome is extended to everyone who wishes to share in this exciting development, and if you would like any further information, please contact Yves Josset on 05.55.81.51.44 or myself on 05.55.62.29.68 or by e-mail at pete.wakefield@ orange.fr Chris Wakefield, Association Musique et Orgue à L’Abbaye, Bénévent. ■ Brive airport opens Continued from page 1... The president of the Conseil Régional, Jean-Paul Denanot, has criticised the lack of consultation that has taken place concerning any potential competition between the new airport and Limoges-Bellegarde. “The president has made his position loud and clear”, said Gérard Bourliaud, private secretary for Jean-Paul Denanot. “We need to get all parties involved around the table to avoid detrimental competition at any cost.” The announcement of a low-cost link to London did not come as a surprise, but management were angered as the rug was pulled from under the planned unveiling when the news was leaked in advance via a ‘confidential’ document sent to France Bleu Limousin. For its part, Brive airport says that its plans lay firmly to the south. Although it is located in the Limousin, the airport claims that it will also serve the Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées regions. The new airport will replace the current Brive-Laroche aerodrome that currently sees 20,000 passengers a year. Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne hopes to increase this to 200,000 over the next 10 years. Limoges-Bellegarde currently services 400,000 passengers annually. Air France subsidiary, CityJet, will operate the new London City line, running 3 flights a week starting from €59 each way including taxes: Brive-London: Fri 17h4018h15, Sat 11h20-11h55, Sun 19h25-20h00 London-Brive: Fri 14h3517h10, Sat 08h15-10h50, Sun 16h20-18h55) ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS Capturing the beauty of the Limousin This month, Bugle Editor Steve Martindale went to meet Lorenzo Rappelli, a professional painter living in the Limousin, to hear about his passion for painting and the inspiration he takes from the local countryside. does on the courses he runs from St Sylvestre. A professional painter of Italian origin, Lorenzo Rappelli specialises in pastel and oil paysages (landscapes) and driving up through the foothills of the Monts d’Ambazac towards the wooden chalet which houses his atelier, it is not hard to see where the former lawyer finds much of his inspiration. Mr Rappelli breaks his themes down into three broad categories: woodland, sea and snow. There may not be much sea in the Limousin, but we are blessed with plenty of lakes and there is certainly no shortage of woodland. Not only that, but it has been a great year for lovers of snow-covered landscapes! Mr Rappelli explains that he feels a harmony with nature, and tries to convey in his work the sense of calm and silence he feels when surrounded by it. Even on a damp, drizzly morning, as we approach the artist’s house the landscape is magnificent and this sense of quiet calm is everywhere. The ability to translate these sensations onto canvas is what sets a great artist apart from a good one. Mr Rappelli clearly has a passion for painting, evident not only in the vast number of his canvases that adorn the walls, but also in the way he talks about his art. He explains to me that before you can learn to paint, you need to know the rules, drawing the comparison with driving a car: before you get behind the wheel, you need to know the mechanics of the car and the rules of the road. These rules are not complicated, but are essential in composing the perfect painting and Mr Rappelli claims he can have even the most novice of painters producing canvases within hours, as he regularly Mr Rappelli is a keen exhibitor and has a solo exhibition at the Galerie Municipale in Limoges from 22 – 29 June and will exhibit at the Festival International du Pastel in Feytiat this summer; he also recently won the prestigious prix du salon at an exhibition in Bourges. Although adamant that art should be for everyone, of all levels, Mr Rappelli tells me he is often bemused by the fact that so many local exhibitions display works by professional painters alongside those of novices. “Just because you know how to play a piano, does not mean you should be putting on a concert”. To that end he has recently established the Société Internationale des Peintres du Paysage (International Society of Landscape Painters), a grouping of French and British artists of which he is president. Plans are underway for exhibitions in both France and the UK. Mr Rappelli also writes for Artistes This winter scene won the prix du salon in a recent exhibition in Bourges Magazine and will see his first book published next spring. The courses he runs are open to anyone, from novices through to those with more experience, although a particular course will always be aimed at a particular experience level. The courses tend to last for four days and in that time Mr Rappelli says his students will produce five canvases. He speaks very good English and would be happy to run courses for English speakers. You can visit his workshop by prior appointment. For more information on any of the above and to see a gallery of Lorenzo Rappelli’s paintings, visit his website: www.lorenzo-rappelli.com/ ■ Drugs ring cracked 16 people have appeared before a court in Limoges over the trafficking of 60 kilos of cannabis. The defendants ranged from growers, distributors, moneylaunderers to consumers; every level of an operation that has now been broken. Through a combination of investigation and recorded telephone conversations, the network of buyers and resellers was eventually pieced together. For their part, the defendants all claimed to be no more than casual users, caught up in a bigger picture. When asked if he smoked much cannabis, one man claimed, “No. Well, not much. No more than anyone else.” The full picture did eventually emerge and the group were sentenced to between 4 and 12 months, suspended. Those further up the chain were given 2 years, with 6 months suspended and 5 years with 2 years suspended. www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5 Home-made bomb goes off at local school A home-made bomb, described later as ‘not very powerful’, exploded this month in the Jules-Verne collège in Montluçon, luckily without any reported injuries. Three young men from the area were placed under arrest following the incident. “I heard a huge bang,” explained one witness who lives a few hundred metres away. “It sounded like an explosion!” The three men were identified by a local resident as being behind the bomb, which consisted of a plastic bottle filled with a liquid that has yet to be identified. According to public prosecutor, Franck Graviou, “Analysis of the liquid is ongoing, but it looked worse than it was. This is closer to amateur chemistry than a Molotov cocktail.” Students at the school seemed unperturbed, but their parents were not so laissez-faire about the incident. According to one angry mother, “It could have injured one of our kids! I took my daughter straight out of school.” Dangerous drivers Gendarmes were called to action recently as reports came in of a man driving down the RN145 on a scooter. The driver explained how he was heading east from Tarbes and was taking every precaution not to be run over… by driving down the hard shoulder! The gendarmes escorted him to a road more suited to his means of transport. Elsewhere, a man in his 40s was stopped on the A20 near Arnac-la-Poste hastily heading towards Paris at 209 kph. The man, who did not have a valid license, will be appearing before magistrates in Limoges on the 24th June. Argenton's first Salon d'Immobilier F ollowing the article in last month’s Bugle asking “Is now the time to buy?” we went to the first annual Salon d’Immobilier (Property Exhibition) in Argenton-surCreuse to see for ourselves. The exhibition, which was organised by the Union des Commerçants, attracted a mixture of stands ranging from estate agencies, specialist builders and architects, through to finance experts and companies selling home furnishings. The Bugle spoke with many of the exhibitors and the general mood was one of cautious optimism: “I am seeing my best figures for several years, similar at this stage to those of 2007,” said local estate agent Janet Cailhol, echoing the feelings of several others. Architect Hetty Mulcahy booked her pitch at the event well in advance in order to hunt for new business, but when the time came told us she was already “up to her neck” with work. Lisa Greer of M2 Immobilier said “We have generated some good new business and will definitely be returning next year”. delivery of your keys. One of my aims in coming here was to meet people and make my profession more accessible to the general public.” Not all the exhibitors were there simply to seek new clients. One architect we spoke to told us, “People are often reluctant to approach architects for one reason or another and do not realise the range of services we offer. I can oversee the project from planning through to the In answer to the question “Is now the time to buy?” a telling statistic provided by one exhibitor was that his business is seeing a large number of investors buying property with a view to building a portfolio. This does seem to suggest that, if you have the money to invest, now is a good time to buy. That is a big ‘if’ for many people, but is encouraging news nonetheless. deputy for Indre, The Bugle’s newest addition to its growing readership. The event was held in the Espace Jean Frappat, just a short walk from Argenton town centre. Feedback from exhibitors suggested that those that came were serious customers with fewer passers-by dropping in just to ‘window shop’. Among the many visitors to the event was Michel Sapin, mayor of Argenton-sur-Creuse and Organisers of the event were pleased with the success of the inaugural salon and have already scheduled in next year’s event for 13-15 May. The salon looks set to become an annual fixture on the calendar in Argentonsur-Creuse and the organisers hope that next year’s Salon d’Immobilier will attract even more exhibitors and visitors. ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 6 ♦ INTERVIEW One of France's oldest institutions The Gendarmerie nationale is the military institution in France charged with public safety and police duties within the civilian population. Although most of us will hopefully have very little contact with the gendarmes, a large percentage of us in central France rely on them to maintain law and order. The Bugle secured an exclusive interview with Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier Pichard, the head of the Gendarmerie in Creuse, to find out more about this venerable institution and put some questions to him from an expatriate point of view. T he Gendarmerie nationale is one of the oldest institutions in France, tracing its origins back to the Middle Ages. It is responsible for policing non-urban, rural areas, with France’s other law enforcement body, the Police nationale, responsible for densely populated urban areas. See next month’s edition of The Bugle for an in-depth look at the history of the Gendarmerie nationale and the Police nationale. The Bugle had been invited to the Gendarmerie headquarters at La Caserne Bongeot in Guéret and as soon as you arrive at these ‘barracks’, the military feel is inescapable. The building is a million miles away from the stereotype of the cluttered offices of chain-smoking, coffee-swilling, middle-aged ‘coppers’ portrayed in many British and American movies. Everyone we met was impeccably turned out and the building looked like it was literally being run with ‘military efficiency’. Colonel Pichard greeted us warmly and began to explain a bit about the mission of the Gendarmerie. “We have an important role to play in Creuse, especially given the rural nature of the department. The only area that does not directly fall under the control of the Gendarmerie is Guéret itself. We cover 99% of the territory in Creuse and that area encompasses 90% of the population.” It soon became evident that there are two central principles at the heart of the Gendarmerie’s mission: the ideas of proximité (proximity) and disponibilité (availability) to which the Colonel frequently referred. “The whole essence of the Gendarmerie is that we are integrated with the population. We work alongside the public, with the public and are available to the kind of informer – who is the eyes and ears of the community. The Colonel was open to the idea of local British référents, particularly in villages or hamlets with a strong British presence. public 24 hours a day.” Whilst many may be familiar with the fact that the Gendarmerie is a branch of the French military, fewer may have realised that the gendarmes live by military ‘employment law’. “My gendarmes must be available 24 hours a day there is no 8-hour working day here. I can say with absolute confidence that if a serious incident were to occur, anywhere in the department, I could have 80 gendarmes on site within an hour.” The local gendarmes live with their families at the barracks in Guéret and their commanding officers know their whereabouts at all times. We asked the Colonel if there was a requirement amongst his gendarmes to have foreign language skills. He explained that while there are a number of gendarmes that do speak another language, this was more a by-product of either their military schooling or their work internationally with the UN or NATO, rather than a specific requirement. He had prepared a list of gendarmes who speak English that he has given The Bugle permission to print (see box below). The list is not exhaustive and there may be other gendarmes who speak some English around the department, but any of those on the list may be contacted if required. Si j’ai un vœu à formuler c’est de montrer les spécificités du statut militaire – proximité, réactivité, disponibilité “The Gendarmerie has a commitment on a national level to have a squad at the scene of any incident within 30 minutes. Here in Creuse, the average response time is 15 minutes,” explained the Colonel; an impressive statistic when you consider how depopulated some areas to the south of Creuse are. They achieve this thanks to a territorial coverage known as maillage territorial whereby the Creuse battalion of the Gendarmerie has one brigade (squad) to cover each of the department’s 27 cantons. This means that there is a squad within minutes' reach of every resident of the department. The map of the area covered by each squad has not changed a great deal since the 18th century, being originally established relative to the distance a man can comfortably travel by horse in one day. On a national level there should be approximately 1 gendarme for every 1,000 residents. However, if this ratio was strictly applied in Creuse, there would only be around 100 gendarmes, a number insufficient to cover the extensive surface area of the department. This maillage is therefore critical to enabling the Gendarmerie to be available to the public. In practise, In terms of crime, it seems the expats Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier Pichard - Head of the Creuse Gendarmerie including administrative staff, the Creuse Gendarmerie numbers around 300. The Colonel was already familiar with February’s edition of The Bugle that led with the news that Creuse had been announced as the safest department in France for a seventh successive year. When we asked him the reasons for the impressive crime figures in Creuse, the Colonel refused to claim any credit, preferring to take the ‘we are just doing our job’ line, which again seemed to reaffirm the military ethos that was becoming more and more evident during our meeting. He pragmatically explained the reasons he saw for the lack of crime: “Creuse is one of the most rural departments in France and subsequently one of the poorest,” he explained, describing the department as enclavé (enclosed or isolated). “Creuse does not attract many criminals from over its departmental borders. Our crime tends to come from within.” He then added with a hint of a smile and what could be the first crack in his military demeanour: “and we know who our criminals are”. He continued, “The only major road is the English-speaking gendarmes in Creuse The Creuse Gendarmerie has provided The Bugle with a list of Englishspeaking gendarmes, all of whom may be contacted in the event of language issues: Name BIALOUX CHAMBON FAURE MICHAUD PIOFFRET Location Chénérailles Aubusson Evaux-les-Bains Guéret Dun-le-Palestel Tel 05.55.62.30.15 05.55.66.10.67 05.55.65.51.17 05.55.51.50.00 05.55.89.00.18 RN145 which we police very closely, so the department is not set up for making quick getaways. We do see a 60/40 split in crimes between the north and the south, and one factor is the effect of this road.” La Souterraine is the richest town in the department and, given the previous argument that crime figures follow money, it is no surprise to learn that it also has the highest rates of crime in Creuse. While crime rates remain low Creuse is, however, following the national trend in seeing an increase in juvenile delinquency. The Colonel indicated the two main areas of concern: petty theft and the use of illegal substances. We asked if the concept of ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ exists in France: not as such, was the reply; however the gendarmes do encourage residents to keep an eye out for things that are out of the ordinary in their towns and villages. The concept exists to the extent that a local gendarme is asked to make himself known to each commune as a point of contact for anyone wishing to alert the Gendarmerie of an issue. He in turn seeks out a member of that community to act as a référent – a Les Britanniques ne posent aucun problème among us are an honest bunch. “Les Britanniques ne posent aucun problème – the British pose absolutely no problem.” We are also apparently no more likely to be the perpetrators or victims of crimes than French residents. All of which makes for encouraging reading in a department that is already the safest in France. The conclusion from meeting the Colonel and hearing what he had to say is that we are in good hands. The Gendarmerie is genuinely committed to providing the best service it can for the public it serves. We were given a guided tour of the operational centre and saw the impressive level of planning involved in every aspect of departmental policing: the 24-hour patrol schedules; the large number of patrols that are active at any one time; vast wall-sized charts displaying the exact location of every active gendarme at any one time. It is no exaggeration to say that having seen first hand inside the bowels of La Caserne and having spoken to the man in charge, it is a lot easier to sleep at night. ■ Feedback and Questions We have opened up a channel of communication with the Creuse Gendarmerie. The Colonel was very keen to hear what the general ‘impression’ was of the Gendarmerie within the English-speaking community. If you have any feedback for the Colonel please let us know and we will pass this on. Alternatively, if you have any questions or issues you would like to address to the Creuse Gendarmerie, please direct them to The Bugle and we will do our best to have them answered. Phone 05.55.41.17.76 or email [email protected] www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7 Pompidou Brazil Air France crash New Centre for Metz black boxes located T Initial efforts to locate the flight recorder using submarines equipped with deep-sea sonar proved unsuccessful despite a massive international operation. The cockpit recorders are key to establishing the cause of the crash and will contain vital data about the moments leading up give a much-needed boost to the north-eastern Lorraine. in its policy to decentralise Paris’ cultural treasures away from the capital and into other regions. The Louvre is also planning an offshoot in 2012 in the former mining town of Lens. The new museum is the first step taken by the government The speed sensors on Air France's Airbus A330s have been replaced since the crash to the crash, as well as voice recordings from the pilots. With the small amount of data currently available to investigators, it is believed that speed sensors on the Airbus 330 failed shortly before the crash, possibly caused by a build-up of ice. This led Air France to replace the speed sensors on all of its Airbus planes. Air France had allegedly first noticed this problem in May 2008 and had already begun a programme to replace the sensors on the advice of Airbus. Pilots' unions and some of the relatives of victims of June's crash have accused Air France and Airbus of ignoring long-standing problems with air speed monitors on its jets in the run up to the disaster. Whilst the failure of speed sensors may have been a contributing factor to the crash, it is not currently thought to be the sole cause. The latest breakthrough came as new software was used to process through the data from the original submarine sweeps of the area last year, said the defence ministry, a time when the data recorders would still have been transmitting a signal. The batteries on the flight recorders will have run out long ago now, making finding them that much harder. Experts from the French electronics firm Thales made SIREN: 453 573 388 Brazilian navy divers have successfully raised sections of the plane to the surface, and the search site for the black box recorder has been narrowed to a 5 km squared zone. “It's like trying to find a shoe box in an area the size of Paris, at a depth of 3,000 m and in a terrain as rugged as the Alps,” French navy spokesman Hugues du Plessis d'Argentre told AFP. to a Smurf's house, a magic lantern and a Chinese hat. It was designed by the Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban and his French colleague, Jean de Gastines and is expected to attract around 200,000 visitors a year to the out-of-the-way city. © 2007 Pawel Kierzkowski T he black box flight recorder from the Brazil Air France flight that crashed into the Atlantic has been located. Officials have warned, however, that retrieving the box itself and working out exactly what happened when flight AF447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris disappeared on 1st June last year, will not be easy. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 228 people on board and was the worst in the 75-year history of Air France. he inauguration of an offshoot of the world famous Pompidou Centre in Metz has been hailed as signalling a renaissance for one of France’s most overlooked regions. President Sarkozy has officially opened the Centre Pompidou Metz, the first regional outpost of Paris' landmark gallery and a project that it is hoped will the discovery when they were called in to help decipher the submarine sonar data. “We found three sounds that are compatible with the signals emitted by the black boxes, given their frequency, their duration and the various technical parameters,” said a Thales spokesman. “These are the type of signals that come from black boxes.” The families of the crash victims welcomed the news and said it raised hopes but that any celebration would be premature until the flight recorders were raised to the surface. “This is a sign of hope, it's very good news for the families after 11 months of waiting,” said JeanBaptiste Audousset, president of an association grouping the families of some 60 victims. “We have a real hope of being able to bring (the flight recorders) up and get closer to the truth of this tragedy.” ■ “The Lorraine has suffered greatly in recent decades from restructuring, transfers, changes, the textile and steel industries, the mines, the military," said the French president, standing inside the entrance hall of the new gallery. “This museum, which is a strong cultural gesture, is at the same time part of a strategic policy of economic development... In this remarkable architectural gesture, we will from now on be able to take hold of the renaissance of Metz and the renaissance of the Lorraine.” The building with its distinctive undulating roof has been variously compared The €72.5m building in Metz will not have its own private collection, but will be able to borrow works of art and collections from its big sister in Paris. The Centre Pompidou in Paris is Europe's biggest modern art museum and has a dazzling collection of around 65,000 works, but only enough space to show a fraction of those at any one time. Paintings by Picasso, Braque, Kandinsky and Miro are amongst 700 works on display in the CPM’s debut exhibition, entitled ‘Chefs-d'oeuvre?’ ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS New 'super-university' unveiled in Paris Hervé Le Riche, who heads the project in Saclay, has high hopes for the project: “Our goal is to rank among the top 10 universities in the world.” The campus is already home to respected establishments, such as the Polytechnique engineering school, but building plans are under way for state of the art laboratories, amphitheatres, student housing along with shops and transport links. The 2007 Nobel Prize winner in physics, Albert Fert, already claims Paris-Saclay as his home. The 62-year-old physicist currently teaches at Paris-sud University. There is also the IHES Institute of Higher Studies in Science which has produced on its own deep into its pockets to make the dream of a worldclass university a reality. During a recent visit to New York's Columbia University, Sarkozy heaped praise on “this magnificent place” telling those present that he wanted to “reform French universities based on the model that you have here.” Mr Sarkozy subsequently got the academic world talking when he announced that one billion euros of his 35 billion euro national loan programme would go to Paris-Saclay. It is hoped the new university will rival such institutions as Trinity College, Cambridge 11 of the total 44 winners of the Fields Medal, the Nobel Prize for mathematics. The Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) business management school, which ranks as the best in Europe according to The Financial Times, is also nearby along with the Supelec school of electrical and computer engineers. In all nine universities, colleges and institutes are scheduled to move to the new campus, located some 25 kilometres south west of Paris. When the project is completed in 2020, the campus will welcome more than 31,000 students and 12,000 full-time researchers. “We are building the university of the 21st century. That's really what's at stake,” said Mr Le Riche. The ambitious project enjoys the backing of one key figure: President Nicolas Sarkozy whose government is digging “We are not going to draw Chinese and Korean students with small schools that take in 80 students,” said Cedric Dufour, who heads a students' association backing the Paris-Saclay project. “It's the first time that the French government has put forward that level of resources in a project. We have the skills to do something that is really high performance.” ■ Robin Hood thief given 3 years T ony Musulin, the 39-year-old ‘Robin Hood’ security van driver who stole €11.6 million in November 2009, has been sentenced to 3 years in jail. At the time of the theft, the former employee of Swedish security firm Loomis was hailed as an underdog hero, striking back at the financial establishment. At his trial, however, he claimed that he was motivated by a personal grievance rather than political idealism. “People told me I was Robin Hood, but I'm not, I'm normal. I had a problem with my boss. It was not the right choice," the 39-year-old said. Mr Musulin testified that his employer often made mistakes on his pay cheque and complained bitterly of being under paid. “As I was single I couldn't have holiday during the summer, they didn't pay me all my hours, we were not respected," he told the court. “In the end, I did something that I shouldn't have, and for that, I have my bosses to thank,” he said. Musulin was on the run for 11 days after stealing the money from a branch of Banque de France in Lyon, before handing himself in to police in Monaco. The crime was non-violent, and the driver simply made off in his armoured van while his colleagues were inside the bank. Police found €9.1 million in a lock-up soon after, but the remaining €2.5 million has never been recovered. The heist was carried out seamlessly and peacefully and earned Musulin a legion of fans who declared him a hero of the people. Internet groups sprang up, T-shirts were made and bumper stickers reading ‘Tony Musulin: Without Hate or SIRET: 493 208 888 00021 The US dominates the top of the current list; 8 of the top 10 universities are American. Oxford and Cambridge are the only European universities in the top ten, and French establishments have long feared that they may be left behind by their international rivals. The new Paris-Saclay super-campus will be France’s answer to years of decline in higher education. © 2004 Andrew Dunn P lans have been unveiled to create a new €4.4 billion ‘super university’ in Paris to rival Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge as one of the world’s best seats of learning. As featured in April’s edition of The Bugle, despite having a prestigious name in the Sorbonne, on the international stage French universities are lagging behind those from around the world. In the most recent Shanghai world rankings, France had only 3 universities in the top 100, with Paris’ VI Pierre and Marie Curie University the top rated French university, coming in at number 40. Violence’ sold in huge numbers. Then, when Musulin gave himself up and claimed to know nothing of the remaining €2.5 million, his popularity plummeted. At his trial, Musulin again insisted he did not know where the rest of the money was. Musulin's lawyer said the decision was fair and that there would be no appeal. ■ www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9 France drafts bill banning full-face veils T he government of Nicolas Sarkozy is drafting a bill that, if passed, will make it illegal to wear a veil that completely covers the face in public. Debate has been ongoing for a long time over a partial ban of Islamic veils (see February’s edition of The Bugle), but a draft text that is going before parliament in July is calling for a full ban. Leaked documents have also shown that, under the proposed law, men would be punished more harshly than women. The law would impose oneyear prison sentences and fines of up to €15,000 on men who force their wives to wear a burka. Any woman wearing a full-face veil would receive a smaller fine of just over €150 because they are “often victims with no choice in the matter”, says the draft. The law would create a new offence of “incitement to cover the face for reasons of gender”, and would state that, “no one may wear in public places clothes that are aimed at hiding the face”. If the bill is passed, France will become the second European country to ban the face veil, following Belgium, whose lower house of parliament unanimously passed a ban in April. Amnesty International said the ban in Belgium sets a “dangerous precedent” and that it “violates the rights to freedom of expression and religion of those women who wear the burka or niqab as an expression of their identity and beliefs”. Since the idea of a ban was first mooted last summer, French Muslim women say they have noticed a rise in public hostility towards them. At the heart of all French law lies the tradition of secularism and the separation of church and state, a tradition that in 2004 saw ‘conspicuous’ religious symbols, such as Christian crosses and Muslim headscarves, banned from schools. This core principle in French law means that a religious statement as overt as the burka makes many people uneasy. Details of the proposed law come as France has reported its first ever case of ‘burkarage’. A 26-year-old Muslim convert was walking through a clothing store in Trignac, near Nantes, in the western LoireAtlantique region, when she overheard a 60-year-old female lawyer making “snide remarks about her black burka”. An argument started before the older woman is said to have ripped the other woman's veil off. As they came to blows, the lawyer's daughter joined in. All three were arrested and taken to the local gendarmerie for questioning. A spokesman for Trignac police said that two complaints had been received, with the Muslim woman accusing the lawyer of racial and religious assault. The latter, in turn, had accused her opponent of common assault. Sarkozy said it is “demanding” but “fair” to opt for a total rather than a partial ban of the burka. “It is the government’s and parliament’s responsibility to decide in what kind of society we want to live, and with what human values,” Sarkozy told his cabinet. “In turn, the relevant judiciary authorities will have to reach Women wearing the niqab - a much more common sight in France than the burka their own decision according to their conscience and their vision of what human rights in our Republic stand for,” added the president, referring to fears that the bill could be challenged in court on human rights grounds. In March, France's State Council warned that a total ban of the veil in all public spaces could be deemed unconstitutional. The bill is also set to meet resistance in parliament from the Socialist opposition, which is calling on the government to limit the ban to official government offices and state institutions such as schools and hospitals. ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS Advertise in The Bugle This banner advert costs from just €61/month For more information contact The Bugle on 05.55.41.17.76 Paris' new breed of fare dodgers UK phases out €500 notes W ho hasn’t baulked at the cost of a 5-minute ride on the Métro for a journey that would only take 15 minutes on foot? Or bristled at the thought of paying for a service that many think should be free? There are many ways to travel on the Métro for free, from the simple turnstilehop (upper-body strength may be required), to the more brash tactic preferred by many Parisiennes of simply slipping in behind the person in front with little more than an “Excusez-moi monsieur”. For most people the illicit thrill of free travel is tempered by the threat of a €72 fine. The company that runs Paris’ Métro, RATP, estimates it loses €80 million per year to non-paying passengers. A new generation of fare dodgers have organised themselves into a rebellious collective, determined to ride the rails of the capital’s Métro system for free. For a monthly fee of as little as €5-€7, perfidious Parisians are paying into Why don't we pay for public transport? Because public transport should be free! unofficial insurance funds, or mutuelles, which cover any fines imposed when caught – a snip compared to the €53 monthly fee for a Navigo pass. Members of these mutuelles des fraudeurs claim to be combining personal financial gain with political idealism. “Why don't we pay for public transport?” asked a recent edition of Lignes gratuites (Free lines), the newsletter read by Paris' dozen or so mutuelles. “Because, just like education and health, we believe that public transport should be . . . free,” came the answer. Not everyone sees the new phenomenon in such simple terms. Cyndie, an 18-yearold Parisian queuing for the Métro told a newspaper, “It's just unfair because the rest of us have to pay,” she said. “It's all very well saying you want public transport to be free, but who's going to maintain the stations and everything else?” Following a barrage of media coverage, notably by Le Parisien newspaper, many of the mutuelles are taking a more conciliatory tone, perhaps aware the fare-paying public may not be as sympathetic to their ‘struggle’ as their fellow brothers-in-arms. ■ P ressure is growing on the much maligned €500 note as banks and bureaux de change in the UK have been banned from giving it out with immediate effect, putting further pressure on Europe to scrap the note entirely. Visitors to the UK will still be able to exchange €500 notes or pay them into bank accounts, however. The move is part of a bid to cut down on money laundering. it inside an empty cigarette packet! The €500 notes have been referred to as ‘Bin Ladens’; everyone knows they exist, but few other than criminals ever see them. When the €500 note was introduced, it was a money launderer’s dream. If you have £1 million in £20 notes, the money weighs over 50 kg (and takes up a lot of space). The equivalent stash in €500 notes weighs a mere 2 kg. It is possible to roll up €20,000 in €500 notes and fit Professor Richard Portes, of the Centre for Economic Policy Research, says the Eurozone countries were warned before the first note rolled off its high-tech antiforgery printing press. “It was quite clear from day one that once they decided they would have something as large as a 500 euro note that it would give the euro an economic advantage to the $100 bill. It would be used €500 notes - a money-launderer's dream by the Mafia and in all sorts of organised underground crime,” he says. Last September, a crossparty group of French MPs called for the note to be scrapped as part of the fight to cut down on fraud. “Laundering money often resorts to the use of cash,” the group said in its report to the National Assembly. “Since the withdrawal of the Canadian $1,000 bill, the €500 represents the next highest value piece of cash.” ■ Metro networking Paris trouser ban for women A new social networking service has been launched in Paris, London and New York enabling travellers on the metro to take the loneliness out of their commute. The website, Submate.com, allows regular metro users to upload their profiles and the details of their journeys to the site and find like-minded commuters who travel the same route. The idea was the brainchild of Paris-based programmer, Laurent Kretz, who thought of the idea after regularly using the subway in New York with the same ‘familiar strangers’ but never getting to know them. He told the New York Post, “Every day, before and after your commute, you're surrounded by people. Among them, there might be a bass player for your band - or a cute girl you could date.” The site is already putting strangers in touch with each other in New York. Romain Nouzareth, who commutes daily, said: “I have to admit that people-watching in the subway is one of my favourite activities – how people are dressed, what kind of life they have. Now I can make new friends or even find a new date.” The site hopes to make money by displaying advertising based on the passenger's selected location and there are plans to expand the service to a further 65 cities in the future. ■ F emale readers of The Bugle should be warned that if they are planning to travel to Paris, they should not pack any trousers. That is unless a group of MPs are successful in repealing a 200-year-old law that bans women from wearing trousers in the nation’s capital. The rule was introduced in 1799 by Paris’ chief of police and demanded that any woman wishing to “dress like a man” should obtain special permission from the city’s main police station. Although the rule has survived successive attempts to remove it from the books, it has been watered down over the years. In 1892, the wearing of trousers became tolerated “as long as the woman is holding the reins of a horse”. This became further relaxed in 1909 when women who were “on a bicycle or holding it by the handlebars” were also allowed to ‘dress like men’. An attempt in 1969 to remove the unfashionable rule was rejected by the chief of police of the time, with the response: “It is unwise to change texts which foreseen or unforeseen variations in fashion can return to the fore”. If you do find yourself stopped by the fashion police and you have left your horse and bicycle at home, feel free to point out that another of Paris’ rules makes trousers compulsory for all Parisian police women; so a large percentage of the capital’s law enforcers are all also breaking the law! ■ www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 SPORT ♦ 11 French World Cup squad unveiled F has 107 caps, but has not played for his country since June 2009. “We have been following Pat for a while, hoping he could make it to the World Cup,” Domenech said. “It's a difficult moment. We tried, he did too. It's tough but there comes a time when you need to make a decision”. back William Gallas, who is struggling to recover from a calf injury. There had been hopes that Manchester City’s Patrick Vieira would make an international comeback, but that was not to be. The 33-year-old ex-skipper His omission means that for the first time since France lifted the World Cup in 1998, they head into a major tournament without any of the players that beat Brazil 3-0 on that famous night. Current captain, Thierry Henry, was in the 1998 squad but did not play in the final. Also in the final squad are Manchester United's Patrice Evra, Chelsea pair Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka along with Gallas’ Arsenal team-mates Gaël Clichy, Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna. Domenech had reassuring Ribéry problems will continue after the World Cup words for Benzema, who has endured a difficult year on and off the pitch. “Karim has talent and he will come back,” Domenech said. “He's had a difficult season with Real and we needed players who were fresh and hungry.” Along with probable starter Franck Ribéry, Benzema is embroiled in the prostitution scandal that threatened to overshadow France’s World Cup preparations. According to Liberation newspaper, the police investigation into whether Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema knowingly paid for sex with an underage escort girl has been put on hold until after the World Cup. “We're not moving till the World Cup is over,” a police insider told Liberation. “There is no rush. The implications are too serious.” It means that France will not lose the services of the influential Ribéry, but the scandal looks set to pick up after the World Cup. The public has been lapping up more salacious details about how a blonde Algerian-born teenager called Zahia Dehar Ms Dehar recently told ParisMatch how she was flown to Munich (Ribéry currently plays for Bayern-Munich) in April last year on the occasion of his 26th birthday. The problem is that at the time Ms Dehar was 17 years old. Under French law, paid sex with someone under the age of 18 is regarded as sex with a minor and punishable by three years in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros. Dehar insisted she never told her age either to Mr Ribéry or to the Real Madrid player Karim Benzema, with whom she also claims to have had paid sex. The key question is who paid for her ticket to Munich, because that would have necessarily required information on her date of birth. No charges have currently been raised and the investigation will now continue after the World Cup finals. France are in Group A and England are in Group C. If England and France both win their groups, they will potentially meet in the quarterfinals. Similarly, if England and France both finish second in their groups, they will meet in the quarter-finals. All other permutations mean the earliest the two sides could meet would be the final what a game that would be! ■ Blanc to become new France Manager F ormer World Cup winner, Laurent Blanc, has quit as coach of Bordeaux and will take over as manager of France after the World Cup. The French federation confirmed: “We have reached an agreement with Laurent Blanc as the coach of France.” SIRET: 498 499 193 00015 It was a challenge for me but I will not be able to play one last major tournament for France Patrick Viera “It was a challenge for me but I will not be able to play one last major tournament for France," Vieira told Canal Plus television. “He [Domenech] made a choice on sporting grounds, I accept that.” worked as a €2,000-a-night escort to some of the biggest names in French football. © 2008 Rani777 - wikicommons Every country must name a 23-player squad by the 1st June, but Domenech had promised to name his final squad well in advance. Defender Planus is the extra man retained in the squad as fears continue over the fitness of Arsenal’s centre- SIRET: 512 218 983 00017 There was no place in coach Raymond Domenech’s plans either for Arsenal's Samir Nasri, Manchester City's Patrick Vieira and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema. © 2009 Steindy - wikicommons rance will take uncapped duo, Mathieu Valbuena and Marc Planus, to the World Cup in South Africa after trimming their squad down to the final 24 players. Goalkeeper Mickaël Landreau, defenders Rod Fanni and Adil Rami, midfielder Yann M'Vila and forwards Hatem Ben Arfa and Jimmy Briand were the players dropped from the squad. The former Manchester United player won 97 caps for France and was part of the team that lifted the World Cup in 1998 although controversially missed the final itself after being sent off in the semi-final following a scuffle with Croatia’s Slaven Bilic. Laurent Blanc had a glittering 2009 managerially, guiding Bordeaux to a league and cup double, although his side struggled in 2010, ending the year without any silverware. He replaces Raymond Domenech after the World Cup. Domenech has been the manager of France since 2004, but has been unpopular with fans since a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, where they picked up only one point and finished bottom of their group. ■ Free tickets for women at PSG The owners of Paris-SaintGermain football club have come up with an innovative new way to try and curb increasing levels of fan violence and bring a more family feel back to the Parc des Princes stadium. From next season, PSG will be offering free tickets to women and half-price tickets to under-16s, as well as creating dedicated stands for families and children. PSG’s chairman, Robin Leproux, said the radical plan’s aim was to “pacify the Parc des Princes and restore the club’s image”. Bertrand Delanoë, the mayor of Paris, said the new plan “gives the club the means to smash the culture of hatred and violence that has for too long pitted stands and groups of supporters against each other”. Other tough measures taken to battle the growing hooliganism at the club include banning season tickets in the ‘kops’ at either end of the pitch, the scenes of weekly clashes between rival ultraviolent fans. Instead, supporters will now have to buy individual tickets with randomly allocated seat numbers. ■ Please be aware that the deadline for all submissions for content and advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month’s print edition. JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE Le cock-a-doodle-do? Chapters of a In the most recent edition of his monthly column CHICKEN CORNER, Paul Lay worries for one of his 'girls' and considers what language is best to talk to her in. You can find all his previous columns at www.thebugle.eu/archive/ Louise Catterall moved to France with her years ago when she was 10 years old. In this umn, Louise shares her experiences of being growing up in a foreign land. Chapter 7 - Pe Several years ago I bought my first few chicks for the princely sum of three euros each, and have been keeping a small flock going ever since. What started off as a bit of fun and a way to get cheap eggs has turned into a minor obsession, and now I couldn’t imagine life without ‘my girls’ roaming around the back garden. The idea behind my column here is just to share with you my experiences of raising chickens and offer my thoughts on chicken-related matters. those who have not been following this column). © 2008 uphilldowndale I have moved her to a separate field and have been cooking her favourite treat of buttered pasta and the wound has now healed over nicely. But she is a very frail old lady; she is still not really getting up and moving around and has stopped preening herself… I fear she may be on Cock spurs - better for fighting than for loving! injuries over the years from the spurs of over-eager cockerels. A few weeks ago I noticed she was hiding in the bushes and behaving sluggishly. A quick once-over soon revealed a one-inch gash on her flank, no doubt courtesy of Mr French’s amorous advances (Mr French is the resident cockerel for her last legs. I will be genuinely upset if she moves on to the great courtyard in the clouds. Sat out in the garden with her, hand feeding her bits of pasta and talking to her I have been reminded of a conversation I had with a French neighbour a while ago: French chickens do not speak the same language as English ones. As every schoolchild knows, cockerels go ‘cock-a-doodle-do’. Well, apparently not! This side of the Channel they go ‘cocorico’. I had always assumed that the word was onomatopoeic, like flip-flops, quack and bang and I suppose it is to a certain extent. But how can chickens say both ‘cock-a-doodle-do’ AND ‘cocorico’? The two words sound nothing alike! The next time you hear a cockerel, try saying ‘cocorico’ at the same time in your head. I have tried; it doesn’t work for me, although if I had grown up shouting ‘cocorico’ into the ears of my sleeping siblings, maybe it would be different. In fact (and I’m not trying to get political here, these are only chickens after all) Britain seems to stand alone against the rest of Europe on this one. The Spanish cockerels rouse the world to the sound of ‘quiquiriquí’; Italian farmers awake to calls of ‘chicchirichì’; and even our Germanic cousins, with whom we share a language root, cry ‘Kikeriki’…. Not a doodle in sight (or rather sound)! I don’t know where Mr French went to school, but he definitely has a doodle in there somewhere. When you think about it, chicken language is all around us (I believe that, subconsciously, you are all as obsessed with chickens as me!) Who doesn’t regularly tell their friends: “Oh, I’ve been running around like a headless chicken!”; “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”; “You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket”? And come on ladies, be honest now, have you hand on heart never declared about someone’s estimated age: “Well, she’s no spring chicken!” Who hasn’t indulged in a game of chicken when they were young or wondered which came first: the egg or the chicken? Chickens even have their very own ‘genre’ of jokes… why exactly did that chicken cross the road? Here’s hoping that Bertha pulls through, although I fear an obituary may be coming next month. I have many fond memories of Bertha, but she’s had a good life and let’s face it… she’s no spring chicken. Until next month! ■ Do you: Have you: Are you: Would you: When we discovered we had mice, we tried everything, including the humane traps and the wooden traps. Then, whilst we were skulking around the pest control aisle, trying not to draw attention to ourselves, a woman kindly approached and suggested we try mouse poison. We hadn't wanted to try the © 2009 www.forfun.us S ad times are afoot in the yard this month. My favourite chicken, Bertha, is the last survivor of my original flock from way back when. I have had a soft spot for her since day one; she has always been the friendliest of all my girls and loves to sit beside me and eat from my hand. Unfortunately for her, she obviously has some serious chicken mojo and has always been an even bigger hit with the gentlemen. As a result, she has suffered a few B efore we moved to France, if you got mice in your house it was like a dirty taboo. You felt embarrassed to say that something had been nibbling at the cereal in your cupboard and if you did buy a trap, you felt equally embarrassed. The way I remember everyone getting rid of mice in England, and the way they probably still do, is to humanely catch them with the safety traps that are like cages, as opposed to the good old Tom and Jerry cartoon traps that unsuspecting victims can catch their fingers in. A latter-day reincarnat poison, but we were getting desperate! So, we picked the ‘good’ poison, if there is such a thing, by recommendation of the nice French lady and left with a product called SOURICIDE. It made us giggle at the play on words and we followed instructions Please be aware that the deadline for all submissions for content and advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month’s print edition. Advertise your business here This advert costs from just €34/month Call 05.55.41.17.76 for more information Speak English and French? Got experience working in sales? IT literate? Like to earn money working from home? The Bugle is looking for experienced salespeople to help grow our expanding business, so if the answer to the above is YES, then why not send us a CV and covering letter and join our exciting team. Email: jobs@thebugle Closing date extended to: 15/06/2010 www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13 a teen expat - Pesky mice tion of Danger Mouse about using old coffee lids as containers and then watched while the poor, doomed mice took grains of bright red poison back to their hiding places. At first, we never really found their bodies; I guess we just expected them to die in their sleep. But one day, while sprawled out over the couch due to a broken leg (regular readers will be familiar with my love of A&E departments!) with three friends round to pay me a visit, one of my friends jumped up shouting "Souris! SOURIS!!!" The others turned and saw the mouse bounding up and down across the room – it was heading straight towards us! By this point we were all screaming. A crazy, lunatic mouse was charging headfirst for the three teenage girls sat on the floor. So what did they do? Conforming to stereotype, my three friends leapt off the floor and straight onto the couch… the one that I was lying on with my right leg in cast!! Mum must have heard the shouts of "Souris" and "Watch my leg!!" and came running in, saw the mouse, and ran away again. "Deserter" I shouted after her. To her credit, she did come back and managed to trap the mouse in a Tupperware box. We calmed down a bit and Mum took the mad mouse down the road into the country to release it, but when she opened the box to set it free she found it dead… That's when my friends told me the mouse must have been a Souricide mouse. Apparently, eating the red grains of mouse poison causes them to have a massive rush of adrenaline and they hop, skip and a jump everywhere like lunatics before succumbing to its effects. At least from then on we knew what to expect. We have since seen many mice jumping all over the place and always tried to stay calm, but usually we still end up running from the room screaming or jumping up on the furniture (I made sure from then on that no one jumped on my couch when I was lying on it). It is a truly terrifying sight to see a mouse making a beeline for you squeaking and bounding up and down – it’s so scary! So we have upgraded to the ultimate pest control; better than Souricide, because it gets rid of moles, shrews and any small bird it can catch. This new form of mouse © 2009 Baloo - www.baloocartoons.com family seven s regular colg a teen expat esky mice! Readers’ Contributions control does have its drawbacks, though: you have to feed it and take care of it. I'm talking, of course, about a cat. We got two when they were kittens. The dog got on well with them and as soon as they started roaming the house and garden, they began to earn their keep. Catching mice and moles was once a big problem for us, but the cats were brilliant at hunting them. But be warned… cats have a huge drawback: not the food bill or the vet’s bill for making sure you don’t end up with more kittens… it’s their constant craving for attention! My cat decided one day that she was jealous that I was getting so much attention over a new pair of boots. So she disappeared out of Dubbing - the key to overseas success J ames Cameron’s movie, Avatar, is the highest grossing movie of all time. The Oscar-winning animated epic was the first 3D blockbuster and has marked a seismic shift in Hollywood towards 3D movies. According to recent figures the film has taken $748 million in America, and a further $1.97 billion worldwide. That means over 72% of the film’s earnings have been generated overseas, a very high proportion for a mainstream Hollywood movie. Most of that overseas market is in non-English-speaking countries, which makes dubbing a very important part of the business for film distributors. For those of us originally from English-speaking countries, there are always plenty of films to choose from in our mother tongue, be they British or American. For those partial to foreign language ‘art-house’ movies, subtitling will more often than not be the substitute of choice. Dubbing conjures up images of poorly lip-synched martial arts movies from the seventies, and is usually Voice-over artists will then be cast to play the roles. Often the same voice-over artist will be used to voice the same actor in different films. Koichi Yamadera, for I swear as I looked down, horror struck, at my cat, if she could talk she would have said: "Look what I got!" ■ French Culture mouth movements. Actors using the standard technique can perform about 10 lines an hour, but those using ‘rhythmo band’ can often produce three times that and many believe the synching is also better. synonymous with poor production standards. Not so for the rest of the world, where it is big business. Movie posters in France will typically carry a sign: VO (version originale), VOST (version originale sous-titrée) or most commonly VF (version française), the version that will be dubbed. Big Hollywood movies are always dubbed into French, Spanish and German as these all represent large cinema-going markets. Often, there will be two Spanish versions, one for Spain and one for Latin America. The first step in the dubbing process is to have a native speaker translate the dialogue word for word into the host language. This raw translation will then be tweaked to try and match the words to the mouth movements of the actors in the original, with particular attention paid to labial consonants (those that cause the mouth to close such as B, M and P). the room, and as I twirled around in the kitchen boasting about my new footwear for the umpteenth time, she sneaked in and to the amusement of everyone, placed a dead mouse on my foot, right on top of one of my lovely new boots! Avatar has taken nearly $2 billion in overseas markets - 20TH CENTURY FOX instance, is the official Jim Carrey of Japan. Closer to home, Canadian Richard Darbois is the dubbed voice of Harrison Ford and Patrick Swayze. Celebrity voice-overs are also common for animated movies, with Disney recently persuading the French singing legend Charles Aznavour to voice the lead role in the movie Up. In standard dubbing technique, the voice-over artist will read from a script whilst watching a video. Three beeps will sound and the artist will begin to deliver their line on the fourth ‘imaginary’ beep. The French use a different technique called ‘rhythmo band’. As the movie plays, the lines of dialogue will scroll across the bottom of the screen in calligraphy. This writing will stretch and compress in different places, indicating precisely how to fit the words into the character's Good dubbing is a skill and the top voice-over artists can build a following and achieve significant popularity, such as Roger Carel, probably the most famous of all French voice-over artists. In his time he has regularly played, amongst others, Asterix, C-3PO, Alf, Winnie the Pooh, Benny Hill, Hercule Poirot and Kermit – quite a mix! Occasionally, bilingual actors will dub themselves: Jean Réno often provides the voiceover for his own roles in many of his movies. Finally, the English voices are stripped from the original soundtrack to create what is called an M&E track (Music and Effects track). The new voice-over is then overlaid onto the M&E track and you are ready to more than double the profits of your movie in lucrative overseas markets. ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 14 ♦ FEATURE Faites de la musiqu This month, Bugle reader, part-time jazz musician and self-styled 'real' jazz lover, Graham Martindale, shares his passion for jazz. He explores the history of New Orleans jazz in France and lets us know where we can catch some 'real' jazz around the Limousin. (ED - I will defend myself from charges of nepotism by stating that I am no relation to Graham. In fact, he is the only other 'Martindale' I have ever met in the wild!) M y interest in music started early in life playing my grandmother’s 78s of music hall songs and watching my father play ragtime and jazz piano, something I regrettably never mastered, and listening to his 78 records of Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. When I was in my early teens a friend brought us an egg-timershaped wood and goat skin drum from Africa which, as a teenager I turned into my own drum kit, accompanying my father with a hairbrush, biscuit jar lid and knitting needle. Our duo never made it beyond the living room but it did lead to me eventually buying a drum kit which I still have today and which has seen me through forty years of pleasure playing with some wonderful New Orleans style and traditional jazz musicians throughout the north of England. Jazz music has taken many a twist and turn as it has evolved in the twentieth century but what I will call “real” jazz has never varied a great deal from its New Orleans roots. Yes, it has wobbled a bit along the way but there are still bands throughout the world dedicated to keeping the music alive; music which, from the first note of the improvised melody can set your feet a-tapping. Jazz started in New Orleans, evolving from an abundance of musical styles brought into the city in the late 19th century by cultures ranging from French aristocracy to African slaves. Via the cotton field blues singers through the red light piano bars and on to the brass bands playing funerals and carnivals, jazz evolved into an improvised music played by the city’s black community offering entertainment by small groups of musicians playing at picnics, house parties, church halls and street parades; music for fun and dancing. Many New Orleans musicians moved out of the city in the early 1920’s, some to the west coast but many to Chicago where a thriving jazz scene evolved. The records of Joe ‘King’ Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong made in the 20’s hold testament to the talent which settled in the Windy City. The advent of radio and particularly recordings on 78 disc meant that jazz music began to be heard throughout the United States and on into Europe. Black musicians arrived in London and Paris and toured provincial theatres starting the European jazz revolution. The Paris district of Montmartre saw the springing up of jazz cafes and theatrical shows based around the music, starting France’s love affair for jazz that remains to this day. There are “genuine jazz” lovers and “genuine” jazz lovers there IS a difference!! In 1932 the writer and jazz enthusiast Hugues Panassié founded the Hot Club de France, an association for “genuine jazz” lovers as opposed to “genuine” jazz lovers - there IS a difference!! The Hot Club has its headquarters in Paris, today presided over by François Desbrosses, but with eight regional Clubs, one of which is on our doorstep in Limoges. There is more information available on www. hot-club.asso.fr/club/plan2. htm#adresses the outbreak of WWII. Jazz was non-existant in France during the war, banned by the Nazi regime, but gradually came back to life in the late forties, reaching new heights during the 50’s which saw more American stars in the traditional jazz style touring the country such as Mezz Mezzrow (who lived here for many years), Lee Collins and drummer Zutty Singleton. There are perhaps two “adopted” Frenchmen whose talents and indeed, genius, have made them France’s most well-loved jazz musicians. Guitarist Django Reinhardt who was born in Belgium in 1910, stepped outside the realms of the jazz norm to create his own individual style and sound. The Quintet du Hot Club de France comprising Django, his brother Joseph and Roger Chaput, both also on guitar, plus Louis Vola on double bass and Stefan Grappelli on violin, created some memorable “gypsy style” jazz never heard before. Utterly unique, the quintet played together from 1934, touring Europe until 1939 and reforming after the war with a slightly different personnel under Django’s leadership. The other is Sidney Bechet, the virtuoso clarinet and soprano saxophone player from New Orleans. He became France’s adopted son when he returned to the country in 1949. He had played in France in 1919 but was jailed and subsequently deported after a shoot-out which injured a passer-by. Bechet was a true genious and master of his craft. From his late teens he was the star attraction in many bands touring America and Europe and went on to produce some of the most memorable jazz records heard dedicated to Traditional and New Orleans jazz, bur the nearest to us is the Musiques de la Nouvelle Orleans at Louis Armstrong toured France in the 1930s playing throughout the country with visiting American jazz musicians and, in the early days of his residency, with Claude Luter’s band. We are also lucky to have the Hot Club de Limoge’s local jazz radio station Swing FM which you can listen to on 101.2 fm or on-line or at www.swingfm.asso.fr/html/ index-en.html Many American jazz musicians have toured France since the early 1920’s. Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Duke Ellington toured here in the 1930’s, others remained in the country until throughout the 20th century. Apart from a short period back in the States, he lived in France until his death in 1959, Adpoted Frenchman, Django Reinhardt Traditional and New Orleans jazz remains alive and well throughout the world but, like any form of entertainment be it opera, ballet or pop, you have to know where to look for it. There are around forty jazz festivals held in France between June and August this year. They are not all totally Périgueux from 9th to 13th August which, I am pleased to say, is very much dedicated to the New Orleans tradition and this year features native New Orleanians Evan Christopher and Wendell Brunious. If anyone is interested in learning more about or listening to “real” jazz you can contact me by email [email protected] I will be delighted to hear from you. Graham Martindale www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 FEATURE ♦ 15 ue on the 21st June The Regional Cultural Affairs Directorate in Limoges (6, rue Haute de la Comédie Tel: 05 55 45 66 00) coordinates events in the Limousin. Your local and regional information websites and tourist offices will have details of all local events and attractions. See also the official festival website: www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr Fête de la Musique - a worldwide celebration T he Fête de la Musique is an annual music festival that takes place on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice – June 21st. The festival has grown into a huge tourist attraction with the concept now taken on in more than a hundred countries worldwide, from Brisbane to Brussels. The Fête de la Musique is also known internationally as World Music Day. For an event to be officially sanctioned by the Fête de la Musique organization in Paris it must be free to the public The idea for the Fête de la Musique originated in 1976 with the American musician Joel Cohen who was working at the time for radio station France Musique. He proposed an allnight music event to celebrate the summer solstice. The idea was picked up by the director of music and dance for the ministry of culture, Maurice Fleuret. The minister for culture, Jack folk, brass band, classical or country. The second aim of the day is to engage the wider public with music of all types and genre – all concerts are in public and free. Two conditions for an event to be officially sanctioned by the Fête de la Musique organization in Paris are that all concerts must be free to the public, and all performers donate their time for free. Jack Lang - festival founder Lang gave the project the green light and the first Fête de la Musique was held in France in June 1982. There are two founding principles behind the day, the first of which is to get amateur musicians to perform in public. One of the slogans of the festival in France is “Faites de la musique!” (literally ‘make music’ – faites is a homophone of fête in this play on words). Musicians of all standards, particularly the younger generation are encouraged to get out into the streets to show off their musical talent whether it be for pop, Across the country, cafés, bars and clubs are given late licenses and streets are pedestrianised to make way for open air concerts. There are also a number of paid concerts organised to coincide with the day, but these may not officially be promoted unde the Fête de la Musique banner. The official Fête website is www. fetedelamusique.culture.fr There is also an English pdf sheet available which gives more information www. fetedelamusique.culture.fr/medias/ kit_int_en.pdf Whatever your interest, you are encouraged to get out on the 21st of June and show what you can do and, if you’re not participating, just go out and enjoy the music; it’s all free! ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 16 ♦ FRENCH LIFE Peak Oil - when will the wells run dry? If we put aside the Carbon Footprint argument, our dependence on oil reaches far further than planes, trains and automobiles. Okay, you might be able to convert your car to run on chip fat, but for aircraft it’s a whole different ball game and there’s no getting away from the fact that transport is now a vital part of our everyday lives. Oil is used in literally hundreds of products. Here are a few examples: CD’s and all plastic materials (including many of the materials used for clothing); candles; milk cartons; polishes; paints and varnishes; fertilisers; food additives; medicines; rubbish bags; car tyres; synthetic rubber; the colour used in pen inks – the list goes on and on. All use petrochemicals and the main ingredient in petrochemicals is oil. Another common use of petrochemicals is in some pesticides and like them or not, without the use of pesticides, the food we eat would cost a lot more; some experts believe food production would only be half of what it is today without the use of pesticides. Did you know it even takes a significant amount of oil to ‘grow’ a cow?!! The term ‘Peak Oil’ refers to a time when demand for oil will outstrip supply. Some think this will be as soon as five years from now and although nobody really knows it is widely accepted that by the year 2030 we will have passed the peak of conventional oil production. From that moment on, the output of conventional oil reserves goes into terminal decline. Because of the need to find new supplies, oil prices will have to go up and remember this is a finite resource that took several million years to create. The highest user of oil is the USA with China holding second place; however, both of these countries are also the biggest investors in renewable technology. France holds thirteenth place in this oil consumer’s list; maybe that is one of the reasons for the failed attempt to introduce the carbon tax on oil? So what can we, as individuals, do to Reporting a crime © 2009 Divulgação Petrobras / Agência Brasil W e use 85 million barrels of oil every single day, which is enough to fill over 5,000 Olympic swimming pools. Demand is expected to keep on rising but does it really matter? Environment The world currently uses 85 million barrels of oil a day help conserve resources? In the home, one of the largest domestic consumers of oil is oil fuelled boilers. It is possible to dramatically reduce the consumption of these (by 90% or more) by fitting an air to water heat pump that can simply be coupled to your existing oil boiler without disrupting your central heating system. Okay, it’s electricity but it’s an efficient way of using electricity and whatever your views, most of our power comes from nuclear sources in France which is ‘clean’ energy. Go one step further and start producing some of your own electricity with a wind turbine or solar photovoltaic system, or fit a solar hot water system and enjoy free hot water courtesy of the sun. Practical Local lawyer, Laure CHAVERON, explains how to report a crime in France. How to report a crime If you find yourself victim of a crime in France the law allows you to demand justice and to seek redress, whether it be a violent act by a neighbour or someone you know, a burglary, or even repeated antisocial behaviour. France’s two security forces - the police and the gendarmerie – deal with the reporting of crimes. The police are responsible for urban areas; the gendarmerie is responsible for rural areas. dialling 17. Between the hours of 6 pm and 8 am your call will be transferred automatically to a central exchange who will answer your call immediately. Your call will be picked up by a gendarme who will be able to advise you on how to proceed and will notify his colleagues if necessary. The evening switchboard is in contact with all gendarmes on patrol at that time. Where to report a crime In France, you must report a crime at a police/gendarmerie station. You can not report a non-urgent crime to a police officer/gendarme in the street. Instead they will direct you to the nearest police/gendarmerie station where you will need to complete a Statement of Facts. You can report a crime in any gendarmerie or police station, be it the closest to your home or work or the closest to the scene of the crime. How quickly must I report a crime? It is always advisable to report a crime as soon as possible. While this is not always possible, be aware of the time limits set out in French law (in ascending order of gravity): - 1 year for contraventions - 3 years for délits (burglary, theft, injuries) - 10 years for crimes on adults and 20 years for minors The crime will be dealt with by the establishment nearest to where the offence was committed. If you report a crime at a different gendarmerie/police station, the case will be transferred to the relevant gendarmerie/police station. When is it compulsory to report a crime? A crime must be reported if: - the victim wants the public prosecutor to prosecute the perpetrator of the crime - the victim is seeking compensation You can also report a crime by writing a detailed letter to the public prosecutor (Procureur de la République). It is advisable to send your letter (in French) by recommended post with proof of receipt. NOTE: This article explains how to report a crime to the gendarmerie. The same steps need to be taken when reporting an incident to the police. Can I report a crime in English? Details of the crime are required by law to be recorded in French. If you are not able to express yourself in French you may report the crime to an English-speaking gendarme (see page 6 for a list of Englishspeaking gendarmes in Creuse) or present yourself at a gendarmerie with someone who can assist with translation. If you don’t know anyone who can help translate for you, the gendarmes will call in the services of a translator. The incident took place during the night. Can I call the gendarmes straight away or do I need to wait until the morning? You should call straight away only in the case of an emergency, either by calling the telephone number of your local gendarmerie or by How do you assess the crime? The crime is either of a bodily or material nature. Settlement will involve the granting of damages & interests i.e. a sum of money. The difficulty lies in determining how much to award. 2 examples: - If the crime involves bodily harm, the victim will be assessed by their GP or a judicial doctor to determine the nature, extent and cause of the injuries & conduct further examinations if necessary. - If the crime is material, you will be required to provide documents or bills to determine the value of the loss For more information on this topic, contact: Laure CHAVERON, Avocat 5 rue Henri Beaune, 23230 Gouzon Téléphone 05 55 80 15 76 Email : [email protected] http://avocats.fr/space/laure.chaveron Grow your own veg - it’s easy, productive and rewarding; eat less meat; buy local produce; and perhaps most important of all - recycle everything you can. ■ Arthur Smith Harlequin Developments www.harlequindevelopments.com Tel: 05.55.68.67.56 Mob: 06.06.60.46.97 Pork with Camembert Médaillons de Porc au Camembert Recipes provided by Chef George and compiled by Frances of La Grande Maison (Tables et Chambres d’Hôtes), Chénérailles www.grandemaison-chenerailles.com This recipe originates from Normandy where they have wonderful produce, most notably Camembert and Cider. This is a good recipe for a dinner party and easy to make. You can replace the crème fraîche with whipping cream. Ingredients (Serves 4): 450g/1lb pork fillet 15g/1tbsp butter 45ml/3tbsp dry cider 175ml/6fl oz crème fraîche 15ml/1tbsp fresh chopped mixed herbs (marjoram, thyme and sage) 75g/3oz camembert without rind and sliced 7.5ml/1½ tsp Dijon mustard Freshly ground black pepper Fresh chopped parsley to garnish 1. Slice pork into small steaks about 2 cm thick. With a rolling pin flatten between 2 sheets of cling film, to about 1 cm thick, and sprinkle with pepper. 2. Melt butter in a frying pan, on a medium heat. Add pork fillet and cook for 5 minutes, until just cooked. The fillets should be springy when pressed. Transfer to a dish and keep warm. 3. Using the same pan in which you have cooked the pork, add the cider and bring to the boil, deglazing any residue from the pan. Add crème fraîche and herbs, and bring back to the boil. 4. Add the camembert and Dijon mustard and any juices from the warmed pork. Check your seasoning to taste, serve over the pork and garnish with chopped parsley. www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 FRENCH LIFE ♦ 17 Practical • Over 1,900 local, registered English-speaking businesses listed • Free private classified ads • Essential practical information • It’s your Limousin meeting-place and market-place, in cyperspace! Road Traffic Accidents in France Information on what to do when you have a road traffic accident on French roads: who to call and how to fill in the accident report document - the constat amiable d'accident given to you by your insurer after a car crash. I t is obligatory for all cars in France to have third party liability auto insurance (other motor insurance: fire, theft, vandalism is optional). If you are involved in an accident or car crash, this insurance covers any injury or damage that you may cause to another party and may include cover of any legal costs that may be incurred (check details with your insurer). On signing for motor insurance, the agent will provide you with a green card (carte verte) which must be displayed in the car windscreen. This serves as proof of valid liability insurance and is accepted throughout Europe in countries which are signatories of the Green Card System. The insurance agent will also provide an accident report sheet - the constat amiable d'accident - which should always be kept in the car, along with a pen. In the event of an accident with no serious injuries, and if both drivers agree on the facts, there is no obligation to contact the police, however all parties must still complete the accident report in order to benefit from insurance. The constat is an agreed statement of terms. It is to be filled out at the scene of the accident; it is purely a statement of facts not an establishment of blame. Information required includes place of accident, names of witnesses, names of drivers with driver licence details (you should always carry your licence with you), and details of the insurers. The Accident Report Sheet • For an English translation of the accident report, it can be downloaded from: http://www.ericblairnet.com/useful.html (this could be printed and kept in the car) If there are any injuries, contact the police: call either 112 or 17. Do not sign any paperwork if you do not understand it, it can be used as evidence. If you do not understand the paperwork, contact the police (tel: 112 or 17). A Minor Incident • Move to a safe place and alert oncoming traffic by placing your red warning triangle 30 metres down the road. • If two cars were involved, use either your constat amiable d'accident or that of the other party (only one form needs to be filled out as there are carbon copies for each party). • If more than two cars are involved, a separate constat form should be completed with each party (and if your vehicle was pushed on to a vehicle in front, mention it). • Both drivers fill out the constat, agreeing the basic circumstances surrounding the accident. There are written and graphic descriptions of the accident. • Both parties then sign the completed document; this is a very important document and can be used as evidence. If a driver refuses to sign the form, make a note of the registration number and take the details of any witnesses or police officers. Once the form has been successfully filled in, you have five days to return it to your insurer. If neither driver has a constat available then the report can be done by letter and sent to the insurance company within five days. The insurance companies will then analyse the evidence to assign responsibility. Note: The French insurance industry has a "no claims bonus" structure so it is possible for drivers to agree to pay independently for the damage to protect their "no claims" status and avoid further long-term costs. Even if this is agreed at the scene, it is still advisable to complete the constat as a back-up. A Serious Accident • Move to a safe place and alert oncoming traffic with the warning triangle. • Contact the police or the gendarmes as soon as possible. • Fill out the constat amiable d'accident. If this is not possible due to driver injury, a passenger or witness can do it. • Take the names and addresseses and insurance details of all parties involved and the registration numbers of the vehicles. • Take the names and addresses of any witnesses. Try to obtain as many as possible. • If you are hospitalised the authorities will deal with the paperwork on your behalf. • If you are not hospitalised get a medical certificate stating your injuries. • Keep any clothes or items damaged as a result of the accident. • If you are not injured but have suffered a shock (loss of consciousness, nose bleed), then seek medical advice after the accident and send the report to the insurance company, the social security and the medical insurers. • If a third party is responsible then their insurance company will contact you. Full information on the legal proceeding surrounding road traffic accidents can be found at the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) website: http://www.fevr.org/anwbfevr E france.htm ■ The above article has been provided to The Bugle by AngloINFO Limousin. Please visit... http://limousin.angloinfo.com/ ... to find more information on this and a number of other useful topics. www.angloinfo.com Vide-greniers - rules and regulations with a brocante, where the professionals’ stalls are instantly recognisable by the price labels (and the prices!) Vide-greniers usually take place at weekends or on public holidays and the Limousin will host hundreds of these events each year. To find one near you visit your local tourist information office or consult The Bugle What’s On pages for a selection organised this month. Recent changes in law mean that the rules for vide-greniers are strict. Private individuals are only allowed to sell their own, used goods and may take part in no more than 2 vide-greniers per year. These restrictions are in place to ensure that people are only selling personal effects and are not making a living out their sale. Profits do not need to be declared for income tax. As a participant you will need to sign up to take part and provide organisers with proof of identity and some personal details. You will also need to attest, on your honour, that you have not taken part in more than one other videgreniers this year. As an organiser you are required to provide notice (déclaration préalable de vente) to the mayor of the commune in which the sale is taking place: at least 3 months before the event if it is in a public place and at least 2 weeks before the event if it is not in a public place (e.g. in a private garden). You will also need to compile a register of sellers (registre des vendeurs) which must be readily available during the event to the © 2008 Mica - wikicommons I n the summer months in France, many small towns and villages hold their annual vide-greniers. Vide-greniers literally means ‘empty your attics’ in French and they are a combination of a village fete and a car boot sale. For sellers they are a chance to sell unwanted bits and bobs you have lying around the house and are often more of a social outing among villagers than a serious attempt to make money. Buyers can pick up all sorts of things you didn’t know you needed at knockdown prices. Sometimes they are combined tax and customs authorities if requested and which must be deposited with the mayor in the 8 days following the event. Ignoring these rules could mean that you risk heavy fines and even imprisonment for carrying out unauthorized commerce. For more information on organizing or participating in a vide-greniers visit www.vide-greniers.org ■ JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 18 ♦ DIRECTORY "Advertising in The Bugle turned out to be a very good decision. Not only does it bring us many new clients from across central France, but to our surprise, a growing number of these clients seem to be French who read The Bugle too." It couldn’t be easier to place an advert in The Bugle Business Directory and reach over 9,000 English speakers across Central France every month. Prices start from as little as €15 / month that’s less than 50 cents a day! Your advert will also appear in our Online Business Directory free of charge: Richard Kroon - Houses on Internet www.thebugle.eu/directory.php (see ad page 3) THE BUGLE Accommodation La Petite Maison Beautiful 2-person gîte in the heart of Creuse. Perfect for house-hunters & holidaymakers alike. 05.55.80.04.31 www.la-petite-maison.eu [email protected] SIRET: 518 135 009 00018 La Courede Bed and Breakfast Animals & Pets Comfortable B&B. Two double rooms, en-suite. Guest lounge. Evening meal on request. 20 minutes from Limoges airport. 05 55 71 08 56 06 75 79 28 71 [email protected] www.lacourede.eu Le Grand Bourg, Creuse Pretty village location. Rooms from €20 per night. 45 mins from Limoges airport. Ideal for walking, cycling, fishing, househunting or simply relaxing 05 55 81 08 96 [email protected] The Linden House Self-catering gîte in Creuse Sleeps 6-8 Prices from €250/week Dog Holidays at Valhalla Farm 5 Star Accommodation in our Home (Dept 23). 4 Walks each day & lots of T.L.C. Contact Karen & Darren Tel: 09.64.37.68.87 Mob: 06.28.48.68.93 [email protected] www.valhallafarm.org SIRET: 511 629 610 00011 The Orchard Kennels & Cattery www.thelindenhouse.eu [email protected] Hidden France The Caring Cattery Beautiful traditional old French farmhouse in the Creuse. 3 guest rooms incl a family room. Prices from €38/night 05 55 03 76 87 / 06 30 02 35 73 A purpose built secure cattery. Large individual/family units, tiled floors, shelving, adjoining outside areas. Heated, individual needs catered for. Chambres d’hôtes Le Grand Villard 23150, St-Hilaire-la-Plaine 05.55.81.30.39 www.hiddenfrance.co.uk SIRET: 479 965 758 00010 THE BUGLE DIRECTORY This colour advert costs just €360 per year (€30/month) 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] Luxury dog kennels - Training Pension pour chien - Dressage Certificat de capacité Small & friendly, English run. Viewings welcome. Also available: Pet foods, treats & accessories Contact Dave Grant for details 05 55 67 58 87 www.the-orchard.eu 06.04.17.80.93 [email protected] - 05.55.41.17.76 La Petite Maison dans la Prairie SIRET: 511 679 011 00011 Accommodation Contact us today and let us help you grow your business siret: 504 584 228 00010 Heated, insulated wooden chalets Supplier of Dog and Cat food Aliments pour chien et chats www.chenildanslaprairie.fr Tue - Sun 9h - 18h 21 La Bussière, 23450 Fresselines TEL: 05 55 89 75 55 06 68 66 69 84 / 08 75 23 93 20 SIRET: 477 762 736 00015 NEW!! Champlong Chatterie Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats JUNCT 22 off A20, Arnac la Poste Alison & Ray Tel: 05 55 60 27 83 [email protected] www.champlongchatterie.com SIRET: 520 896 671 00010 Building Services [email protected] SIRET: 494 125 016 00019 Renovating your French property? New build? Dossiers prepared - Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables Tel/Fax: 05 53 52 36 05 [email protected] SIRET: 493 770 358 00015 Entreprise Hines Building & Renovation ● Roofing - New & Repairs ● Masonry ● Plastering ● Dry Lining ● Sand Blasting ● Equestrian Buildings ● Digger/Scaffold Hire ● ... and much, much more www.tbscreuse.com SIRET: 485 369 979 00011 This advert only €15/month SIRET: 503 169 237 00016 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] « LE PLATRIER » Chris the Plasterer A genuine plasterer French and English spoken Traditional Plastering Rendering, Floor Screeding Stud partition dry lining Lime mortar stone pointing FOR A QUOTATION CALL SIRET: 504 612 441 00015 See our Display Ad - pg 3 Tous travaux électriques/All work undertaken Renovations – Installations – Repairs 26 years experience Français/Anglais parlé - Basé en Creuse 05.55.64.04.40 / 06.08.84.29.51 [email protected] 05.55.89.69.46 Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles TBS Creuse COFFIN Laurent Speedy intervention 7/7 www.entreprisehines.com [email protected] [email protected] Complete Building Service ELECTRICITE GENERALE 28 years qualified experience 05 55 63 53 06 Rochechouart Certificate of Capacity. Contact Barbara Architectural DRAWING SERVICE RSW Entreprises Fosse Septique Specialist 05.55.89.11.84 See our Display Ad - pg 7 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts Sand and Blast Sandblasting & Floor Sander hire We provide a fully operated sandblasting service for wood, stone and metal. Perfect for stripping away years of grime or paint. Contact us for a free quote or see our website. www.sandandblast.com 05.55.78.43.71 / 06.67.81.63.46 [email protected] SIRET: 488 522 921 00011 www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 DIRECTORY ♦ 19 C&C Carpentry Carpentry/Joinery/Renovation 30 years experience Fully qualified Friendly reliable service Free estimates Please visit: www.limousincarpenter.com Tel: 05 55 68 35 79 SIRET: 511 294 373 00010 La Noneix Construction & Property Services Established Professional and Personal Building Services. Fully registered with décennale insurance covering all works. Renovations New builds Roofing Stonework Carpentry Ground works Large or small projects undertaken please view our website. Contact: Paul or Joanne Rands 05.55.66.44.06 www.lanoneix.com [email protected] SIRET: 501 144 596 00019 THE BUGLE DIRECTORY This colour advert costs just €270 per year (€22.50/month) 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] Limousin Property Care See our Display Ad - pg 5 Harlequin Developments 05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97 All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken. Harlequin Developments are a System Partner for Ecopower, an established and respected renewable energy company based in the Dordogne. [email protected] www.harlequindevelopments.com SIRET: 494.501.067.00016 THE BUGLE DIRECTORY This colour advert costs just €360 per year (€30/month) 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] La Coterie Entreprise Approved septic tank installer/renovation www.lce23.com See our Display Ad - pg 1 PIERCE ÉLECTRICITÉ WE COVER ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL WORK INCLUDING : ● 3 PHASE ● AGRICULTURAL ● SOLAR PANELS & GEOTHERMICS ● ALARM SYSTEMS AND SATELLITES SUPPLIED AND FITTED WE ALSO SUPPLY SKY BOXES. ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN BY QUALIFIED TRADESMEN. CALL OUT SERVICE AVAILABLE 05 55 60 81 67 06 79 43 03 43 [email protected] SIRET: 504 253 048 00012 This advert only €15/month The deadline for all advertising submissions is the 15th of the month for the following month's print edition. SIRET: 504 976 689 00019 GODSON Travaux Publics www.pilgrim23.com See our Display Ad - pg 28 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts Sunman Carpentry 05.55.60.15.17 06.34.43.55.85 For all your carpentry & renovation projects. Prompt and friendly service with over 25 years experience. Fully registered and insured. Call Simon to discuss your requirements, or visit us at our website: www.sunmancarpentry.com [email protected] SIRET: 495.276.248.00012 Charles Hodencq Electricité Générale French Electrician - fluent English Speaker. Based in Bellac. For all your electrical needs - safety checks, re-wires & renovations 06 24 27 01 86 / 05 55 68 62 26 [email protected] www.charleselec.eu Siret : 503 121 279 00015 Plasterer Platrier - Traditional Plastering - Rendering - Pointing - Stud Partition and dry lining - All work Insured and Guaranteed - Covering depts 87,16 and North 24 Tel: 05.55.89.05.81 [email protected] SIRET: 505 346 148 00016 See our Display Ad - pg 8 Tel: 05 55 68 59 24 Mob: 06 37 71 20 57 [email protected] Computers & Satellites ● Plastering. Drylining. Studwork ● Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors & Windows fitted ● Painting & Decorating etc. Competitive Rates – Call for a free quote Property & Garden Maintenance DIRECTORY Renovations Plasterboarding All Tiling Honest, Reliable Tradesman ● Plastering ● Studwork ● Drylining ● Kitchens ● Bathrooms ● Windows and Doors fitted Whatever your needs just call for a free quote Inside Outside Small jobs no problem! PLASTERING Call: MARK CLOUGH Tel: 09.61.42.55.07 Mobile: 06.43.17.30.51 Email: [email protected] Phillip Williamson 05 55 63 24 94 THE BUGLE SIRET: 502 353 675 00015 CP Renovations All Renovation and Building work undertaken ALAN COOPER Interior Renovations Creusetec Satellite Systems TV/Electronic repairs 0033 (0)5 55 66 60 21 SIRET: 498 849 256 00017 / 512 370 941 00019 SIRET: 510 117 328 00011 [email protected] http://www.creusetec.com Limousin Computers & Satellites Computer Sales, Repairs, Upgrades, Website Design, Internet Setup, Sky/ Freesat TV Installations, French Satellite TV, Dish Alignments, Servicing & Repairs (see our ad on pg 9) 05.55.80.34.52 / 06.23.29.24.70 [email protected] www.limousincomputers.com SIRET: 502 212 269 00018 Property Projects The Design Works www.proprojects.fr [email protected] Tel: 05 55 68 16 70 Siret: 428 824 239 00019 [email protected] Food & Drink C’est cheese Find us at local markets selling a small and tasty selection of excellent quality english cheeses. SIREN: 409 679 578 Satellite Sales, Service, Installations. TV Receiver & Electronic Repairs. Dish alignments. Sky/Freesat/TNT/FTA Systems. Dept 23 & surrounding areas Established over 12 years in Bellac. We continue to offer a professional, personal service, for all your building project needs. From a Kitchen sink to a complete new roof - we are here to help. For more information and to view photos of our work: 05.55.41.17.76 www.cestcheese.fr 05.45.85.31.95 [email protected] Stephen Toner - 05 55 66 98 58 Graham Biggs - 05 55 66 98 47 Email: [email protected] Please call for a free devis. References available on request Bellac, 87 (€30/month) Also available online. For more information, see our NEW website: Internal and External Work Advertise your company here. This advert only costs €15/month costs just €360 per year SIRET: 512 763 178 00013 Petits Travaux Small home renovation or repair Garden maintenance and landscaping We ensure fast, neat, quality work This colour advert Websites/Graphic Design/Illustration See our Display Ad - pg 11 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] Sky TV Installations Sky TV/Tous travaux satellite 05.55.66.33.33 See our Display Ad - pg 3 Le Creusois Bar/Restaurant High quality British & French food at reasonable prices. Menu du Jour €12, Traditional Pub Food, Vegetarian dishes, childrens & snack menus also available 05.55.63.90.79 www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853 The Corner Shop Large range of British foods. Special orders can be catered for. Usually cheaper than the supermarkets!! 5km west of Aubusson 05.55.67.58.87 SIRET: 504 584 228 00010 This advert only €15/month CONTINUED ON PAGE 20... JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 20 ♦ DIRECTORY La Petite Fontaine 15 Grande Rue, Le Dorat Café, Bar and Events Venue Lunch Menu Free WiFi Salad Bar 05.55.60.29.74 [email protected] www.lapetitefontaine.com SIRET: 489 218 636 00012 Vetriano’s, Bellac Chez Toi ~ 05 55 76 01 24 06.42.54.24.26 Close to exit 22 on the A20 Salon de Thé & Bistro Tues - Fri: 09.30 - 17.00, Sun: 11.30 - 15.00 Menu du jour €10 served 12.00 - 14.00, Tues - Fri Outside catering - Hot and cold buffets From €7 per person, min 10 people. Please phone to discuss your requirements. SIRET: 488 369 224 00016 La Récré Auberge Ourdeaux 38, Rue de Limoges, 23150 Ahun Alleyrat, nr Aubusson See our Display Ad - pg 11 Restaurant/Bar 05.55.62.56.44 5 days a week 10am - 8pm Sun 10am -3pm, Wed 8am - 3pm Lunch Mon-Fri 12 - 2 Food served all day incl Sat Evening/Sunday meals please reserve [email protected] www.larecre-ahun.com SIRET: 509 171 740 00012 Le P’tit Marchois Bar 47 Grande Rue 23260 Crocq SIREN: 508 665 692 Chambres/Tables d’hôtes LES PAPILLONS Salon de Thé Menu du jour. Teas, coffees, cream teas and gateaux. Bar & restaurant found in the idyllic setting of Lac de Mondon, Cromac (87160) Varied lunchtime menu du jour (11€ weekday, 15€ weekend) Café le Pont de la Pierre - Bellac See our Display Ad - pg 4 Health & Beauty 1 rue Pierre Chambord, Oradour-sur-Vayres JJ’s Cafe Bar Some customer quotes: ‘...more than just a bar’ ‘....a bit like Allo Allo and Cheers!’ Come and see for yourself! Open all week. 39 Place du Champ de Foire 36140, Aigurande 02 54 06 30 77 [email protected] Bières 23 Independent Brewery See our Display Ad - pg 8 The Exchange Rochechouart SECOND HAND BOOK SHOP. GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS, CARDS, CANDLES AND HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS Tue 2.30pm - 5pm Thu, Fri, Sat 9:15-12:15 & 2:15-5pm 05 55 78 19 24 www.theexchangerochechouart.com 9 rue Dr Charles Poitevin SIRET 484 479 480 00010 Soie et Bois Depot Vente des Vêtements La ferme du Duc noir Free range, rare breed pork See our Display Ad - pg 8 [email protected] www.soiebois.com Tel: 05.55 48.28.89 SIRET: 510 995 681 00010 Au Bon Vivre Comme à la Maison Bric à Brac at Soumans Bar/Restaurant, Parnac See our Display Ad - pg 12 Relais de la Pouge Bar and Restaurant (food all day) St Auvent, Nr Rochechouart See our Display Ad - pg 9 Consider the signs pointing towards a positive outlook for 2010 on the property market: - French and English language - famous brand, web site, advertising - contacts and clients... - auto-entrepreneur scheme Will accompany for settlement 06 45 91 94 52 [email protected] Looking for something special for your home? Come take a look: ● Crockery ● Home furnishings ● Porcelain ● Antiques ● ...much more Tue-Fri 10h-12h & 14h-16h30 Sat-Sun 10h-16h30 7, rue Eugène Romaine, 23600 SOUMANS Tel: 06.98.63.43.35 To raise funds for the SPA dog rescue centre in Guéret. Each item will incur a hire charge of 5 euros, plus a refundable 10 euros deposit. For more INFO or to HIRE Call Jean: 05 55 54 96 36 [email protected] Your Link in France Handholding Service www.your-link-in-france.com See our Display Ad - pg 8 Château Gonflable Bouncy Castle Hire Bouncy castle hire for all events and private parties. Castles for adults and children. From 50 € per day. Fully insured. La Petite Place 05 55 60 06 10 / 06 15 25 11 88 Hair salon, Le Dorat [email protected] www.chateaugonflable.net See our Display Ad - pg 11 Beauty and Holistic Therapy Salon Dress agency and gallery, specialising in designer and high quality pre-owned clothes for women and children, together with accessories, footwear, jewellery, gift items, and hand made furniture. 4 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440 SIRET: 508 754 314 00013 North Haute Vienne, South Poitou, East Charente... SIRET: 510 986 490 00017 The Great British Banger SIRET: 492 546 130 00013 franchise for sale Tel: 06.31.22.26.05 Au Beau Rivage Gifts & Crafts Santé et Beauté 05 55 78 25 18 [email protected] Property Finder General Jackie Cawtheray BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE High chair, buggy, play pen, travel cot, fire guard, stair gate etc. Full evening a la carte menu. Snack menu. Childrens menu 6.50€ Every Friday night is our famous soirée Moules Frites (Mussles) or pizza night - reservation required Tue - Sat 10:00 - 5:30 Mon & Sun Closed Hotel - Bar - Restaurant Busseau-sur-Creuse See our Display Ad - pg 7 Best quality home made sausages and bacon made fresh to order Contain NO added preservative – all natural ingredients!! Businesses for sale SIRET: 503 214 991 00013 Chez Darling Rochechouart Women's and Men's Fashion See our Display Ad - pg 10 THE BUGLE DIRECTORY This colour advert costs just €270 per year ● UK trained and qualified Sports Therapist ● Well Established Salon. ● Full Body, Back, Neck & Shoulders, Indian Head, Reflexology etc ● Waxing, Manicure, Beauté des Pieds, Tinting, Ear Piercing etc ● Products and Gift Vouchers available ● Loyalty Cards Limousin Auctions Auction house in Haute-Vienne See our Display Ad - pg 4 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] (closed for 1 week from 25th May) La Maison Shopping Yourtes Chez Vous [email protected] See our Display Ad - pg 28 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts P&S Removals Ltd 4m Mongolian Yurt for hire. A spare bedroom in your garden when you need it. Bed and linen hire also available. 05 55 60 06 10 06 15 25 11 88 Tue-Fri 9am-12pm & 2pm-6pm Sat 9am-2pm 05 55 00 92 97 3, Rue Principale, 87740 St-Mathieu SIRET: 493 871 826 00019 AVON 05.87.00.40.65 / 06.33.90.07.58 Looking for the perfect parttime, flexible job? Avon could just be the answer. Have fun, meet people and earn money. Full training and support given. Opportunities for promotion. [email protected] THE BUGLE DIRECTORY This colour advert costs just €270 per year (€22.50/month) 05.55.41.17.76 [email protected] Weekly trips to/from UK (0033) 02 54 47 14 08 (0044) 01227 713 738 [email protected] www.pandsremovals.co.uk Friendly, professional company, competitive rates. £25,000 Goods in Transit Insurance included as standard. Containerised storage. Weekly runs to France. Free quotation. Arfeuille Antiques All types of English & French furniture See our Display Ad - pg 9 Houses on Internet (€22.50/month) Yurt Hire [email protected] www.yourteschezvous.lechene-vert.co.uk SIRET: 503 214 991 00013 Jewellery Making Courses Learn how to make stunning jewellery and stay at our beautiful B&B www.hiddenfrance.co.uk 05.55.81.30.39 SIRET: 479 965 758 00010 Eco Entrepot www.housesoninternet.com 2500 m2 Discount Warehouse See our Display Ad - pg 3 See our Display Ad - pg 5 Anglais en Immersion Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts Learn English Now!! www.anglaisenimmersion.fr See our Display Ad - pg 7 05.55.68.74.73 www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 DIRECTORY ♦ 21 CLASSIFIEDS Contact: [email protected] - 05.55.41.17.76 FOR SALE: Mobile home for sale. 30ft x 10ft. Reasonable condition for age but boiler not working. Please telephone for more info. €500.00 ono Tel: 05 55 57 11 87 FOR SALE: Building Plot near Chenerailles Good level plot, planning permision, electric/water very close. 1,735 m2. €10,500.00 Contact: 05 55 62 77 41 FOR SALE: A pair of solid wooden (bois exotique) gates 3m wide x 1.6/1.8m high. With all fittings. Unused. €190.00 ono Tel: 05.55.81.16.05 email: [email protected] WANTED: Pool Cover 10m x 6m minimum Good condition please. Contact: 05 55 00 07 90 FOR SALE: DE Lux Compass Concours touring caravan 16 feet - 2 berth - gas or elec central heating + gas fire - gas or elec fridge - separate dressing/washing area including shower & cassette toilet - hot & cold running water - double glazing - sun reflecter blinds - fly screens throughout - automatic moving device. £1,950. Tel: 05.55.60.47.69 email: [email protected] FOR SALE: A rare opportunity to purchase HIS MASTERS VOICE wind up Gramophone Excellent condition, with opening doors at front to give improved sound quality, complete with 2 heads, med and soft tone needles. Also selection of records mostly in albums - total of 60, these are in v/good condition.€120.00 Contact: 05 55 62 77 41 FOR SALE: Aquachap from Saddlecraft For Horse Rider, Aquachap from Saddlecraft. Classically styled half chap. Water Resistance, Dry Fast, Dry Soft, Breathability. Unused. Size Med.€30.00 Contact: 05 55 62 77 41 FOR SALE: Automatic Pool Cleaning System Uses the filtration system of your pool, easy to install - no tools required, suitable for above or inground pools, requires pump of min 0.75 hp. Unused, in org box. €35.00 Classified Adverts are are currently free for small items (less than €500). For other types of classified adverts a small fee does apply: ● Items less than €500 - FREE ● Items more than €500 will be charged at €5 per month, with an extra €2.50 for an accompanying photo. ● Properties for rent or sale will be charged at €12.50 for a 75 word advert, with an extra €5 for an accompanying photo. Contact: 05 55 62 77 41 FOR SALE: 10 trad Fr. kitchen cupboard door and drawer fronts 3 sizes. Open to offers. Contact: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: WC and cistern White. New seat.€5.00 Contact: 05 55 03 87 56 Contact: 05.55.67.58.87 FOR SALE: FREE MAGAZINES Approx 60 French FOR SALE: Inflatable pool FOR SALE: Antique three piece suite Circa 1930.Rexine covered with FOR SALE: Citroen ZX Diesel N reg (on UK Plate) New alt, brass studs. €50.00 Tel: 05.55.60.47.69 FOR SALE: 50 Limited Edition Plates As new, with authenticity certificates, including complete sets.€ 5 each or € 195 total collection. Contact: 05 55 60 22 27 FOR SALE: Brand new Rosetta Stone French Course Levels 1 & 2 Cost € 275 will accept € 150. Contact: 05 55 60 22 27 Cockerel - Free to a good home Handsome cockerel (18 months - irridescent black) looking for a new home. Perhaps as a swap for a few chickens? Contact: 05.55.80.04.31 FOR SALE: Peugeot 206 1.9 lt diesel. 2 year controle technique. Very good condition. 5 doors. 201,126 km. Call Dean for details. €2,750.00 Contact: 06.25.23.25.36 FOR SALE: Various Old fashioned 2 seater oak slatted sofa - removable cushions covered with Laura Ashley fabric in gold and rust 20 euros.Round dark oak coffee table 8 euros.Dark Oak chair with cushions 5 euros.Two clothes racks 1 euro each. Contact: 05.55.03.15.82. FOR SALE: Double bed Little used, mattress immaculate. Bed base, wooden frame with slats. €45.00 Contact: 05.55.03.15.82. FOR SALE: Fold up bed (metal frame) with mattress Used once, very good condition. €20.00 Contact: 05.55.03.15.82. FOR SALE: Round Intex pool cover 457cm diameter (15') Brand new (too small for our pool). €35.00 Citroen ZX N reg. €80.00 Tel: 02.54.24.82.01 engine runs very well, body fair for age. €300.00 Tel: 02.54.24.82.01 FOR SALE: Irish pub-style bar Made of carved oak with a marble top & brass foot rest. 1m20 high, 1m80 long, 80cm deep. Very good condition. €1,500. Also for sale 3 bird cages (1 large, 2 smaller). Very good condition. Please call for more information. €1,500.00 Contact: 05.55.65.67.14 WANTED: Bath Jacuzzi & Wash Basin in Unit White if possible. Must be as new. Contact: 05.55.33.43.46 FOR SALE: NEW Drill -24 volt €55.00 Contact: 05.55.33.43.46 FOR SALE: Sealed box set of the TV series LOST, Episodes 13 - 25 of Series One, Part Two Price is if collected (near Ahun) - or will weigh to add P&P if needs to be posted. €5.00 Tel: 05 55 62 31 89 FOR SALE: Traditional French twin beds (pair) Horse hair matresses (not perfect condition but very comfortable). €30.00 Tel: 05 55 80 04 31 franchise for sale Consider the signs pointing towards a positive outlook for 2010 on the property market: - French and English language - famous brand, web site, advertising - contacts and clients... - auto-entrepreneur scheme Will accompany for settlement 06 45 91 94 52 [email protected] Substantial Farm House Thiat, Haute Vienne. 3 beds, central heating, numerous outbuildings, 3 acres land, plus 3 acres woodland. Rural setting. Priced for a quick sale. €155,000 Tel: 05.55 60 47 69 email: [email protected] House in a hamlet near Aubusson New electrics and plumbing required but this will be an easy renovation. Three bedrooms with the scope for more. Semi-detached house with garden and garage nearby. €70,000 ono FOR SALE: Plasterers’ Stilts House with attached barn Freehold restaurant business for sale. Situated in a small village with Bakery, Superette, Doctor, Chemist Seats 50 inside, 36 on terrace. Well presented, 140 sq m - not a cent to spend. Plus 2 BR modern flat 90 sq m, luxury bathroom.Cellar & under-cover parking. Overlooking small lake. Good takings - good lifestyle. For Sale due to retirement. Tel: 05.53.60.52.47 Email: [email protected] 5-bedroom stone house, Vayres 190 m² habitable living accommodation plus outbuildings for possible conversion into a gite. Situated on 2.3 hectares of land. Stunning views. 05 55 78 22 18 Pretty 3-bed renovated stone house Pretty 3-bed renovated stone house with linked 1-bed cottage, exposed beams, woodburners, large flat rear garden with trees and shrubs, barns, plus land opposite. See link for more details: http://www.francepropertyshop.com /PropertyDetails/52384 €160,000 Tel: 05 55 62 31 89 3 Bedroom house near Aubusson Never used. 50.00 euros. €50.00 Tel: 05 55 81 19 61 FOR SALE: 2 x Left Hand Drive Renault Megane Headlights From a 1999 Megane Hatch. Excellent Condition. €80.00 ono Tel: 05 55 81 30 39 [email protected] For Sale North Haute Vienne, South Poitou, East Charente... €180,000 Visit www.tdworks.eu/houseforsale for photos & contact details Please telephone: 05 55 73 06 61 or e mail [email protected] cast iron. Excellent condition. Photo on request. €60.00 Tel: 05 55 80 04 31 RESTAURANT IN THE PERIGORD VERT €165,000 Built in 2009. Situated in the town itself, close to shops, school, doctor, restaurant and bars. The house comprises 3 bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room, large open-plan kitchen/dining room, living room, bathroom, WC and an integral garage with automatic garage doors. The heating system is electric with radiators in every room. The house has a footprint of 135m² on a plot of 2500m². FOR SALE: Cream Bath and Basin Bath is good quality heavy BUSINESSES Property Finder 3 bed new build bungalow in Clugnat (23) magazines, mainly 'French Property News' and 'Living France'. 2002 to 2006. Free to collector.Thiat, Haute Vienne area. Tel: 05 55 60 47 69 FOR SALE: Set of 2 French headlights New 2009 (still in box) for Approx 4m x 1m with steps, pumps, filter etc. €30.00 Contact: 05 55 03 87 56 PROPERTIES FOR SALE To advertise a business for sale or rent please contact us on 05.55.41.17.76 or email [email protected] €12.50/month + €5/photo Advertisements in The Bugle Business Directory are available in two sizes: small (50mm x 43mm) and large (50mm x 66.5mm). They are available in black & white or colour. Prices are based on an annual contract (no TVA/ VAT applicable) as follows: Small b&w €180 (€15/m), Small colour €270 (€22.50/m), Large b&w €240 (€20/m), Large colour €360 (€30/m). A 10% discount is offered for full payment upfront. Alternatively, split payments are possible every 4 or 6 months. Shorter contracts may be available on request. For more information about taking out a Directory Advert, please contact us at [email protected] or phone us on 05.55.41.17.76. Why not spotlight your business with one of our advertorials? 1/3 page, 2/3 page & Full page options available. Contact us for more information. Large house (180m²), attached barn and garden. 10min Aubusson and Felletin (Creuse, 23), in a lovely hamlet. Attached barn, beautiful mature garden 1,200m². Ground floor: Sitting/dining with inglenook fireplace, exposed beams throughout, kitchen, w.c./utility. 1st floor: 1 very large bedroom, 1 double bedroom, family bathroom, separate w.c. spacious landing. 2nd floor: 1 very large bedroom, another room suitable for a double bedroom conversion. O.F.C.H. and new wood burner. Barn 200m² suitable for conversion to Gite or other. €180,000 ono Tel. 05 55 83 82 94 or 06 75 55 19 94 Building Plot near Chenerailles Good level plot, planning permision, electric/water very close. 1,735 m2.€10,500 Tel: 05 55 62 77 41 10min Aubusson and Felletin (23, Creuse). Walk in condition. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom/wc. 3 double bedrooms, 1 with built in wardrobes.Woodburner and electric heating. Double glazing, tiled and wooden flooring throughout.1/4 acre garden, lovely decking area, two outbuildings, septic tank, phone, good internet connection. €150,000 ono PHONE: 06 85 83 16 11 or 05 55 66 23 94 Large house with barn and stables Located in a small hamlet in the commune of Crozant. Also includes a second small, stone house nearby. Large garden with trees and vegetable plots - 2,400m² 05 55 89 80 99 PROPERTIES TO LET Unfurnished studio apartment Available from May Unfurnished studio apartment in the centre of Rochechouart dep 87 €300 PCM plus €25 PCM charges. For more info contact: Jane & Phil Nicholson 05.55.78.19.24 Gite Available from Sept. 2010 Long-term (min 3 months): €350/month excl. water & elec. 3 ensuite bedrooms - furnished. Located small town all amenities. Tel: 05.55.62.61.12 JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 22 ♦ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sky high volcano parking fees Letters to The Editor I wrote about my problems getting back from Ireland last month and it turned out that I was certainly not alone. One email we received on this subject that caught my eye was from Marjorie Morrow concerning the service she had received from airport staff over her growing parking fee. The airport has certainly gone up a notch in my estimation after reading this. Elsewhere, we were sent an update from CSF Charente Marjorie Morrow Soumans, 23 Via email Dear Editor, J ust as you were stuck in Ireland, I was stuck in England and worrying about how much my parking at Bellegarde would cost me, so on to the website I went… ganisations. There really are a lot of people out there willing to give up their time and expertise to help others and raise money for charities. Please keep your thoughts, opinions and feedback coming, they help make The Bugle what it is: F irstly, I would like to thank you for advertising this event in your publication and give a small report on our successful event. A dinner dance was held at L'Hôtel des Mines in Lussacles-Eglises on Saturday 15th May 2010, with all proceeds going to Cancer Support France Charente Plus. We are pleased to advise that €569 was raised. A big thank you to everyone who donated gifts for the raffle: both French and British companies and all individuals. A thank you also to L'Hôtel des Mines for providing such excellent food and The Phoenix Group and Jack Law for providing the music throughout the The Bugle, Les Quatre Chemins, 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois. Rochechouart SUMMER SPECIAL - Buy 1 item, get the second HALF PRICE! Le Relais de la Pouge St Auvent, nr Rochechouart 2 Adults, 1 Child < 10 yrs eats for FREE! AU BEAU RIVAGE Pionnat, Busseau-sur-Creuse Table for 6 - 1 person eats FREE! LIMOUSIN PROPERTY CARE Trudy Wain Grand Villard, 23 Via email event. A special thank you to Karen Blewett for organizing this event for without her hard work it would not have been so successful. Dear Editor I have two loves... walking and my dogs! Obviously the two go together rather well, and when on my daily walks, I am always in awe of the beautiful Creuse countryside and how lucky I am to live here, but I would like to know my rights when out and about the in the Creuse? Originally only 60 tickets were available but due to high demand this was increased to 68. Everyone enjoyed themselves and danced into the small hours! ■ Small Renovation Works & Gardening Work ... are offering a refund of the cost of the TVA to any quotes accepted by 30th June 2010. QUOTE: LPC BUGLE OFFER CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE CREUSE BRANCH (LUTTER CONTRE LE CANCER EN FRANCE) IF YOU OR ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND WOULD LIKE HELP OR SUPPORT, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO WE HAVE A HELPLINE AVAILABLE AND IF WE ARE NOT THERE WE WILL CALL YOU BACK WITHIN 24 HOURS. OUR HELPLINE NUMBER IS: Marjorie Morrow ■ Roaming rights in France...? Frugal Bugle Chez Darling Did anyone else fare as well as I did? It is great to hear that companies will still deal with requests on an individual basis instead of adopting the 'computer says no' approach and this story is a credit to the airport management. Customer service like this pays dividends in the long term in my opinion. Or the old-fashioned way to: €569 raised for CSF Charente Rosemarie Steven CSF Charente Plus Via email The answer was yes, they would give me a reduction; I would only have to pay for the 5 days it should have been, not the 14 days it turned out to be. On arrival I went to the parking office. The gentleman had my name and e-mail, was very polite and spoke excellent English, although I did try my French on him. So well done Bellegarde airport. ED - This letter really cheered me up when I read it... right up to the point I realised that I was also a day late picking up my car for volcano reasons, but just paid the ticket and wrote it off as a bad day. It didn't occur to me to try and claim back the extra parking - plus it was well past midnight when I finally got to the airport! [email protected] about a successful event that they had recently that raised over €500. It is amazing the amount of correspondence we get from charitable or- I was horrified at the cost!!! It wasn't even my fault. I put my thinking cap on and e-mailed the airport asking if I could be given a reduction in fees due to the cancellation of my return flight for the 5th time. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I had a response within the hour. 06.06.47.18.60 We provide a service for all English speakers, whatever their country of origin. Association No: 02030006004 Can any of you tell me if I am correct in thinking that walkers have “right of way” in France, or are there any rules that walkers should adhere to. I never walk down paths marked privé, or that obviously lead to houses etc, but am never quite sure of my rights. Also, sometimes I stop off in towns and walk around the plan d’eau areas which are normally beautiful and my dogs love a little swim when it is hot. There are normally “no dog” signs around the beach areas, but am I right in thinking that dogs are allowed in other areas at these sites? I know the French are a nation of dog lovers, and no one has ever approached me regarding where I am walking, but it would be good to know that I am not upsetting anyone or breaking any laws! Thank you in advance for any advice. Trudy Wain ■ European city guide scam Debbie Standaloft Arfeuille, 23 Via email Hi, I read with interest the article that appeared in the March issue. This is the first chance I've had to respond to it. I too have been caught by this scam. Just over a year ago I answered a request to update my details in their guide. I didn't double check the small print, reading only the covering letter which made no mention of fees. My "bill" is now well over €1,000 and I have no intention of paying it. There are two very good sites which offer advice and support to people who have been conned in the same way: stopecg.org is one and the other is a group on Facebook called stopecg Campaign. I'd be happy to chat and offer support to anyone who is worried by the threatening mails they send or who just wants to know they are not alone in receiving these. Debbie Standaloft Arfeuille Antiques 05.55.83.14.47 ED - This looked like quite a plausable scam when I first saw it and I can see how many have been sucked in by it. When you are faced with threatening letters demanding large sums of money it must be conforting to be able to speak to others in the same boat. www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 GAMES & HOBBIES ♦ 23 Crossword Beginner’s Guitar Lesson Clues and answers in English In the second of his series of guitar lessons for beginners, Chris Willis teaches us how to play two more chords and urges us not to give up! W elcome to my new beginner’s course for learning guitar: a series of basic lessons for complete novices. The guitar is a wonderful instrument which can be played alone or with friends In this second lesson, we will learn two more chords: the A major chord and the E major chord. Hopefully you found last month’s first chord D major pretty straight forward but if it’s still proving difficult to master DON’T GIVE UP!! Take your time and after a while it will start to get much easier! Practice routine Let’s take a look at how we are going to use these three chords. Firstly, I suggest starting off practising strumming each chord in a down/up fashion for around five minutes. Once you’re happy with that why not try picking the individual notes for 5 minutes. Finally practise changing between all three chords for 5 minutes. Here are your chord boxes: Across: 1. Danger (5) 4. Percussion instrument (7) 8. Deliberated (7) 9. Molten rock (5) 10. Marine mollusks (7) 12. Similar (5) 13. Martial art (4,2) 15. Rigorous (6) 18. Assumed name (5) 19. Accumulated (7) 21. Similar to a giraffe (5) 22. Dizziness (7) 24. Perpetual (7) 25. Book of maps (5) SUDOKU - EASY A Major E Major Down: 1. Security device (7) 2. Bone (3) 3. Supple (5) 4. Plain (6) 5. Fortification (7) 6. Enlarges (9) 7. Astound (5) 11. Consortium (9) 14. Mode (7) 16. Irksome (7) 17. Wonder (6) 18. Repent (5) 20. Artery (5) 23. Unwell (3) Music theory In order to make melodies or improvise over chords with the guitar we will need to use scales. So what are they? Well in basic terms a scale is a group of notes on the guitar that compliment each other. A very popular starting point to get going with scales is the minor pentatonic scale. Next month we will take a closer look at its use and how to practise it. Chris Chris Willis is available for lessons from his home in Nouzerolles. To contact Chris, email [email protected] SUDOKU - MEDIUM SUDOKU - HARD The solution to all this month’s puzzles can be found on pages 26 & 27 JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 24 ♦ COMMUNITY Rules of the Notice Board: • To place something on the Notice Board, please email us on [email protected] or call us on 05.55.41.17.76 • This Notice Board is always free for any non-profit events, ie charity events, book clubs, social groups etc. • Advertisers may place commercial listings on the Notice Board for any events they have planned. • The Notice Board can be used for anything, so even if you just want to say Hi to someone or announce a special occasion, let us know. The Orchard Kennel, Cattery and Corner shop is now offering a range of pet foods, treats & accessories Phone Dave Grant for details: 05 55 67 58 87 New loyalty card scheme starting on the 1st April for The Corner Shop. The Orchard, Farges, 23200 ST MARC A FRONGIER Au Beau Rivage Pionnat, Busseau-sur-Creuse Fête des Pères - Sunday 20th June Four-course meal - €24 Plus a free gift for Fathers! (see our Frugal Bugle coupon for special offers) For more information and reservations phone Janice: 05.55.62.40.27 JJ’s Café Aigurande EVENTS Acoustic Music Club 2nd Saturday of every month, 8.30 pm. All musicians, singers, listeners very welcome. Next meeting 15th June. Free entry. Sat 19th June - Fête de la Musique Live music afternoon and evening (various artists and genres) Darts Night - Prizes to be won!!!! 3rd Saturday of every month. JJ's Cafe Bar, 39 Place du Champ de Foire, 36140 Aigurande Tel: 02 54 06 30 77 Email: [email protected] Auberge Ourdeaux La Petite Fontaine Le Dorat Sat May 29th - Vince Freeman will be back @ La Petite Fontaine for a very special Album Launch Night. Booking essential. Tickets 5 euro. Sat June 5th - We have another great night of music from the French band One Plus One who will be playing a mix of English & French rock songs. Booking essential. Tickets 5 euro. Tues June 8th - Phoenix Cards will be here over lunch time. Fri June 18th - We have the supremely talented Bristol based singer Phil King. Booking essential. Tickets 5 euro. Fri June 25th - We have the double treat of Lee Mitchell & Luc Leighfield. Please check out the web site for more info: www.lapetitefontaine.com €500 reward Fête des Pères Sunday 20th June - 12pm onwards 3 courses. Traditional Sunday lunch. €16 per head. Horse Racing Night Saturday 26th June at 7.30pm Race night & supper €2.50 per person to enter races. Prize for winner. Chicken Curry or Homemade Steak & Kidney pie €10 per head. Contact Alison for booking Alleyrat, nr Aubusson - 05.55.66.98.58 News from La Récré Ahun Sunday 13th June - Fish and Chips From 12pm, phone for reservations. Sunday 20th June - Father's Day Special 3-course menu and coffee - €24.95 Book Exchange Bring one, take one or buy one for €1. Children’s books in French/English needed. Also wanted DVD’s and videos. Our large dining room is available for private group meetings & functions Dean is also your local Avon Representative. Pop in for a catalogue. 05.55.62.56.44 - www.larecre-ahun.com Bugle Notice Board For information about stolen items For more information, please see our Online Notice Board www.thebugle.eu/notice_board.php Café Le Pont de la Pierre Bellac Watch all the World Cup matches on our large projection screen, special themes for all England and France games. The terrace stays football free for the girls! Also as part of the Village Etape celebrations in Bellac we are having Vince Freeman playing on the terrace on the 26th June at 16h00 05.55.60.20.79 - 15 Faubourg du pont de la pierre Chez Toi Lac de Mondon, Cromac 5 June/juin - Jack Law 20 June/juin - Fête de musique - Moby Dick 10 July/juillet - Vis à Vis 31 July/juillet - FAHAM Creole 13 August/août - Jack Law 14 August/août - Rock n Roll Susie 21 August/août - Keith the Hat Relais de la Pouge St Auvent, nr Rochechouart 27th June - New and Old Collectables market (boot sale) We are also looking for new players to join our pool teams. All levels of experience welcome. Call 05 55 03.14.97 Fête de la Bière, Felletin - 17th July 17th July Fuses@niment (Felletin's comité de fête) is organising a fête de la bière on 17th July 2010. There will be beers from La Creuse (3 breweries) Austria (it is the 50th Anniversary of the twinning of Felletin and Schladming this year) and North Wales. There will also be a vide-grenier, food and music, and camping will be available (so you can enjoy the beer without wondering how you will get home). We are looking for volunteers to help us. If you can offer 3 hours of your time, on the day, we will reward you with a free drink and an opportunity to contribute to your community. Please contact Bruce or Andrea: [email protected] if you can help or if you would like more information. Information also available from the Fuses@niment website: (http://lesfusesaniment.e-monsite.com/) The Exchange Rochechouart ...are pleased to be able to offer their customers a Ring and Reserve service. Check our stock for that book you are looking for before looking elsewhere and if we have it in stock we will reserve it for you to pick up at your convenience and if you can't get into Rochechouart we will even organise postal delivery . Call us on 05 55 78 19 24 or email us on [email protected] NEW CATTERY!! Champlong Chatterie has just opened for business 5 minutes drive from Junction 22 off the A20 (near Arnac la Poste). Special Launch offer of 7 days for the price of 6 during May/June. Tel: 05 55 60 27 83 email: [email protected] www.champlongchatterie.com CSF Creuse Branch in association with Auberge Ourdeaux Brocante and Craft Fair Sunday 11th July - 10am to 6pm at the Castaway Fishing lake at Ajain. Hog roast, Cakes & refreshments, Childrens games, Facepainting & Balloon modelling, Tombola, Raffle, Live Music. All proceeds from the above to go to CSF Creuse branch. Anyone interested in volunteering on the day or anyone who would like a Brocante or Craft stall - 5 euros per stall all donated to CSF. Contact Alison Toner on 05 55 66 98 58 or email [email protected] www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 WHAT’S ON ♦ 25 Entertainment It's the midsummer music pinnacle of the year and the weekend of 19th/20th should see plenty happening in your locality for the Fête de la musique. As for the rest of June and early July you can put your wallets away. As the entertainment moves outdoors you can enjoy all of this (mostly free)summer fun.. If you have any events you would like to let us know about, contact The Bugle’s Entertainment Editor, Lucy Kendry - [email protected] UZ JSME DOMA Pep's and Clarika EVENT - UZ JSME DOMA EVENT -Pep's and Clarika VENUE - L'Atelier, Royère de Vassivière VENUE - Place Varillas (behind the mairie), Guéret. DATE - Friday 18th June DATE - Friday 9th July TIME - 21h30 TIME - 21h30 PRICE - gratuit/free 18th June BOX OFFICE - 05 55 64 52 22 The Atelier will be holding their 3rd festival of political documentaries - Festival Bobines Rebelles - on the evening of Friday June 11th and all day Saturday June 12th. If this sounds a bit heavy why not let your hair down to experimental prog ressive punk from the Czech Republic. UZ JSME DOMA (pronounced oosh-smeh-dough-ma and roug hly translated as "well, there we go") on Frida y 18th June - could be just the remedy. ■ ataires b li é C s e d d n e Week The first of several free open-air concerts as part of the Nuits d'été à Guéret festival. A double headliner from popular French artists Pep's and Clarika. ■ Urbaka: 23rd - 27th June The Urbaka is a free four day festival that attracts 200,00 0 spectators and around 600 artists to Limoges and surrou nding towns. Over the course of the 4 day s you will stumble across stre et theatre, music, clowns and circus acts in and around Place Saint Etienne, Place des ban cs, Place de la Motte and Pla ce Barreyrette. There are various formal concerts of world mu sic to see at the La Fourmi, Afri can drumming and dancin g at the Ile de Vassivière, the cre ation of a graffiti wall and hip hop dance event in Place St Etienne, children's worksh ops, ballet with a mechanical dig ger in the Esplanade du Par c des Expositions and comedy at Pav illon du Verdurier to name but a few highlights. For the full programme see http ://www.urbaka.com ■ s Célibataires EVENT - Weekend de e, La Saunière de la salle polyvalent VENUE - Esplanade June June to Sunday 13th DATE - Saturay 12th PRICE - gratuit/free g a certain someone, like your life is lackin g lin fee the sin ou Lim und the ataires. Included in If you're rattling aro le week-end des célib d ize an an by org ed ve low ha fol e ièr on Sarturday Les Amis de La Saun d an evening of dancing an & rs g ove tin ke da ma d , ee ke sp ities such as karao programme will be tiv ac s iou or var h 56 wit 55 80 01 on Sunday r more info contact 05 all day vide-greniers n dance to finish. Fo oo ern aft an h wit e clairvoyanc [email protected] ■ email lesamisdelasa PRICE - gratuit/free Pep's and Clarika TEL - 05 55 80 01 56 23rd-27th June 57ème Festival National de Bellac EVENT - 57ème Festival National de Bellac VENUE - Bellac DATE - Sat 26th June - Sat 3rd July BOX OFFICE - 05 55 60 87 61 www.theatre-du-cloitre.fr 26th June - 3rd July Bourbon Street - 27th June The 57th Festival National de Bellac is a mixture of cabaret, spoken word, theatre and music in equal measure. The performances will take place all over town from Saturday to Saturday with many free evening concerts in the Jardins de la Mairie, the Jardins du Cloître and Place Carnot. Other ticketed events will happen at the Théâtre du Cloître and the public swimming pool. Sat 26th June: «La Confession d’un enfant du siècle» Inauguration of the festival & fête du Village Etape. 17h30. Parc de la Mairie. «Traversée de Paris» Theatre with Francis Huster. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. «Les Cordes timbrées» Concert (jazz). 22h30. Place du Palais Sun 27th June: Zaragraf - 3rd July «Bourbon Street» Concert (folk blues). 21h. Stade Léo Lagrange. «Séville 82» Ciné TV Concert - Red + Tessier + Marinescu. 22h30. Stade Léo Lagrange. Mon 28th June: «Minor Sing» Concert (swing manouche). 21h. Piscine Municipale. «Le Cabaret de la vie» Textes et chansons réalistes. Théâtre de la Passerelle. 22h30. Piscine Municipale. Tue 29th June: «Patrik Cottet-Moine» Theatre and comedy. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. «Causerie sur le Lemming» Theatre and comedy. 22h30. Jardins du cloître. Wed 30th June: «Words Words Words» By Léo Ferré. Poetic theatre. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. «Entre deux caisses» Concert. Quatuor burlesque et poétique. 22h30. Théâtre du cloître. Thu 1st July: Anne Baquet tour de chant. Concert. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. «Happy Hour» Cabaret concert. 22h30. Jardins du cloître. Fri 2nd July: «Ah!» with Bernard Azimuth. Comedy. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. Marianne Aya Omac. Concert. World music. 22h30. Jardins du cloître. Sat 3rd July: «On ne badine pas avec l’amour» Musset. Theatre. Compagnie Pirate. 21h. Théâtre du cloître. Zaragraf concert - musique tsigane / Balkans / flamenco. 22h30. Jardins du cloître. JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 26 ♦ WHAT’S ON MONDAY Evaux-les-Bains Mérinchal (1st Mon) TUESDAY Auzances Bénévant-l’Abbaye Bussière-Poitevine Champagnac-la-Rivière Genouillac Gouzon Laurière Limoges (Le Vigenal) Peyrat-le-Château Rochechouart Royère-de-Vassivière Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles WEEKLY MARKETS WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Ahun Bourganeuf Chambon-sur-Voueize Cognac-la-Forêt Clugnat Le Dorat Isle Limoges (pont St Martial) Nantiat Séreilhac Boussac Coussac-Bonneval Dun-le-Palestel Guéret Limoges Bastide et Corgnac Magnac-Laval Oradour-sur-Vayres (except 3rd Thu) Peyrat-le-Château Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs Saint-Victurnien La Souterraine (Friday - cont.....) Saint-Sulpice-Laurière Verneuil-sur-Vienne(15h-18h30) All markets are in the morning unless stated otherwise. BY DAY Aixe-sur-Vienne: 1st Fri Ambazac: 1st Wed Auzances: 2nd Tue Bourganeuf: 1st & 3rd Wed Boussac: 1st & 3rd Thu Bujaleuf: Last Mona Châlus: 2nd Thu Châteauneuf-la-Forêt: 2nd Sun Cognac-la-Forêt: 1st Tue Cussac: 4th Sun FRIDAY SATURDAY Aixe-sur-Vienne Ambazac Bessines-sur-Gartempe Bosmie l’Aiguille (16h - 19h30) Bujaleuf Châlus (except 2nd Fri) Châteauponsac Châtelus-Malvaleix Couzeix (16h30 - 19h30) Le Dorat Felletin Limoges (place des Bancs et Beaubreuil) Nexon Pierre-Buffière Rochechouart St-Etienne-de-Fursac Aixe-sur-Vienne Aubusson Bellac Bonnat Bussière-Poitevine Châteauponsac Condat-sur-Vienne Eymoutiers Feytiat Flavignac Guéret La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice La Souterraine Limoges (place des Bancs et place Marceau) Le Palais-sur-Vienne Nantiat SUNDAY Bessines-sur-Gartempe Blond Crocq (1st and 3rd Sun) Panazol Peyrat-le-Château Saint-Paul Saint-Vaury (2nd Sun) Veyrac (2nd Sun) (Saturday - cont.....) Peyrat-le-Château Rochechouart Saint-Junien St-Léonard-de-Noblat Saint-Mathieu Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche MONTHLY FOIRES Domps: 2nd Tue Dun-le-Palestel: 1st Thu Evaux-les-Bains: 1st Mon Eymoutiers: 1st & 3rd Thu Feytiat: 1st Sat Magnac-Bourg: 2nd Sat Meuzac: 4th Mon Mézières-sur-Issoire: 2nd & 4th Mon Nexon: 3rd Fri Oradour-sur-Vayres: 3rd Thu Peyrat-le-Château: 3rd Mon Peyrilhac: 3rd Sun Pierre-Buffière: 1st Fri Royère-de-Vassivière: 2nd Tue Saint-Germain-les-Belles: last Sat Saint-Jouvent: 1st Sun Saint-Junien: 3rd Sat Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat: 1st Mon Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: 2nd & 4th Fri Sauviat-sur-Vige: 2nd Mon Veyrac: 2nd Sun BY DATE 1 (day before if public holiday): Bellac 3: Bellegarde-en-Marche 3: Châteauponsac 5: Bussière-Poitevine 5: Chénérailles 6: Bussière-Boffy 8: Compreignac 9: Saint-Sulpice-Laurière 11 (Sat if 11 is a Sun): Bessines-surGartempe 12: La Souterraine 13 (Sat if 13 is a Sun): Le Dorat 15: Oradour-sur-Glane 17: Mortemart 18: La Croisille-sur-Briance; La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice 20: Chénérailles 21: Ambazac; Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles 22 (Mon if 22 is a Sun): Magnac-Laval 23: Razès; St Laurent sur Gorre 24: Nantiat 25: Blond - St Paul 26: Nouic; Rochechouart 27: La Souterraine 28: Cieux 29: Laurière CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS Charente Limousine Exchange CLE is a non-profit organization which helps people to settle into the area and integrate with their local communities. CLE organizes regular discussions on aspects of living and working in France, together with a variety of social activities. Members are sent a regular newsletter keeping them up to date with group news and upcoming events. Membership costs EUR 15 per family per calendar year. For more information visit www.charente-limousine-exchange.com --------------------------------- Christians together in Limousin La Souterraine Area We hold a time of fellowship and Bible study every Tuesday afternoon. Barbara and Cedric look forward to welcoming you. 05 55 71 09 04 --------------------------------- Cancer Support France, Creuse branch Drop-in service, Maison des Usagers, Guéret hospital (For directions call the hospital reception on 05.55.51.70.90 & ask for the Maison des Usagers at the Acceuil on arrival) The service is manned by two active listeners, there to answer any queries or questions. We provide a forum for anyone who wishes to discuss aspects of cancer, be it for them or a family member. The service provides a face to face opportunity which some people may find more useful than talking on the telephone. 28 June 14h – 15h30 26 July 14h – 15h30 23 August 14h – 15h30 27 September 14h – 15h30 25October 14h – 15h30 22 November 14h – 15h30 27 December 14h – 15h30 --------------------------------The St Jean English Library - the friendly library - is rapidly growing and becoming popular. Our café, Caxtons, is becoming a regular meeting place in La Souterraine. We serve fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as fruit juice for our increasing numbers of junior members. The Library opens every Thursday and Saturday from 9am -11am – the same time as the La Souterraine market. You can find us just below the Porte St Jean, between the Hotel St Jean and the newsagents. --------------------------------- “The Library” at Dun le Palestel Located in the Route des Rateries, just behind the Biblithèque Municipale, you will find the Anglophone Library, which offers a wide variety of reading material, DVD’s, talking books and videos. This is not a ‘shhhh, quiet’ type of library but one where members are encouraged to have a chat and a cup of tea and during their visit. For more information, go to www.ententecordiale-creuse.org or telephone Linda Ward on 05 55 89 69 65. We look forward to seeing you there soon. Activities taking place at the English Library Opening hours: Thursday (Market Day) 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 12.30 pm Café Club Franglais: First Tuesday of every month. 10 am to noon (Linda Ward) Club de Scrabble: One Monday each month. 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm (Mme Charmillon) Café Philo: One Saturday each month (Mme Brell) Art and Craft Group: Thursdays. 2 pm to 4 pm (Chris Hardy) Aide à l’Anglais: Wednesday morning for young children wishing to learn English and Thursday evening for adults --------------------------------Faceaface is an association founded to facilitate and encourage interaction between all members of the local community. As our first venture we have created a library. Where? In the Mairie of St Priest which is just off the D4 between Mainsat and Chenerailles When? The first and third Monday afternoon in every month between 2-5pm. To join all you have to do is donate six books and pay €5 per person or €8 per household. (The fee is for publicity, boxes, insurance etc.) Already we have over 400 fiction books from such authors as Rankin and Binchy, to the last five year’s Booker Prize winners and nominees. There is also a selection of about 100 non-fiction books which includes Biography, History and Popular Science. We also have a small selection of French and Dutch novels, which we hope will grow. If you would like more information please contact us at: faceaface23@ gmail.com or just come by and see us. Everyone is welcome! --------------------------------- The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group, previously known as Performing Arts Group and this year renamed to 'The Harmonics'. A group of 18 and although predominantly English, we have had French, Dutch, American and Belgian folk join us. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc. and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin, whatever the music demands. We meet Wednesday 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested? We'd love to see you so contact: Heather Rathbone tel 05 49 971078 or Dolly Ait Boualou email address sylvia. [email protected] The Harmonics 2010 Summer Concert – Friday 9th July Venue: Civray at the Salle de Spectacles Time: 19h45 (doors open 19h30) Tickets: 5 Euros (children under 12 free) Our newly constituted choir The Harmonics (formerly PAG de Civray) hosts an evening of exciting musical variety and in addition to its own programme will be delighted to welcome: * The folklore group of Confolens * The choir of St. Secondin Enquiries to: Heather Rathbone 05 49 97 10 78 /[email protected] (English) or Dolly Ait Boualou 05 45 22 89 32 /[email protected] --------------------------------- Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there is now an English-speaking meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous at 2 Avenue Pierre Traversat, Limoges. Thursday evenings, 7.30 to 9.00 pm. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Contact - Roger 05 55 76 22 65 or Nancy 02 54 24 09 74 Or check our website at www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for details of this and other English-speaking meetings in the South West of France. --------------------------------‘Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac’ (AIPB), will be holding an English Style Summer Fête at the Football Stadium (Stade Municipal) in Boussac on the 4th July, starting at 3.00 pm. The fête will provide fun for all the family with lots to do, to listen to and to see, including: live entertainment; music with the well-known Limousin groups ‘The Tartiflettes’, ‘Frogs Blues’ and ‘Déjà Vu’ from 6.00 pm; a children’s painting competition; face painting; a bouncy castle; horse and carriage rides and walks with llamas; a quoits competition, where we shall revert to using horseshoes instead of the more modern rings; pétanque; traditional family games; Boussac Scouts demonstrations; local artisan stalls; typical English fête stalls; BBQ and a bar. Entrance to the fête is FREE and we hope that you will all please come along and enjoy the fun! EVERYONE IS WELCOME. For more information on the fête or the AIPB, you may contact us directly: Tel: 05 55 82 03 41 / Email: [email protected] / Website: www.aipb.webs.com --------------------------------- Amateur open mic night @ Vautredeix (Just outside Gouzon, next to Saint-Sylvain-sous-Toulx). Poets, musicians, whatever you may be.... Everyone welcome to perform or just enjoy the company. Every Friday night 7pm onwards. Free. Bring a bottle. For more info contact [email protected] --------------------------------- Ensemble Vocal de Guéret - Summer Concerts Sunday 6 June - 1700 - Magnac-Laval church ('Cantora') Tuesday 15 June - 2030 - Guéret church ('Gaudiamus') Friday 25 June - 2030 - Grand Bourg church ('Cantora') Saturday 3 July - 2030 - Bourganeuf church (Péchenart & Lechien). EVG's repertoire this year, entitled 'Romance', features songs by Vaughan Williams, Verdi, Schumann etc. The EVG will share the bill with other performers: Cantora will sing spirituals, religious & popular songs; Gaudiamus will perform songs by Bach and Monteverdi; Vincent Péchenart (violin) and Claire Lechien (piano) will play pieces by Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Bloch, etc. For more information contact Steve Chicken on 05.55.81.16.05 or at stephen. [email protected] www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JUNE 2010 WHAT’S ON ♦ 27 Sun 6th Jun LES GRANDS-CHÉZEAUX D-Day Concert with the Musicordes British Quartet Fri 11th Jun LEYRAT Birdsong Come and listen to and learn to recognise birdsong with bird expert, Tim. French & English spoken. Place de la mairie. 18h45. €2. Please reserve with the Office de Tourisme, Boussac. Contact: Tel 05.55.65.05.95. Fri 11th Jun LIMOGES Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos Hamburg based The Mighty Mocambos join up with British funk star, Gizelle Smith, for an evening of deep funk and soul. Their first single together, "Working Woman", is an underground dance floor favourite. Their energetic set of psychedelic soul with gospeltinged rhythm & blues will be supported by local nine-piece soul funk roots band Bookmaker. Centre Culturel John Lennon, 41 ter, rue de Feytiat, Limoges. 20h30. 16€/14€/12€ . Contact: Tel 05.55.10.00.84. The Musicordes Classical and Folk String quartet will perform an exciting programme of classical, international folk and celtic music in celebration of the D-Day Normandy Landings. The concert will take place in a prestigious and historic setting, opened exclusively for the evening, with music matching the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. The meeting point is Place de La Fontaine in Les GrandsChézeaux at 6.30 pm (in front of La Fringale Restaurant.) Ticket prices: Adults €8, Under 25 €4 Further information can be obtained by phone (05 55 76 70 15) or by e-mail ([email protected]) Seats are limited so tickets need to be booked and paid for in advance - by post (Cazalibus 14 place de la Fontaine- 87160 Les GrandsChézeaux) - at the Syndicat d’initiative in La Souterraine (near the railway station) - at the Syndicat d initiative in St Sulpice les Feuilles ( 05 55 76 92 66) We can arrange an after-concert dinner with limited numbers - € 12 per person + wine. Mon 7th Jun to Sat 3rd Jul CHÂLUS Art exhibition Exhibtion of the work of local artist, Ann Lamb, including portraits, landscapes & animals. Châlus tourist office. Mon - Fri 14h30 - 17h. Free entry. Wed 9th Jun MORTEMART Concert of Bach and Monteverdi Concert at the Eglise de Mortemart by Limoges choir 'Gaudéamus'. 21h. €10, tarif réduit €5, children free. Contact: Tel 05.55.93.23.77. Fri 11th Jun CHABANAIS Theatre Chabanois present FULL CIRCLE The members of the Theatre Chabanois are proud to present a summer evening performance called FULL CIRCLE. As a reflection of their diverse age group and nationalities the evening offers something for everyone. FULL CIRCLE will be a melange of drama, dance, poetry and prose. It will include a shortened version of Peter Pan in French and excerpts from the musical Oliver. We will perform some well-known monologues and sketches in English and French but also some original material. Salle des Fêtes in Chabanais (16) 19h30. Tickets: Adults - 7 €, Children under 16 - 3€, Children under 5 – free, members and groups (min 10) – 6€, available at the door or, in advance, by contacting Barry on 05 45 31 88 70, Penny on 05 45 94 10 71 or Evelyne (in French) on 05 45 89 20 13. Whatever your age or experience, if you are interested in joining the theatre group on Monday evenings at the Salle des Fêtes, Chabanais, you can be assured of a warm welcome, whether as an actor, backstage crew or front-of-house staff. Our next performance will be a Christmas Panto. Email – [email protected] EASY MEDIUM HARD Sat 12th Jun BELLAC Concert Concert de la chorale Diapason et du Choeur d'hommes. Eglise de Bellac. 20h30. Free entry. Contact: Tel 05.55.68.70.55. Sun 13th Jun GUÉRET Brocante et Vide-greniers Rue de Londres. All day. Fri 18th Jun BOURGANEUF Concert by the Harmonie Municipale Eglise Saint-Jean. 21h. Contact: Tel 06.76.64.60.78. Sat 26th June - 15h Sat 26th June - 21h Sun 27th June - 14h €39/€63. Tickets available from Box Office Limoges tel 0 892 68 36 22 and FNAC Limoges tel 05 55 49 17 50. Sat 26th Jun to Sat 3rd Jul BELLAC 57th Festival National de Bellac 17 performances of theatre and music are programmed for the 2010 Bellac Festival. See our Entertainment page for more information. Sat 26th Jun BOSMOREAU-LES-MINES Balade nocturne en vélorail Evening outing by vélorail. 20h30. Bring some warm clothing and a torch! €25 per carriage (2-5 people). Contact: Tel 06.72.24.81.97. Sat 26th Jun BOUSSAC Chopin bicentenary celebrations 18h - guided tour of the Château de Boussac 21h - Concert at the Eglise by the Conservatoire Départemental Emile Goué. Concert: €5, Tour of Château & concert: €10 Please reserve tickets at the Office de Tourisme, Boussac. If you have an event going on in your area that you would like to see featured in The Bugle, email us at [email protected] - 05.55.41.17.76 Cigale in the Limousin This month the Place d'Église in Rochechouart was alive to the sound of Cigale – of the Dutch variety! Sat 19th Jun BOSMIE L'AIGUILLE Soirée Flamenco An evening of flamenco dancing from El Compas Centro de Flamenco Lina Maria. Salle G. Bizet. 20h30. Contact: Comité de Jumelage de Bosmie l'Aiguille tel 06.83.74.34.92. Sat 19th Jun DOMPIERRE-LES-EGLISES Summer Fete Dompierre campsite - 18h. Local produce market. Produce can be cooked and eaten on site. Bar - Frites Free Disco - 80's Theme by SONO 87. Bonfire - St Jean Sun 20th Jun PEYRAT-DE-BELLAC Vide-greniers Vide-greniers organised by the Association de Loisirs de Peyratde-Bellac (A.L.P.B.) from 9h at the Stade de Peyrat. Pitch price €1,50 per linear metre. Produce market, chidren's entertainment, tombola... Food available. Evening - Fête de la musique. For reservations call 05.55.60.24.39 (French) or 05.55.68.40.77 (English). Sun 20th Jun SAINT-YRIEIX-LES-BOIS 6ème Fête de la randonnée 4 organised walks (5 - 25 km), departure from 8h30. Exhibition in the église/ market/ animations - all day. Music from Les Troubadours des Bruyères de Domerat from 16h30 - 17h30. Fri 25th to Sun 27th Jun LIMOGES Mozart, l'opéra rock Musical produced by Albert Cohen and Dove Attia. A huge hit on the stage in Paris, 'Mozart, l'Opera Rock' is now touring France. It tells the story of one of the greatest musical composers the world has ever known. From his childhood in Salzburg, to his difficult relationship with his father and patrons of the Arts, his loves and the famous rivalry with Salieri. 4 performances at the Zenith Limoges: Fri 25th June - 20h30 Cigale is a prize-winning chamber choir from Holland and this month they were guests of Cantique, a choir based in Rochechouart. Anyone missing the joint programme of music, varying from 16 th Century motets to 20 th Century songs and folk music, missed an evening of splendid singing from both choirs. The choirs sang separately and then together. At one point the joint choir split into groups standing in the four corners of the church to sing 'Immortal Bach' by Knut Nystead. This was clearly a highlight and brought the audience to its feet. The evening ended with an arrangement of La Mer, which both choirs sang together with relish, to the evident delight of the largely French audience! Young musician Merlijn Wackers directed Cigale and Colin Cartwright Cantique. Colin said of Merlijn, “He is an immensely affable young man and I feel sure he has a great future – we have made music together but we have, perhaps more importantly, made friends. We must thank the commune of Rochechouart and Père Caillaud for giving their support to our project. Cigale are very keen now to see a return visit by Cantique for a concert tour in Holland and I know we are all very keen to sing with them again.” The choirs also gave a concert in Busserolles church, which was attended by the mayor and his wife. The audience were most appreciative and both churches rang to much applause. One audience member commented that “It was amazing to hear live music of such quality, performed to such a high standard, in a small local church.” Cantique are currently recruiting and would welcome applications from experienced singers. An ability to read music is desirable and applicants will be invited to attend an informal audition. For further details see the Cantique website: www.cantique87.fr or phone Colin Cartwright: 05 55 03 60 42= JUNE 2010 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu 28 ♦ WHAT’S ON June events in Creuse & Haute-Vienne As summer approaches, there is more and more going on across the region... too much to ever fit in these pages. Here are our highlights for the month of June, but these are only a small selection of what's on offer. Get yourself down to your local Tourist Office - you'll be amazed at what there is to see and do! Mon 1st Feb to Tue 15th Jun SAINT-LÉONARDDE-NOBLAT Exposition "Plaisir de froisser et joie de créer" Exhibition of origami and froissages by Paul & Annette Hassenforder. Le Moulin du Got, Le Pénitent, 87400 Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. Tue - Sat and 2nd & 4th Sun of the month. 14h-18h. 1 € / person. Contact: Tel 05.55.57.18.74. More information about the paper mill & this season's workshops can be found at www. moulindugot.com or at the tourist office in Saint-Léonard-deNoblat. Sat 1st May to Sun 17th Oct LA CHÂTRE Exhibition « Chopin en Berry 1839-1846 » Exhibition to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Frédéric Chopin. Château d’Ars. Every day 14h - 19h. Free entry. Contact: Tel 02.54.48.52.06. Sat 29th May BOUSSAC Book launch « Les Pierres Jaumâtres, murmures de granit » This beautifully presented book traces the history and myths surrounding the Pierres Jaumâtres and contains some truly stunning photographs which allow the reader to discover this exceptional site. 10h30 - 12h30 Meet the author at the Office de Tourisme de Boussac. The day continues at 16h at the Pierres Jaumâtres. Story-teller, Zhor Tazi, will read extracts from the novel Jeanne written by George Sand in 1844 and recount legends about the site and there will be another opportunity to meet the author. For more information contact the Boussac tourist office, tel 05.55.65.05.95. designers, it will host: an international 24hr non-stop competition where the best web designers come to confront each other; conferences & workshops; training sessions, round tables and debates treating innovative themes; public exhibitions etc. Parc Ester, Immeuble Cassiopée, 87069 Limoges Contact: Tel 05.87.21.21.82 www.webdesign-festival.com Sat 29th May LA SOUTERRAINE Otxote Lurra Sun 6th Jun BOURGANEUF Concert de chants africains Basque polyphonies sung by male choir, Lurra. Eglise St Jacques. 20h30. Adults €14, Concessions €10, Free for under 14s. For reservations contact the Office de Tourisme Tel 05.55.63.10.06. Tue 1st to Wed 30th Jun AUBUSSON Exhibition: Lieux de Travail – merveilles et mémoires Workplaces - marvels and memories An exhibition of watercolours of former industrial sites in the Creuse by Neil Parkyn. Au Fabuleux Destin Café, 6 rue Roger Cerclier, Aubusson, Quartier St Jean (tel : 06 74 01 46 54). Presentation & launch of book by Anthony Perrot « Les Pierres Jaumâtres, Murmures de Granit » Sat 5th to Sun 6th Jun SOUMANS Fête Patronale Foire régionale - Exposant d'art - Fête Foraine Vide grenier - Feu d'articice - Barbecue - Buvette... Contact: Tel Comité des fêtes : 06.59.07.39.27. Concert of African song (traditional and modern) at the Eglise Saint-Jean at 15h30. Free entry. Sun 6th Jun MOURIOUX-VIEILLEVILLE 9ème Concentration de véhicules anciens - Bourse d'échanges de véhicules miniatures Classic car event & sale of miniature cars. Vieilleville town centre. 8h - 19h. Sun 6th Jun SAINT-MÉDARD-LA-ROCHETTE Brocante et fête de la Saint Médard Brocante, vide-greniers. 7h - 18h. (continued on page 27) Thu 3rd to Sat 5th Jun LIMOGES Webdesign International Festival 2010 The 4th edition of WIF takes place this month in Limoges. An international event aimed at interface and digital content From the 3rd of May, the « Welcome en Limousin » association has a new representative: Julie NOGAREDE. Julie, 25, is from Limoges but has been studying in the Dordogne and the Ariege regions for 5 years. She has a Master degree in Tourism and Development and different experiences in tourist offices, national parks and …in England! She worked as a receptionist at “Wonderland Theme Park” in Telford, Shropshire. She particularly appreciated the English culture (way of life, food and sense of humour!) and remembers the warm welcome of people everywhere she went throughout England. Now, she is really happy to take part in the life of the “Welcome en Limousin” association and participate in return to welcome British people at the airport of Limoges and to promote Limousin’s tourism as well! The “Welcome en Limousin” association was created in 2002. Its purpose is to promote local tourism and economy to foreign customers who use Limoges International Airport. Their services include: • a personalised welcome at the airport by their official representative, Julie. She is at your service at Limoges International Airport. • a network of professionals of the Limousin region (restaurants, accommodation, tourism and leisure sites, shops, estate agencies, services, …) committed to welcoming you in English in the Limousin region. They sign the “Welcome in English” charter. • a website - www.welcome-en-limousin.com - created to provide useful information needed to make you want to come to the Limousin. • an ambassadors’ club: this club is made up of British people who have integrated successfully in the Limousin and of French people, who work to create a link between the two communities. The aim of the club is to gather people living in the three departments of the Limousin so that they can share their points of view and discuss their own experiences. For further information, do not hesitate to contact Julie: [email protected]