Dordogne Advertiser - December 2011

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December 2011 - Issue 34www.dordogneadvertiser.com

DORDOGNEADVERTISER

Charitiesonalert

BERGERAC AIRPORT TO SHUT FOR REPAIRSRival steps in to provide new flights – Page 4

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Christmas formany in Dordognewill be about survival, not Santa

FULL STORY PAGES

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Charities all over France are gearing up to provide hot meals to needy families – in Dordogne alone lastChristmas 900,000 meals were provided

2 News Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Fortunately the animals have plenty of spaceand they do not have the problems that inten-sive farming can bring.

Ray and Sophie say that can be seen – andtasted – in the meat, with their bacon havingless fat. Customers notice, too and have notedthat there is “no water” coming from thebacon as it cooks.

Ray’s TV catchphrase is “You are only asgood as your last sausage” and he added: “Weare very happy to say that we are as busy asever and looking at our best Christmas yet.”

Fellow butchers Jackie and Phil Rhodes, whorun Sausageland in Piégut-Pluviers agreed:“Christmas is a very busy time for us. We startpreparing in October; curing the meat readyfor Christmas. We do get people to come inand give us a hand but largely, it is down to usto prepare and deliver the products.”

So what are their most popular products?“Gammon joints,” said Jackie. “We sold morethan 70kg last Christmas and orders have beenpouring in for this year too. And chipolatas –

for pigs in blankets. We also sell an awful lotof streaky bacon to go on the turkey.”

She added. “We’ve got a few regular Frenchcustomers and a large French clientele in otherparts of France who use mail order.”

Top of the items for French clients thisChristmas are orders of sausage and bacon forski chalet owners wanting to provide fullEnglish breakfasts over the festive period.

So, after preparing and selling all those porkproducts, does Mrs Rhodes feel like cookingup a gammon joint? “Not if we can avoid it!”

“We love pork but by Christmas we’re really

THE RUN-UP to Christmas is a busy time formany of us; buying gifts, organising andattending Christmas parties and cramming amonth’s worth of work into three weeks toallow time for the festivities. It can all take itstoll.

There may be the added complication oforganising a trip overseas to visit relatives andfriends or the daunting, albeit exciting,prospect of welcoming visitors to your home.

But spare a thought for all those people inthe Dordogne whose livelihood depends onChristmas. For the hundreds of people sellingluxury food items, December can be a very,very busy month indeed.

Whilst a traditional Périgordine Christmasfeast is rarely complete without foie gras, a sig-nificant number of the 20,000 British expatri-ates living in the department are in search of amore traditional British Christmas – and formany, that involves pork products.

Ray and Sophie Hicks say they are looking attheir busiest Christmas ever and are workingall hours at their Boucherie à la Ferme in StPardoux Corbier to get their products ready.

The couple, who have become well knownthrough their appearances on ITV’s LittleEngland series, which was shot in theDordogne and Limousin, also have their farmto run so there is no spare time.

CHRISTMAS will be bleakfor many struggling to makeends meet. While charitieshelp those in need all yearround, as the weather beginsto bite and the festive seasonapproaches, extra pressure isput on these organisationsand teams of additional vol-unteers step in to help.

One charity has even madea plea for English-speakingvolunteers to get involved.

Christophe Castanier ofSecours Catholique said:“We already have someBritish volunteers in theDordogne, but more arewelcome. We are always inneed of help and volunteersmake a big difference.”

In Sarlat, volunteers forthe Restos du Coeur startedthe winter season onNovember 28 and fear a risein the numbers needing aid.

When it was set up in 1985

by the late comedianColuche to feed the vulnera-ble and homeless it operatedonly in winter but now helpsfamilies all year round.

It has 30 outposts in theDordogne preparing hotfood for distribution andthe Sarlat site has 60 fami-lies who have been gettinghelp throughout the year.

Across the Dordogne astaggering 900,000 cookedmeals were served last year

and more than 6,000 peoplereceived regular food aidfrom the Restos du Coeur.

The association predictsthese figures will rise in2011 and other charitiessuch as Secours Catholiqueand Secours Populaire haveseen a marked increase infamilies needing their help,particularly in winter whenliving costs rise.

Last year, SecoursCatholique reported helping

Hard work astraders getready for thebusy season

Bleak days ahead

Christmascombinesthe heightsof luxury withthe depths of poverty;LUCYSTUBBS asks howpeople onboth sideswill fare

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TO FIND out about becoming a volunteer (bénévole) or howto donate to these charities, see their details listed below:

Restos du Coeur – has many food collection points andrestaurants available, with 500 volunteers and always a needfor more. Donations welcome. Its website has details of ven-ues, how to donate and volunteer. www.restosducoeur.org

Secours Populaire – has seven outposts, including Ribérac,Périgueux, Bergerac and Belvès. Secondhand clothing and

HOW YOU CAN HELPWritten by the Notaires deFrance and published byConseils des Notaires.

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ready to look at and eat something else. “We normally pop back to Cornwall (where

the couple used to run a butchers shop) andbring back some Aberdeen-Angus beef in ourchiller van. This year we haven’t had the time– so it’ll be turkey!”

For chocolate makers Bovetti in Terrasson,the preparations for Christmas began inSeptember. “Our chocolate factory went intoover-drive in September and October. As wellas having the shop, we have loads of other out-lets who stock our chocolate; not just in theDordogne but across France and overseas,”

explains the firm’s Cécile Dumond. “We spenttwo months making chocolates to fulfil theoverseas orders then November makingchocolates for our boutique.”

The shop does the majority of its business atChristmas – and so far, this year is lookingeven busier than last.

Mme Dumond said: “I’m not sure there isany more money about, but our way of dealingwith the economic crisis has been to push thebrand – to get Bovetti better known – so Ithink we’re picking up more trade as a result.”

Big Christmas sellers include bars of choco-late printed with festive patterns; the noix denoel – white chocolate-covered walnuts whichapparently make a good accompaniment tofoie gras; chocolate fondue and mendiants(chocolate discs covered in chopped nuts anddried fruit).

“Mendiants are probably are biggest seller ofall in the shop. They’re very much a traditionalpart of a Périgordine Christmas.”

more than 15,000 people inthe Dordogne with SecoursPopulaire more than 17,000.

Statistics published byInsee showed an average risein the demand for help fromcharities of 20% in ruraldepartments between 2008and 2010 as a result of theeconomic crisis.

Dordogne president ofSecours Populaire ChristineBernard said over the lasttwo years demand for their

services – which include dis-tributing food and clothingto those in need – has risenby 30%. That numberincludes many people, who,despite having a job, stillcan’t make ends meet.

One of the reasons wasbecause an increasing num-ber were on erratic part-time or temporary con-tracts. This means they missout on entitlement to bene-fits such as free healthcare

and struggle to meet fixedexpenses such as rent.

Other vulnerable groupsinclude single-parent fami-lies, retired farmworkersand eastern Europeans whohave come in search of workand don’t have the resourcesto return home if they fail.

Secours Catholique is alsoworried that more youngpeople are needing help.This year, 12% of aid recipi-ents have been aged 18-25.

All the charities areappealing for help thisChristmas, with Restos duCoeur having shopping trol-leys for donations in practi-cally every supermarket.The items most neededinclude: tinned goods,pasta, rice, UHT milk, nap-pies and toiletries.

The Secours Populaire alsowelcomes offers of clothesand small furniture items.

on the breadline

Jackie and Phil Rhodes have been preparing for Christmas since October, but chocolatier Valter Bovetti has been working even longer

small furniture are welcome and you can donate to its paquetscadeaux campaign this Christmas. To find further details ofopening hours, venues and ways to help, call 05 53 09 57 84 orsee their website: www.spf24.org

Secours Catholique is funded by private donations andaccepts donations of secondhand/nearly-new clothes and smallfurniture items. It also welcomes British volunteers. To findyour nearest venue, call its Périgueux office: 05 53 05 79 29 orvisit its website: www.secourscatholique.org

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CONTROVERSIAL comedian Dieudonné hasattacked a bid to stop him appearing at theprestigious Centre de la Communicationvenue in Périgueux.

The star, who has been convicted six timesfor anti-semitic and racist comments, isclaimed to have booked the venue by a ruse insaying that it was an event by a telecoms com-pany planning an evening seminar.

Périgueux mayor Michel Moyrand – the cityowns and manages the building – said afterfinding out who was behind the booking thatthey would do whatever they could to ban thecomedian from playing the venue at 1 CoursSaint Georges.

However, the comedian has responded bysaying it was an attempt to curtail free speech.

The actor and political activist has regularlydenied the Holocaust and once described aJewish news reader as a “secret donor of thechild-murdering Israeli army”. He appeared atthe Cour d’Assises Spéciale in Paris last monthto show support for convicted terrorist Ilich

Ramirez Sanchez, alias Carlos the jackal, whois facing charges over four bomb attacks inFrance in the early 1980s.

Far right Front National leader Marine LePen is godmother to one of his children.

Dieudonné’s show, entitled Rendez-nous Jésusis set to take place on April 3.

POSTAL workers in theDordogne are being retrainedusing state of the art drivingsimulators to improve theiron-the-road skills – and cuttheir fuel consumption.

Nearly all the department’s643 postmen and womenhave been undergoing “eco-driving” training and it hasalready shown results.

The course involves spend-ing time on the roads with aninstructor to learn fuel-savingdriving techniques followed

by time on the computerisedsimulator. Fuel consumptionis measured before the courseand then again afterwardsand the drivers have all seencuts in usage.

The simulator shows thedrivers how their drivingstyle is affecting fuel con-sumption but hones theirdriving skills.

La Poste says it hopes thetraining will help reduce CO2

emissions and improve over-all driver safety.

Row over far-right comic

Posties on CO2 drive

Donor pleato help givegift of life

Weather isvisitor bonusWARM weather in Octoberand over the Toussaint week-end led to an increase in visi-tors to the Dordogne.

Sarlat’s Jardins d’Eyrignacreported numbers up by 30%on the same period last year.

Sites en Périgord presidentAlain Francès, who runs theGouffre de Proumeyssac, saidmembers had seen visitornumbers rise between 10 and20% from last year.

New bidto boostHIV testsGOVERNMENT figures sayan estimated 50,000 people inFrance are HIV positive butare undiagnosed and now acampaign has started to raiseawareness of HIV and Aids(SIDA in French) and giveinformation.

Dordogne conseil général isamongst the governmentorganisations promotingearly diagnosis and is encour-aging people to get tested inthe campaign which waslaunched to coincide withinternational AIDS awarenessday on December 1.

Early diagnosis can keep thevirus under control and pro-long the life of HIV sufferers.

Recent figures for Aquitaine– from 2009 – show therewere 170 new people diag-nosed as HIV positive in theregion and 40 new cases ofpeople with AIDS.

Aquitaine is France’s fifthhighest region for new HIVand AIDS cases.

Free tests are available athospitals in Sarlat, Périgueux,Bergerac and Nontron.

For more information,phone: 0800 840 800 or lookat the French-language SIDAinformation website:www.tinyurl.com/conxn-aids

A CAMPAIGN is underwayto try to encourage moresperm and egg donors toallow more couples tobecome parents.

The Agence duBiomédecine says couplesunable to conceive byconventional methodsare having to wait yearsto find donors.

Couples needing anegg donor are worst offas there are only around500 eggs donated annu-ally across France, com-pared to around 3,000sperm donations.

The campaign couldchange the lives of cou-ples and posters say:Vous pouvez donner lebonheur d'être parents –You can give the joy ofparenthood.

Eligible donors aremen from 18-44 andwomen under 37, in goodhealth.

The recipients are coupleswho are unable to conceivedue to one or the other’s

infertility or because theyhave a genetic disorder theydo not want to pass on.

There are 20 donor centresthroughout France and theAquitaine site is in Bordeauxat the teaching hospital.

You can get details on thesites: www.dondovocytes.frand dondespermatozoides.fror phone the donor centre on05 56 79 56 79

ComedianDieudonnéhas bookedPérigueuxvenue butmayor istrying toget a banimposed

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BERGERAC Airport is set to close for three months atthe start of next year in an all-out bid to repair cracksin the runway surface that have been causing alarmand ongoing repairs since 2009.

The airport management decided on the closurebetween January 9 and March 23 because it wants torelay the 2km “piste” in an operation costing €3.5 million. It has already spent €80,000 patchingthe runway this year, following several rounds ofrepairs since the cracks were first spotted.

Airport director Olivier Gribelin said previouslythat work would be scheduled to fit in with opera-tional requirements. They have now spoken to the

airlines using the terminal and decided to relay the“piste” in the quietest time of the year.

Ryanair has not been offeringflights on its website and Jet2,

Bergerac closes

Olivier Gribelin on the damagedrunway at Bergerac which hasforced the airport to shut forthree months of repairs

by LUCY STUBBS

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Buying 10kg of nappies does notcompare to the joy of parenthood

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A MOTHER is to sue a hos-pital after she was left inagony when a compress wasleft in her abdomen followinga caesarian section.

The woman, known only asFlorine, lives in Saint-Cernin-de-l’Herm with herpartner and young daughter.

Her child was delivered byemergency caesarian inOctober in Cahors hospital asthe family were staying withFlorine’s parents in the Lot.

Whilst the operation appar-ently went according to planand Florine and her newbornchild were discharged a fewdays later, she was readmitteda few days later after com-plaining of “constant pain”.

An X-ray revealed that the

compress left inside her hadbecome infected, leading topost-operative peritonitis andrespiratory problems.

A second operation wascarried out 13 days after thebirth to remove the compressand Florine was put in inten-sive care.

Hospital director ChristianCarbonel said it was a“regrettable mistake”. He didnot think it would hurt thehospital’s reputation as it“could happen to anyone”.

He said they were negotiat-ing with their insurance com-pany to provide recompense.

The two nurses and gynae-cologist concerned have notbeen disciplined and contin-ue to work at the hospital.

Mother suesover hospitalop blunder

Man 7 timesover the limit

Dordogneahead ingreen listTHE Dordogne has been list-ed as the 13th “greenest”department in France accord-ing to a magazine.

Weekly magazine La Viecarried out the survey andsaid that the Dordogne’sgrowing organic faming sec-tor (the biggest in France)and good air quality werecommendable.

However, it added moreneeded to be done to cutwaste and said the Dordognecould use more renewableenergy such as solar power.

FIREFIGHTERS protested outside the newly-built Centre deSecours near Périgueux to complain about budget cuts to thefire service. Protesters came from across the Dordogne and saidthe planned recruitment freeze was effectively a cut in the serv-ice. They want conseil général president Bernard Cazeau tohonour a previous promise to increase firefighter numbers.

Firefighters in cuts protest

POLICE near Verteillachad a shock when theybreathalysed a man on ascooter.

Reports in DordogneLibre said the 47-year-olddid not appear drunk butthe test showed he had ablood alcohol level of 3.4gper litre of blood - nearlyseven times the limit.

Police said they stoppedhim after anothermotorist said the man hadbeen drinking heavily.

FOR MANY Dordogne families, the traditionalChristmas Eve meal wouldnot be complete withoutoysters.

Often served as a starterwith other seafood, it is notan immediately obviousdish for a landlockeddepartment.

The inclusion of foie gras,a locally-produced luxuryproduct, makes sense butwhy oysters?

Food writer JulienTrubert says eating oystersat Christmas – an estimat-ed half of all oysters pro-duced in France are eatenbetween December 24 andJanuary 1 – has becomeenshrined as a tradition inlarge part because of theirhigh cost.

France is Europe’s topproducer and consumer ofoysters, producing morethan 120,000 tonnes peryear with 60% of that com-ing from the bay ofArcachon.

Prices are expected tosoar again this year assome oyster populations inthe Mediterranean and theGironde estuary have been

hit by a strain of the herpesvirus that has cut produc-tion by 50%. Arcachon hasremained free of the virus.

There is evidence oystershave been eaten in Francesince prehistoric times andart and literature suggeststhey featured heavily in thefeasts of the nobility.

However, particularly

during the Middle Ages,peasants would also con-sume vast quantities –often cooked in stews.

In the mid 19th centurywild oyster suppliesbecame dangerously lowand Napoleon III set upcoastal oyster farms, withthe first at Arcachon in1849.

Landlocked Dordogneloves its festive oysters

Did you know?

Landlocked Dordogne loves its oysters at Christmas

Flybe and Transavia have no winter servicesplanned. The TwinJet saut de puce service toPérigueux Airport and then on to Paris willbe maintained with a taxi ferrying travellersto Périgueux.

The move will come as a blow to travellerswho rely on the airport to get to and from theUK but nearby rival Brive Souillac Airporthas stepped in with an extended service beingoffered by CityJet, flying to London City. Itstarts on January 6.

Although the timing has been designed tominimise disruption to holiday makers andthose with second homes in the department,it is still estimated around 30,000 travellerswill be affected.

Nearby businesses will also be hit andSimon Parr, co-owner of Buggs Car Hire atthe airport, said: “We are going to be affected,

obviously. We’ve had a lot of disappointedcustomers who have had to change their trav-el plans because of the airport closure and itdoes effectively mean we’ll be on an enforcedholiday for three months!

“On the flip-side, if the conseil général andchamber of commerce are prepared to put inthe money to getting the runway sorted out itmeans they are committing themselves to theairport’s future.”

If you need to fly to the UK this winter youwill need to travel to another airport.

Brive has given itself a head start with theextra CityJet flights but Limoges andBordeaux airports also fly to a number of UKdestinations including London,Southampton, Birmingham, Glasgow andBelfast with budget airlines such as Ryanair,Flybe or BMI Baby.

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A BILLIARDS club in Bergerac is starting a special class toteach children the art of playing pool.

The club has five tables in the Enfants de France building inthe town and it says it wants to encourage more youngsters toget involved in the game.

Sessions will run on Wednesday afternoons and a free openday will be held on December 3 from 10-12 and 2-5 in theEnfants de France building, 2 Place A. Javersac.

The club will be open to children aged 12 and over and par-ents can get information from Sylvain Creteur: 06 24 58 04 45or email: [email protected]

A NEUVIC family are celebrating after their daugh-ter was selected to representAquitaine in this year’s MissFrance contest.

What is more, this isn’t thefirst time the Zengerlin fami-ly have had a daughter in thecompetition.

In 2009, Aurélie Zengerlin,then 21, and a student atBordeaux University wascrowned Miss Aquitaine.This time it is the turn of heryounger sister Claire, who

is also a student in Bordeaux. The Zengerlin family, who

live in Douzillac, nearNeuvic, are very proud tohave a second daughter tak-ing part. Mother IsabelleZengerlin told the Sud-Ouest:“When you have one daugh-ter chosen to take part inMiss France, it is a great joy.For both girls to take part issimply indescribable.”

In 2009, Aurélie lost out toMiss Nice Côte d'Azur, AnaïsGovernatori, in the contest

but says she thinks her sisterstands a better chance – inpart because she has beenable to coach Claire on thedos and don’ts of the compe-tition and give her the benefitof her experience.

The Zengerlins, who alsohave a son who is still atschool, will travel to Brest inNormandy to watch the MissFrance contest on December3, just five days before Claire’s21st birthday. It will bebroadcast on TF1 at 20.45pm.

Miss France is a familyfor Aurélie and Claire

Headache TRAIN timetables acrossFrance are set to change onDecember 11 as the SNCFstarts what it calls “one of thebiggest overhauls inEuropean train history”.

In all, 85% of train timeswill alter, with some servicesbeing cancelled, so that SNCFand Réseau Ferré de Francecan upgrade and modernisethe network.

The changes are forced byseveral different causes: theneed for widescale trackrepairs and upgrades, theexpectation of a 30% rise inpassenger numbers in thenext few years, the need tointegrate the new Rhin-Rhône TGV service into thenetwork and plans to“cadence” times (have depar-tures at set times every hour).

In all, RFF will renew6,240km of track as part of1,000 works each year until2016. A number of alterationsare planned in the Dordogne– where the upgrade of theBergerac-Sarlat line is part ofa €70 million modernisation.

However, many of thesechanges have been met withhostility. In Bergerac, the sta-tion manager was horrified todiscover that two daily TERtrains that link to Libourneand Paris-bound TGVs wereto be scrapped. Speaking tothe Sud-Ouest, ThierryAuroy-Paytou described themove as “madness”.

He added: “This service isthe only way to get fromBergerac to Paris and back ina day without having to fly. Itis always a busy route but

during the holidays, evenmore so; the evening ofToussaint, 120 passengersboarded the train betweenBergerac and Sainte-Foy toreturn to Paris.”

He called on SNCF to re-think its plans as cancella-tions would damage theregion as many people use

Commuters from Périgueux

Dog corpsestuns village

Man dies atpaper plant

Reservoirsto be built

Court shutsfor facelift Pool plan for children

POLICE are trying totrace the owner of a housewhere the corpse of a dogwas discovered.

Villagers in Badefolswere stunned at the dis-covery of the decompos-ing remains of the dog,believed to be a Germanshepherd. It was foundbeside a fence and isthought to have been try-ing to dig its way underthe gate.

A neighbour said theyhad heard the dog whin-ing but had not knownthe house was empty.

A MAN has died in anaccident in a paper millafter falling on to rollers.

Father-of-one MarcMichel, 50, was workingat the Papeterie deCondat in Lardin-Saint-Lazare when it is thoughthe overbalanced and fellfrom a gangway whilecleaning the press.

Inquiries have beenlaunched by police andhealth and safety officials

TWO new reservoirs areto built in the Dordognein the wake of this year’sdrought.

The conseil général hasdecided to build two-hectare reservoirs to easeproblems – particularlyfor farmers.

One will be built nearVerteillac but the exactlocation of the secondreservoir has yet to bedecided.

THE Palais du Justice inPérigueux is closing fortwo years for modernisa-tion works to “bring itinto the 21st century”.

Total cost of the projectis €17 million. Its work ofcriminal, civil, divorceand social security-relateddisputes will be dividedacross four other sites inthe city.

MORE than a dozenbabies have auditionedfor a role in a film beingshot near Bergerac.

More than 40 adult resi-dents have already beencast as extras in Jappeloupwhich looks at riderPierre Durand who defiedthe odds to win anOlympic showjumpinggold medal in 1988 onJappeloup.

The baby appears inonly one scene but par-ents were asked to con-firm their offspringenjoyed bath-time! Thefee for the job is €144.

Babies tryfor film job

Conseil général president Bernard Cazeau cuts the ribbon

by LUCY STUBBS

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Aurélie, left, and Claire Zengerlin with 2011 Miss France winner Laury Thilleman

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HOUSEHOLDERS who havebeen facing huge bills afterbecoming victims of thisyear’s drought have beenoffered help from an associa-tion that has wide experienceof what they are facing.

The exceptionally dryweather in the early part ofthe year led to subsidenceand large cracks in walls inhouses in Notre Dame deSanilhac which stand onheavy clay soil. The clayshrunk leading to the cracks– and huge repair bills.

Members of the Associationdes Sinistrés de la Sécheressesur les Propriétés Bâties de laDordogne (ASSPB24) haveoffered help and know howdesperate many of thoseaffected are feeling.

They set up their associa-tion in 2004 after the severedrought in 2003 left 4,000houses in more than 200Dordogne communes withstructural damage.

Many householders foundtheir insurance did not coverthem and called on theirmayors for support in gettingthe drought labelled as a“catastrophe naturelle” inorder to get the insurance

companies to pay out and toget additional state funding.

At first, all the claims wererejected but after two years ofmeetings with buildingexperts and governmentmembers, the associationmanaged to get the 90 worst-affected communes labelled.

A €24 million fund was setaside by the government tohelp victims and 90% of allthe claims were eventuallysatisfactorily resolved.

ASSPB24 is no longer cam-paigning for itself but secre-tary Christian Joussain haspledged support to help thisnew group of householders.

He said: “We will use ourexperience to help anyonewho needs it.”

Notre Dame de Sanilhacmayor Jean-FrançoisLarenaudie plans to ask for adeclaration of natural catas-trophe and other communesare putting together a list ofcomplaints.

Affected householders mustcontact their mairie quicklywith details to build a strongcase for a catastrophenaturelle to be declared.

A VIOLENT storm thatcaused damage in Sarlat onAugust 2 has been classed anatural catastrophe after aplea to the interior ministryfrom mayor Jean-Jacques dePeretti. It means peoplewhose property was damagedcan get compensation.

Vital aid offer fordrought victims

for rail travellers

the route to travel betweenthe Dordogne and Paris onbusiness and for pleasure.

SNCF has said since it firstannounced the plans it wasopen to change and now, fol-lowing talks, it appears thatone TER has been restored.

Elsewhere in the depart-ment, there are also some

rumblings of discontent. Regular users of the

Périgueux-Limoges routewhich runs via Thiviers andLa Coquille have complainedof the new timetabling.

The train has been leavingPérigueux at 7.39 for morethan 20 years and the serviceallows Dordogne residents

who work in Limoges to getthere in time for 9am.

It currently gets to Limogesat 8.40 but after December 11the train will set off 17 min-utes later: getting to Limogesat 3 minutes to 9.

Get more information onthe SNCF plans on its websitewww.tinyurl.com/dordad-rail

are upset the early-morning train to Limoges is being retimed and they will be late for work

INTERNET and mobilephone coverage have beenimproved as the conseilgénéral nears the end of twoprojects to improve theDordogne’s communicationinfrastructure.

A two-year project toupgrade and extend broad-band coverage will be com-pleted by the end of the yearwith the opening of the lastof 92 mini exchanges that willmean 98% of the populationnow have access to highspeed ADSL broadbandinstead of having to use amuch slower dial-up service.

Households that still cannotaccess ADSL this way can getgrants to help buy satelliteequipment to allow the high-er speed service.

The grants, which will pay

up to 50% of the cost of satel-lite equipment – up to a max-imum value of €200 – areavailable from the conseilgénéral.

Apply in writing to:Monsieur le President duConseil Général, Service del’Aide du Communes, 2 ruePaul-Louis Courier, 24019Périgueux Cedex or phone:05 53 02 59 54

The other project that hashelped improve mobile phonecoverage has been the instal-lation of 42 new phone mastsacross the department .

However, whilst many willbe pleased to find they nowget a signal, there have beensome protests – especiallywhen masts have been placedclose to sensitive sites such asschools and hospitals.

VISITORS to Bergerac have been incensed at having to pay forparking in the town centre – despite a promise from the mairiethat it was now free.

Earlier this year, the mairie started talks with SAGS (SociétéGestionnaire du Stationnement Privatisé de Bergerac) who runthe town’s car parks and apparently agreed to make parking freeon Saturdays and in the evenings from October 1.

However SAGS deny the decision was finalised and negotia-tions have restarted.

Mairie officials in Bergerac say they hope the free parking willbe in place from December 1, in time for Christmas shoppers.

Festive parking planSweetiethief jailedA MAN has been jailed andfined after being caughtstealing a €2 bag of sweets.

The 39-year-old Périgueuxman has 14 previous convic-tions for petty crime. Hewas jailed for a year andfined €750 under a 2007 lawencouraging judges to behard on repeat offenders.

TWO teenage boys have been named as heroes after sav-ing a man from drowning in the Dordogne river. ClémentNoninck, 17, and Guillaume Labone, 18, were relaxingafter school on the river bank near the Pimont bridge inBergerac when they heard a loud splash.

They watched in horror as a man was dragged away by astrong current then they dived in to rescue him.

A lifeguard later joined them and helped them pull theman to safety. The boys were awarded medals by Bergeracmayor Dominique Rousseau.

Medals for river heroes

to open a mini-exchange

mobiles get a boost

8 Food Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

IT WAS our first Christmas in France whenwe realised that we were well into Novemberand we hadn’t seen many signs of the impend-ing festivities. My pudding and mincemeatwere made, my cards bought, but where intown were the garlands, the lights and thestacks of goodies?

How different it is from the UK where, acouple of years ago, I was horrified to see thatthe Christmas season was in full swing inOctober, with people shopping as if there wasno tomorrow.

In our corner of France at least, food andfamily are far more important than how much

you spend on presents for all and sundry. Iwas utterly amazed as the food began toappear in the shops at the beginning ofDecember and couldn’t believe how much wasbeing bought.

Recent statistics show that the average spendper head on Christmas food is €118 in Francewhereas the nearest comparable figures I canfind for the UK is £309 per household for thewhole festive season. Conversely, the numberof presents bought in the UK is more thantwice the French average of €11 per adult.

Because the main celebratory meal in Franceis the Christmas Eve réveillon it has a very dif-ferent feel. The first time we were invited toone it was a revelation. The friend who cookedit had agonised for weeks over her choice ofmain course. Turkey or goose is not automatichere and in the end she served chapon (capon)with a truffle stuffing... and not a Brusselssprout in sight. This was preceded by caviar,home-prepared foie gras and a plateau defruits de mer – a selection, she explainedbecause some people, strangely, don’t likeoysters! Cheese followed and then the Bûchede Noël. The table was gorgeous and it musthave taken her hours.

I now always make Marie-France’s duck foiegras with my own addition of muscat jelly.

Foie gras for the Christmas spiritAfter she was chosen asfirst BBC Masterchef in1990 JOAN BUNTING wassoon writing a foodcolumn and doing BBClocal radio. Now the former advisory teacherhas retired and movedpermanently to her homein France, but is still keen to tell readers about good food.

Which wine should I drink with this?Caline Montfort, of Julien de

Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com), says:Clos L'envège 2003, Monbazillac €29.A superb reference of Monbazillac. Avery concentrated sweet wine made ofbotrytised grapes from our property ofClos l'Envège. It is an extremely complexwine with aromas of dried grapes, figsand apricots with notes of orange peel,vanilla delicate oak. The consistency ofthe wine will marry beautifully the Foiegras, and the refreshing acidity of thissweet wine will enhance its delicateflavours.

Duck Foie Gras with Muscat Jelly

Put the foie gras domed-side down ona board, and with a small sharp knife care-fully remove all the veins – this is vital, soif you have to separate the lobes don’tworry, they will stick together again whenyou cook it.

Put the prepared foie gras in a ceramicdish and add the seasoning and alcohol.Rub well in then refrigerate overnight.Next day pack the liver into a 50cl terrine,cover and place in a bain-marie in a pre-

heated 150°C oven for 35 minutes.

Cool for an hour then chill for at least12 hours before serving – it will keep in thefridge for two or three days.

To make the jelly: Gently heat a couple of tablespoons of

the wine, squeeze the water from gelatineand melt the leaves in the warm wine. Addthe rest of the wine, stir well and pour intoa suitable dish. Chill until set.

INGREDIENTS For 4 - 6 Servings 1 fresh duck foie-gras

2 tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp ground white pepper

(black doesn’t look nice) 1 tbsp cognac

1 tbsp sweet muscat wine For the jelly: 150ml of the same muscat 3 leaves of gelatine soaked in water

until soft.

METHOD

CUT OUT & KEEP!

Photo: © Joan Bunting

A collection of restaurants in the Dordogne

To advertise your restaurant with us call

0800 91 77 56

Photo: © sylbohec - Fotolia.com

Wine 9Dordogne Advertiser December 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Maison des Vins de Bergerac 1 rue des Récollets

24100 Bergerac

Tel 05 53 63 57 55 www.vins-bergerac.fr

Visit the Maison des Vins

and local vineyards

News from the Dordogne’s wine regionBERGERAC

PECHARMANTMONBAZILLAC SAUSSIGNACMONTRAVEL

ROSETTE

Château Les Tours desVerdots has won first prize ina local competition to findthe best Monbazillac wine of2010. The prize is regardedas a prestigious one amongfellow wine-makers and forDavid Fourtout, who ownsand runs the vineyard, it is a“great reward for having got itright.” JANICE MOODY reports.

THE winning wine, Château LesTours des Verdots 2010, is madefrom a selection of grapes thathave been 100% affected byNoble Rot (*) and carefullyselected during four picking ses-sions to make a strong, elegantwine.

"Monbazillac is an ideal wine toserve as an aperitif at Christmas,"says Mr Fourtout.

"With foie gras or a blue-veinedcheese such as a Roquefort.

“Or even with a chocolate orfruit dessert. It is best served at10oC."

The winning wine fought offstiff competition from 31 otherwine samples which were judgedin the Concours des crus deMonbazillac by a jury of winejournalists, restaurant owners,wine negotiators, wine-makersand experts.

The winning wine will be onsale at the end of 2012 and willretail at €15 for a 50cl bottle.

Wine has been made on theFourtout estate for four genera-tions. The estate is found on theoldest maps of Le Périgord and ismentioned by Edward Feret(well-known writer on Bordeauxwines) in his 1903 book.

Today the estate spans 35hectares and produces six differ-ent types of wine which are regu-

larly mentioned in the press andwine guides. The vineyard isopen from 9.00 to 19.00 Mondayto Saturday. For groups of 10+people is it advisable to callbeforehand. English spoken.

Château Les Verdots24560 Conne-de-LabardeTel: 05 53 58 34 31www.verdots.com

(*) What gives Monbazillac wineits particularity is an unsightlyfungus called Noble Rot (botrytiscinerea), or pourriture noble.

Noble Rot infests healthygrapes growing in areas whereclimatic conditions alternatebetween moist and dry such asthe north-facing slopes ofMonbazillac that roll down to theriver Dordogne.

The harvesting of Monbazillacgrapes is done by hand whichmakes it very labour intensive.

Photo: © FrenchH

ope - flickr.comMr Fourtout recommends Monbazillac as a good winefor serving as an aperitif at Christmas time

Roast foie gras with Monbazillac served with a walnut and fig chutney

Walnut and fig chutneyIngredients - Serves 4250g ripe, fresh figs100g sugar50g crushed walnuts10cl wine vinegar5cl water3 black peppercornsPinch of cinnamonJuice of ½ lemon

Method Wash and peel the figs then

place in a food processor. Pour the fig mixture into a

bowl and add the cinnamon andlemon juice. Leave for 15 minutes. In a saucepan mix the water,

vinegar and sugar. Simmer andreduce by half. Add the figs and

peppercorns and cook forapproximately five minutes,stirring constantly. Skim then addthe walnuts and bring to the boilfor 1 minute. Skim again. Pour the chutney immediate-

ly into a pot and seal. Cool in thefridge until required.

Foie grasIngredients1 uncooked duck foie grasweighing 600/800g1 tblsp honey25cl Monbazillac80g flour1 tsp salt1 tsp ground pepper

Method Preheat the oven to 180oc.

Gently cut away the centralvein in the foie gras without split-ting it. Mix the flour, salt and pep-

per together and lightly coat thefoie gras.

Place the foie gras in a hotpan. Coat with its own fat for2 minutes before placing in theoven in a covered dish.The foie gras must continue tocook evenly. Melt the honey with the wine

and leave to reduce to the consis-tency of a syrup. After 12 minutes remove the

foie gras from the oven and coatwith the Monbazillac sauce for 1to 2 minutes in order for it tocaramelise. Serve immediately ona warm plate.

Roast foie gras with Monbazillac served with walnut and fig chutneyWhy not pull out all the stops this Christmas with an elegant blend of the sweetness of Monbazillac wine and the savoury flavours of foie gras and Périgord walnuts and figs?

Christmas market at the Maison des VinsOpen from 10.00 to 19.00 (on Friday, December 23 until 21.30). Closes on December 24 at 16.00. Don't miss the Christmas market in Bergeracthis year which takes place from December 16- 24 in the picturesque cloisters of the 17th-century Maison des Vins situated opposite theold port on the river and spreading out intothe nearby Places Cayla et de la Mirpe.

A vast range of stands selling artwork madefrom pottery, wood, glass and paper, fabricand leather objects, jewellery, photos, paint-ings, baskets, floral arts plus lots more. Face-painting for the children and a visit from

Father Christmas. Food available and freemusical entertainment. Free wine-tasting atthe opening on December 16.Traditional poultry markets(marchés au gras)Every Wednesday and Saturday up until March 24, 2012 Place Saint Louis, PérigueuxA great place to buy any kind of poultry. Formarkets with a festive ambiance (marchésprimés) with entertainment and wine tastingmake a note of Saturdays December 10,January 14 and February 11.

Truffle fair (fête de la Truffe) on SaturdayDecember 17. Wine tasting. Ph

oto:

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What’s on this month

First prize for Château Les Tours des Verdots

The Christmas market takesplace in the pretty cloisters of the Maison des Vins

Photo: © Château Les Tours des Verdots

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10 Business Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

FINANCESponsored by

I own a property in the UK. I understand there havebeen changes in the double taxation agreementbetween France and the UK and that, should I wish tosell the freehold, I would be liable for CGT now inFrance and not the UK. I have lived in France for nearly seven years and have always paid my tax in theUK from the rental income received from the property.I file a French tax return every year and need someadvice regarding capital gains liability and socialcharges if I decide to sell. J.T.

Confusion over capital gains tax

Tax blow on property

Photo: © AlcelVision - Fotolia.com

ALEXANDRA THEVENET has more than 20 years of internationalbusiness experience. She set up and developed the Franco-BritishChamber of Commerce & Industry in the Dordogne between2005 and 2009. She now runs The Link, providing assistance toanyone wishing to settle down in France, and also set up a business here. Services include translation, language tuition,advice and guidance, along with project management. Here shelooks at some of the key trends for the future.

[email protected] - +33 (0)6 70 11 58 88 www.thelinkservices.fr

LOOKING into the future has beenFaith Popcorn’s business for decades andshe has identified key societal trendswhich have shaped, among other things,the marketing world of today.

Some may seem far-fetched, or evenobscure; but I was introduced to herwork when I studied marketing andfound it both inspirational, and inspired.Whether one agrees with its applicationto the world of marketing and overallconsumerism – and I don’t necessarilydo – it always provides food for thoughtin a world marked by a 3E crisis:Economy, Ecology and Energy.

Here are key trends Faith Popcorn hasidentified, some more than three decadesago, and that have hinted as to what maylie ahead in terms of societal behaviour.

99 LIVESToo fast a pace, too little time causessocietal schizophrenia and forces us toassume multiple roles. No matter howfast we go, we need to go faster and livein different dimensions. We must work,and sometimes have several jobs, but weare also parents, have a whole separatelife and, sometimes, persona on theinternet… then just as you think you canswitch off and rest, your mobile goes off.

ATMOSFEAR & FUTURE TENSEPolluted air, contaminated water andtainted food stir up consumer doubt anduncertainty. Consumers, anxiety-riddenby simultaneous social, economic, politi-

cal and ethical chaos, find themselvesbeyond their ability to cope with todayor imagine tomorrow. We live in fear:fear of terrorism, wars, lack of food,money, good looks, love… This sends uson the road to another trend: escapismand a need to take a break from fear.

STAYING ALIVEWhere life used to be about staying fitand healthy as long as possible, it is nowabout longevity. The realisation we canlive longer, and eventually much beyond100 years old, makes us realise middle-age will soon mean being 60. How do wecope and what avenues will we explorein terms of medical, economic and, notleast, ethical and spiritual approaches?

CASHING OUTWorking women and men, questioningpersonal/career satisfaction and goals,opt for simpler living; saying “I don’tbelieve in big. I want to live the life Itruly want to live. I’m cashing out.” Butthe longevity trend means people “cashout” on several occasions in their livesand, in fact, live many different lives.

CLANNINGBelonging to a group that representscommon feelings, causes or ideals: this is

the “loneliness” trend and the need tovalidate one’s own belief system. Peopleused to find such solace within theirneighbourhood, or clubs and even reli-gion; now, with the internet, people canlook for commonality on a global level.

COCOONINGIdentified by Faith Popcorn more than30 years ago, the cocoon trend reflectsthe need to protect oneself from theharsh, unpredictable realities of the out-side world ... by creating a safe placewhere air and water are filtered, spacedefined between fenced gardens andhouses protected by alarms and, mostrecently, by working from home.

DOWN-AGEINGNostalgic for their carefree childhood,baby boomers find comfort in familiarpursuits and products from their youth.Beyond the baby boomer generation,younger generations are also finding solace in yesteryears they never lived…

EGONOMICSTo offset a depersonalised society, consumers crave recognition of theirindividuality. People no longer want tofit with brands but want brands, products and services to fit them.

S.O.S Save Our SocietyWe rediscover a social conscience ofethics, passion and compassion. We wantto buy brands and products that lookafter our society; we want to work forcompanies and people that will help oursociety, and we look at taking some ofour own time to contribute to society.This is a responsibility trend.

SMALL INDULGENCESStressed-out consumers want to indulgein affordable luxuries and seek ways toreward themselves. This and egonomicsexplain the Starbucks success: consumersindulging themselves in a cup of coffeecosting several euros, pounds or dollars,but fitting their exact personal needs:long choccamocha semi-skimmed lattewith brown sugar anyone?!

VIGILANTE CONSUMERConsumers manipulate marketers andthe marketplace through pressure,protest and politics. The internet meansconsumers can now bring down a brand,a company, and who knows... a country?

As the year draws to an end, I havebeen surprised to see, once more, avast number of marketing initiativesaimed at promoting an array of yearly horoscopes of all kinds; andfound myself wondering what peoplelook for in these predictions. Is itreassurance that the year aheadmay be easier or brighter than theone just gone? Is it guidance?

American futurologist FaithPopcorn’s famous catchphrasesprang to mind: “If you knew everything about tomorrow, whatwould you do differently today?”

Trends show way ahead

INDEED the tax treaty has changed, leading to much confusion over many points; however it is very clear thatcapital gains from UK property for French residents arenow taxed in France under French rules. Income from UKproperty may now also be taxed in France with a creditapplied for tax paid in the UK. Since I do not have thespace to cover both, I will focus on capital gains tax.

Some people have been confused by the change to capitalgains tax, as article 14 of the treaty, dealing with capitalgains on property, states that it may be taxed where it is sit-uated, so the UK; but the UK does not apply capital gainstax to non residents, resulting in no tax. What overridesthis is article 24 of the treaty which states that there will bea tax credit for tax paid. Of course, there will be no creditsince the gain is not taxed in the UK, thus making it clearthat French tax is the only tax that matters. Capital gainstax in France is currently 19%, but with a further 13.5% insocial charges for French residents.

Until recently, being taxed in France was not a majorproblem for many who had owned their property for aconsiderable time, but the last French budget (or at least itssecond correction adopted on September8 ) has taken offthe shine, leaving people with anxieties over any sale. Manypeople seem to have understood that this is already inforce; however, for private individuals, the new rules applyfrom February 1, 2012.

The original rules were that, after five years of ownership,there was an exemption added every year of 10%. Thismeant a property owner could sell their UK property, freeof capital gains tax, after 15 years. The new rules mean thatthis is now no longer the case, as is outlined in article 150VC of the French tax code.

The time of ownership now required to receive 100%relief is double, at 30 years. The details are as follows:

2% for each year of ownership beyond the 5th year;4% for each year of ownership beyond the 17th year;8% for each year of ownership beyond the 24th year.

A €1,000 allowance which formerly applied has also beenremoved.

A declaration now needs to be made to the tax authoritieswithin one month of the sale.

In summary, investing in property, whether in France orthe UK, is no longer attractive for French residents andthose wishing to sell property now might wish to achievetheir sale before February 1, 2012 as it is likely to be moreexpensive after that. For those looking to move to Franceand buy a second property as an investment, they may wishto consider other investment options to create an incomeother than property, as more attractive options exist.

This is a complex subject and there is more information thatcould be added here but had to be abridged due to lack ofspace. To read more, see www.kentingtons.com/blog

Can we look forward to a rushed,depersonalised society?

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Helpguides 11Dordogne Advertiser December 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Up-to-date, impartial information on a range of topics for

life in France

Connexion helpguides

...and many more helpguides available

From

€€5To help readers make the most of life in France

The Connexion has produced a series of helpguides on practical topics.

The helpguides, priced €5 and €7.50, are produced independently

by Connexion journalists or in partnership with Conseils des Notaires de France.

Download the helpguides at www.connexionfrance.comor call FREE from France 0800 91 77 56 or for just 4p/min from the UK 0844 256 9881

Local taxes

Connexion helpguides:Everything you need to know for life in France

Sponsored by

Helpguide to

2011VERSION

€5

12 Inheritance Dordogne Advertisewww.dordogneadvertiser.com

IF YOU live in France you must clearly takeaccount of French inheritance laws but theselaws also apply if you are resident in Britain (orelsewhere) and have property, such as a holidayhome, in France.

These strict rules are often a cause of con-cern to expats. Many have contacted theEuropean Union calling for reform andBrussels is now investigating the pos-sibility of harmonising inheritancerules across all member states.

For the moment,though, it isimportantthat expatswith assetsin Franceare aware ofthe rulesand how tomake thebest of them.

The Connexion newspaper publishes an easy-to-read guide to inheritance laws in France,with advice on how to plan for them. Here weoutline some of the main topics that it covers.

French inheritance law can be divided intocivil law (matters such as who can inherit) and

tax law (inheritance tax payable by heirs).In civil law, France and Britain have

similar approaches. For “moveable”assets (shares,money inbankaccountsetc), thelaw ofthe last

residence of the deceased person applies. Forreal estate (houses, land etc), the applicablelaw is that of the country where the property islocated: eg. English law for English assets,French for French assets.

Regarding tax law, if the deceased was resi-dent in France, French inheritance tax is pay-able on his or her worldwide assets and Britishtax may be payable on British assets (de-pending on the British rules), but would thenbe deductible from the French tax bill. If thedeceased was resident outside France, Frenchtax is payable on French real estate only.

Subject to allowances and exemptions,French inheritance tax can be high, especiallyin the case of heirs with no close family ties. Ifyou are not married or “pacsed” (in a Frenchcivil union), or in a recognised foreign civilunion such as a British civil partnership, youwill be treated as having no family ties andtaxed accordingly.

A spouse, pacs partner or British civil part-ner pays no tax, but the

law does affect themsignificantly. Be-cause your chil-

dren have anautomatic rightto a certainpercentage ofyour estate, a

surviving spouse may need protection. It is worth noting, however, that France does

not recognise stepchildren, who are taxed as‘strangers’ – at 60% – if they are left legacies.

Brothers or sisters living in the same houseas the deceased are not taxed on legacies pro-vided they are single, widowed or divorced atthe time of death; aged 50 or more or disabled,and have lived with the deceased continuouslyfor the previous five years.

Everyone else is liable to pay tax, with somerare exceptions. While Britain taxes the overallnet value of the estate, French inheritance taxis calculated on each share in the estate. Oncethe net value of the estate has been calculated,it is divided into shares, each of which benefitsfrom a non-taxable allowance depending onthe beneficiary’s degree of relationship to thedeceased (see table opposite).

Whether there is a will or not, children arehéritiers réservataires, which means they areentitled to a set part of the estate, which youcannot change by will (the same applies, in theabsence of children, to a spouse).

Should there not be a will, a person’s estategoes to the following, in order of precedence:children or grandchildren, or great-grandchil-dren; then to the mother or father; then tobrothers or sisters, to their children or grand-children and so on, to more distant relatives.

In addition to this are rules protecting a sur-viving spouse where there is no will. In thepresence of children, these include the right toa quarter share of the estate. If there are nochildren, the spouse will inherit the whole es-tate unless either of the deceased’s parents areliving; in which case, each of the parents isentitled to receive one-quarter of the estate.

Due to the strict rules, when you do make awill, you cannot, if you have children, simplytransfer full ownership of your property toyour spouse alone in your will; and you shouldnot rely on one made in Britain. It may not beeffective in France.

The crucial aspect for expats relates to prop-erty and other assets held in France and theposition of a surviving spouse or partner inthe light of the automatic rights of children.

Where a pacs or civil partner is living in thefamily home at the time their partner dies, heor she has the right to occupy the property fora year. In the case of married couples only, thisright extends for the survivor’s whole lifetimeand includes the furnishings of the home. Thespouse may also let the house to someone else.

The issue of “marriage regimes” is an impor-tant factor in France concerning property andinheritance matters. Notaires can advise onthis when you buy property.

Common forms of contract include commu-nauté universelle, under which a couple owns a

Know the law andprotect your heirsExpatriates with property and assets in France– and those with holiday homes here – needto be aware that French inheritance rules arestrict and very specific. As the holiday seasonapproaches and thoughts turn to families, it isworth looking to the future and taking stepsto make sure that your estate passes downaccording to your wishes

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om “When you make a will youcannot, if you have children, simply transfer fullownership of your propertyto your spouse alone

Inheritance 13www.dordogneadvertiser.comer December 2011

Where you can findmore informationGETTING to the bottom of inheritance law can be verycomplicated because each person’s circumstances are different and, particularly for those with children from aprevious relationship and for unmarried couples, it is notalways easy to know what your legal situation is.

Help is at hand and we list useful contacts in theDordogne who can steer you through the minefield.

For professional advice, head to your nearest notaire.There is a list of English-speaking notaires in the department available on the national website:www.tinyurl.com/dordad-notaires

A number of associations and businesses put on seminarson inheritance issues. Take a look at their websites –and in the Dordogne Advertiser columns to see whenthere is one coming to a venue near you and look out foradvertisements of similar events on expatriate forums.

Private companies: There are several fims which specialise inhelping expats with this issue and offer advice and servic-es in English. You can find some of them advertising on thepages of the Dordogne Advertiser and The Connexion.

Trade organisation Angel Traders has held free seminarson inheritance. See its website for further details:www.angeltraders.net

Women’s group NEDWA holds occasional seminars on arange of subjects, including inheritance. Keep an eye ontheir website for more details. www.nedwa.com

The British Consulate in Bordeaux lists English-speakinglawyers and can help in an emergency i.e. sudden death.It is at Boulevard du President Wilson 33073 Bordeauxor phone: 05 57 22 21 10. More details of their servic-es, including the lawyer list can be found on the website:www.tinyurl.com/dordad-consulate

home equally, or sépa-ration des biens, whereownership is a percent-age allotted to each part-ner. British married cou-ples can visit a notaire todraw up a marriage con-tract in respect of Frenchproperty. Otherwise, thewording on the deeds iscrucial.

A holiday homemight be boughtunder an SCI, acompany formedto own the prop-erty, in whichcase the laws ofthe home countrywill apply becauseit is considered amoveable asset.

If you are goingto live in France,purchase of a resi-dence might in-clude a tontineclause, under whichthe property is jointlyowned and passes to thesurvivor, or a donation entreépoux, which gives the survivor life-time use of the estate and the right toownership of a quarter of it, irrespective ofchildren.

Whether residents here or holiday homeowners, it is essential to be aware of thedifferences from the system in your homecountry – and to take professional advice.

The Connexion’s helpguide to Frenchinheritance law can point you in the rightdirection and make you more aware of thequestions to ask.

The Connexion newspaper has an 18-page helpguidethat takes you step-by-step through the complexities ofFrench inheritance laws, explains how they affectexpats and answers frequently-asked questions.

Inheritance law helpguide

Download a copy for €7.50 at www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 for a printed version to be sent to you

Relationship to deceased

Surviving spouse, pacs orcivil partner

Direct heirs (ie. all childrenof the deceased, or, if theyhave died, their children)

Brother or sister (apart fromthose exempt from tax, seeabove)

Nephew or niece

Other relatives to the 4thdegree of relationship (eg.including cousins and great-nephews)

Everyone else

Tax-free portion per share

€1,594

Taxed at

60%

100% tax exempt

€159,325

€15,932

€7,967

€1,594

Up to €8,072 - 5%...then to €12,109 - 10%...then to €15,932 - 15%...then to €552,324 - 20%...then to € 902,838 - 30%…then to €1,805,677 - 40%... then 45%

Up to €24,430 - 35%...then 45%

55%

55%

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14 What’s On Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

notice board

VARIATIONS needs you if youhave always fancied being on stageor being in a classical music choir.

The music and drama associationstarted five years ago when AlisonChew and the late Iris Moutterstaged an Old Tyme Music Hallnight in the Villetoureix SallePolyvalente, near Ribérac. Theassociation has since gone fromstrength to strength and now hasmore than 50 members, bothBritish and French.

Variations Ensemble Vocal per-form classical music concerts andhave performed at fetes as well asin churches in Périgueux, St Astierand Ribérac. Past performanceshave included Mozart’s Requiemand Handel’s Messiah. The associa-tion also boasts a chamber choir.

If you are more interested in lightmusic and drama then Variations-en-Scène might suit.

Over the years, the group hasstaged a number of musicals plusseasonal readings and songs. ThisChristmas they will stage Falling inLove Again, an extravaganza com-bining a heart-warming love storywith the music of Roger andHammerstein on December 2 and3 at 19.00 in the Salle Polyvalente,Villetoureix. Tickets at €15(including seasonal supper) needto be booked in advance from 05 45 98 64 14 or email: [email protected]

You can get further details onVariations from Teresa Rekowskaat [email protected]

The association needs musicians,singers, actors and backstage crewand vocalists must do an audition.

Membership is €25 a year or €40for a couple. Become a friend for€10 a year and get newsletters,event notices and social invitations.

Variations can addspice to your life

December 8 Tribute to The Clash – A dozen or so groups gettogether to give their renditions of The Clash classics.Theevent follows its debut earlier this year which was a majorsuccess for fans and the bands. 19.00 - 00.00, Le San Réserve,Périgueux. www.sans-reserve.org Call 05 53 06 12 73

MUSICPérigueux

Périgord Blanc

Photo: © D

avydov - Fotolia.com

MUSICPérigueux

December 2 Piano concert of music by the masters – Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert andChopin given by Franco-Lebanese pianist Abdel Rahman el Bacha.Tickets €8-€22 can bebought from Périgueux tourist office, Libraire Marbot Périgueux or via the website www.sinfonia-en-perigord.com. 20.30, Centre Départemental de la Communication,Cours Saint Georges, PérigueuxCall 05 53 08 69 81

Photo: © DaiFh - Wikipedia Commons

MUSICPérigueuxDecember 18 Live from Moscow The Nutcracker by the BolshoiBallet – Sit back and watch this world famous ballet troupedance out the wonderful winter tale.The event is in HD andfull Dolby sound at the Cap Cinéma in Périgueux, PlaceFrancheville, 16.00Call 05 53 03 92 91

Périgord VertFAMILY

Milhac-de-Nontron

December 9 Franco-BritishQuiz is being held in the

Salle des Fêtes from 20.30.Hosted by the AssociationMilhac-Loisirs, the idea for

the quiz came from theirregular English-French conversation classes.

The questions are in Englishand French to even things out and the quiz is a perfect chance

to show off both local and general knowledge. Price €2 Call 05 53 60 92 69

Nantheuil MUSIC

Phot

o: D

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CAM

- Fo

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December 3 Classical musicconcert given by Les

Musicambules (flute, violinand cello). FREE entrance

but donations welcome.20.30 in the church at

Nantheuil.Call 05 53 55 12 50

AQUITAINE Chaplaincy is holdingthe first carol service of the year onDecember 4 at Bertric-Burée at 16.00.

This is followed on December 6 atAllez at 18.30; Dec 8, Esquerdes, 19.00;Dec 9, St Médard (time tba); Dec 10, StColomb de Lauzun, 16.00 and Bor-deaux, 17.00; Dec 11, Chancelade,16.00; Dec 13, Doudrac, 19.00; Dec14, Eymet, 18.00; Dec 15, Limeuil,18.00 and Dondas, 18.30; Dec 18,Christingle service Bertric-Burée,10.30, and carols at Ribérac and Ste Nathalène at 16.00, and Montetonat 17.00.

LIMEUIL’S carol service at SteCatherine’s church on December 15will hear the first performance of thevillage’s own carol, The ConfluenceCarol. Written by Michael Patterson, itmarks the retirement of choirmistressJoyce Crowest after 17 years.

CHRISTMAS events will also be held

in the Lot with a Christingle service inthe Centre Paroissial in Cahors onDecember 4 at 10.00. There are alsocarol services on Dec 11 at Cabessut at15.00; Dec 15, St Daunès, 19.00; Dec18, Terre Rouge 10.00, Dec 19, Bétaille,18.00, and Dec 20, Le Vigan 19.00.

WOMEN’S group NEDWA is holdinga coffee morning and sale of Christmasgoods at the Kitsch Kafé in Excideuilon December 9 from 10.00.

Get more information from Shirleyon [email protected] or on thenew website: www.nedwa.com

DRAMA group MADS hopes to getthe festive season off to a jolly startwith its new Pull the Other One show.

It is being presented at the Chateauin Issigeac on December 2 and 3, withthe shows starting at 19.30.

Tickets are €5 and you can book on05 53 24 56 11 or by email [email protected]

Carol singers to the fore

Promote your community event, send details to [email protected]

What’s On 15Dordogne Advertiser December 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

December

FAMILYEymetDecember 9 – Roll Out the Barrel. After the hugesuccess of the show last year Terry Bradford andSussie Arvesen are returning to Eymet with theirnostalgic celebration of old-time music.Take a seatand turn back the clocks with this happy show thatbrings 65 songs from music hall classics to showsongs: a Christmas feast of non-stop golden oldies!Tickets cost €12 and can be purchased fromEymet tourist office.Call 05 53 58 82 51 or e-mail [email protected]

Phot

o: ©

Ter

ry B

radf

ord

Mus

ic

All month – Cabaret shows all month by the dancers, singers, acrobats and actors of theCosmopolitan Company at the Music Hall, 109 rue Neuve d’Argenson, Bergerac

Call 05 53 22 58 11www.le-music-hall.fr

BergeracCABARET

Photo: © Le M

usic Hall

Périgord Pourpre

Photo: © José 16 - Fotolia.com

December 4 – Motorbike rally in aid of theTéléthon. Activities may not be as spectacularas this moto-crosser but you can get details ofbike events, and there will be bike rides, walks,pétanque competition and balloon launch. Allwill be taking place in front of the town hallfrom 09.30. Call 06 22 73 42 42

Razac-de-SaussignacFAMILY

Périgord Noir

Castelnaud-La-ChapelleMUSIC

December 16 Jazz and tapas evening with the Alex Fohl 50s group – Alexandra Fohl and hergroup play a repertoire of jazz from the 50s and songs by Josephine Baker. A relaxing,

enjoyable evening guaranteed. 20.00 onwards Jardins des Milandes, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Call 05 53 30 42 42

December 14 - January 2 Salon LesHivernales de Sarlat – A unique opportunity to see works of art by morethan 30 artists.There is no theme, just thechance for all involved to let their freedom of expression show itself.Entrance is FREE Ancien Evêché, RueToruny.Call 05 53 31 53 31

SarlatART

December 10 – Evening of entertainmentin aide of the Restos du Coeur which provide food aid for the needy; with 900,000meals for families across the Dordogne lastwinter. Price €10 for adults and €5 for children. Centre Culturel des Congrès, Sarlat21.00.Call 05 53 59 25 78

16 Directory Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

English-speaking firms near you

DORDOGNEADVERTISER

For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities

C&C CONSTRUCTION SARLQualified Builder

15 Years Experience10 Years Insurance Guarantee

All Building/Groundworks undertakenTel: 05 53 62 13 38 / 06 63 84 79 99Email: [email protected]

www.cc-construction.fr

RON HARRISONGeneral Builder

City & Guilds qualified, 35yrs experience, reliable, ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Tel: 05 53 80 42 91 Mob: +44 759 286 5010

Email: [email protected] radius Mussidan(24) Siret: 51352715000017

Paul GentFully Qualified & Insured Builder

including:• Renovation • Masonry

• Plastering • Plus Hard LandscapingTel: 05 53 29 08 86 Mob: 07 60 52 43 40

email: [email protected] radius Sarlat ( 24 ) Siret : 513 209 189

PLASTERING POINTINGRENDERING &

GENERAL BUILDING“Quality & Reliability” 35 Years Experience

Tel : 05 57 47 48 19Email : [email protected]

Areas 24,33 Other areas Considered. Based St Foy La GrandeSiret: 482 710 175

GARDEN SERVICESCreation of Garden Maintenance & Tree surgery

High quality in respect with naturePhilippe Brulé -30 years experience

Tel. 05 65 34 09 91Working dept: south 19, 46

Email: [email protected]

ArchitectRenovation - new construction.

Projects, all phases of construction.Sarl d'Architecture

David Besse Architecte dplgGrange Neuve 24140 Saint Martin des Combes.

05 53 82 44 75 - 06 17 51 26 [email protected]

PARKES et DUCELIERArchitectes

UK and French RegisteredArchitects

Dossiers for Permis deConstruireInterior and

Landscape designOrdre des Architectes No. 1867

Tel: 05 53 09 33 45E: [email protected]: www.parkes-ducellier.com

Depts: 16,19,24,33,87 Siret: 488 165 564 00011

Landscape ArchitectFREE CONSULTATION

Site analysis, schematic designs,construction plans, cost estimates

construction observation, Contact Michael Stanton

Tel : 05 53 54 63 65www.landplan.fr - E-mail: [email protected]

ABP SASURenovation and construction of buildings and

swimming pools. New timber framed constructions. Negotiation of diverse products

Tel Alan Fisk: 05 53 56 68 87Email: [email protected]

GOLDENWAYINTERNATIONAL PETS

& LIVE ANIMALS

World Wide PetRelocator

Ministry approvedNo. 61195004 – 61195001Offices CDG Airport Paris

Offices and Kennels Normandy

Tel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG ParisTel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy

www.goldenwaypets.comSiret: 397549551

Animal CareHouse Sitting Yours/mine

First Aid 4Animals Cert, Referencesestablished Animal Charities

Tel: 06 43 28 32 [email protected]

Siret ; u47011658505

ANIMAL COURIERSExperienced couriers specialisingin pet travel between France / UK /

Spain or within France. Pet passport advice.

Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123Email: [email protected]

Web: www.animalcouriers.com

Ad No. 10862

THE DORDOGNE CATTERY

PENSION POUR CHATS NEARSARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED

AND HEATEDCONTACT ANNA MASLEN

05 53 31 95 88 / 06 86 94 85 [email protected]

www.dordognecattery.com

The Cats InnLuxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very

Spacious - Lots of Love and Attention

Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42www.thecatsinncattery.com

[email protected] No.520 980 269 00010

La Creme de la CremeSmall, Caring, purpose

built DOG FREE catterynear Nontron.

Tel: 05 53 56 05 17email: [email protected]

www.la-creme-de-la-creme.comsiret 51963554400017

WAGS AND WHISKERS

British owned boarding kennels and cattery35 years experience

Tel: 05.65 [email protected]

SIRET: 500607858

CLOS FLEURILuxury Cattery

Between Bergerac and BordeauxIndividual Love Care and Attention Given


www.closfleurionline.comSiret: 524 348 596 00015

Chenil Les Mille CalinsEnglish Run

5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats

Underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff Top Quality food and exercise Only 45 minutes south of Caen Convenient Ferry Access

www.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32

Fax 02 33 38 44 16

By advertising in our directory youget the chance to run advertorials (thearticles you see on these pages.) 1/3page, maximum 500 words plus photo,€200HT

2/3 page, maximum 1,000 words plusphoto, €400HT

We will keep you up to date withfeatures and special events in yourarea of France in all our publications

which could help to boost your busi-ness.

Your ad included in our onlinedirectory for FREE.

Want to advertise in our national

paper The Connexion or sister papersin other regions? Get 50% off yoursecond directory advert.

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DORDOGNE DIRECTORY

Directory 17Dordogne Advertiser December 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

SAPEG expertiseet conseil

Registered Chartered Accountants

- Business set up and registration - Business accountancy

- Income tax,Wealth tax- Payroll and legal services

Contact Alain: 05 53 92 50 00Email: [email protected]

comptables.frwww.sapeg.experts-comptables.fr

EXECO PARTNERSCertified Accountants (FR)

Serving English Clients in France

Accounting, Payroll, Business Setup and

registration, Individual& Business Taxation

and more...Please feel welcome to contact:

Mr Pierre CHERON(Expert-Comptable)

on Tél: 05.53.54.48.91Email: [email protected]

www.execopartners.eu

HOUSES ONINTERNET

Do you want to sell yourhouse quickly?

Our fee is only 2.5%Find out how on:

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM

Tel: 05 55 65 12 19

For all your electrical requirementscontact

AK Electrical30 years experience/Fully insured

[email protected] 06 32 31 61 85

siret: 494 064 322 00014

Brian Macey - Electricianmaintenance, breakdowns, renovations,

rewires, new build, interior & exterior30 years experience

Tel: 05 55 97 18 10Email: [email protected]: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87

ALL ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING WORK

Underfloor Heating/ AerothermiePremiere service guaranteed

St Yrieux / Brive / Perigueux / SarlatTel: 06 37 09 55 13

Website: http://eurolec24.com/Email: [email protected]

Siret: 489 542 589 00010

Kennedy Electricite ServicesInstallation, rewires and repairs.

20+ years experience.Fully insured. No job too small.

Contact Justin or Melissa Kennedy.Tel: 05 55 56 37 36

Email: [email protected] 87/24 Siret 503 417 04000014

LE FRANCAISCHEZ VOUS

Tailor made tuition in French at yourhome or Castel-Merle, 24290 Sergeac.

Amanda and Emilie MillinshipTel: 05 53 50 04 68

www.lefrancaischezvous.comDordogne

CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONSAll legal transla-tions by French-English speaking sworn translator

Property-legal-birth cert.,driving licences

Administrative helpExpat assistanceValid everywhere

with 25 years of experienceRegions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38

Email: [email protected]:

www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.comFast and affordable

Siret: 38058374000028

LLaa PPeettiittee MMaaiissoonn ddeess LLaanngguueess

38, rue Jean Jaurès, 24800 THIVIERSTel: 05 53 52 49 91

E: [email protected]: www.lapetitemaisondeslangues.comLearn French and feel at home again !

Small groups, 1to1, weekly orintensive courses and translations

French WithoutTears

One to OneLanguage Course.

Tuition with Accomodationwww.cours-a-cucugnan.com

Tel: 06 78 15 19 29Siret: 521701474 - Ad No. 17685

Tailor Made French LessonsIn Your Home

By an experienced French teacherALL LEVELS

Group, Individual or ConversationTel: 06 83 48 82 05

Siret : 530585181

alan keenan

ti lingall wall & floor tiling, pool surrounds, terraces,

concrete & sand / cement work, plasterboardingTel: 06 19 50 34 28 or 05 53 23 24 54

Email: [email protected] Covered: 24,47 Siret: 47794615600015

MGF CounsellingServices

English Speaking Counselor. M. Glenys Forrester

(B.Sc.psych.) (M.Sc. psych.)

Offering individual /couples counselling.

(Depression, Stress, illness,bereavement etc).

Tel: 05 53 50 07 28Mob: 06 47 17 60 78

Email: [email protected]: www.mgfcounselling.com

Regions Covered: All - Siret: 520 314 824

Internet by satellite, Streamedand satellite TV on computer,

Networking and network streaming, Cloud computing.

Mob: +33 (0) 6 44 01 70 63

Tel: +33 (0) 5 53 51 87 53 / +33 (0) 9 70 40 82 31

E-mail: [email protected]

WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance

website that you can edit yourselfwww.rob-tomlinson.com


Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027

Penny Graphicsquality

websitesProfessional, bespoke design,

websites you can edit.Hosting and domain name

included.pennygraphics.net

Tel: 02 33 90 92 15

PC-TECHNICASolutions to all your computing needs...

PC Support/Sales & Website Design

Tel: 05 53 59 48 54 Email: [email protected]

www.pc-technica.fr

Voilà!Web Solutions

Exclusive multilingual websites competitively

priced. PersonalisedFacebook, Twitter and

blogs part of a completeservice to make your

business highly visible onthe Internet.

[email protected]: Harvey 05 53 81 03 78

CCAARRPPEENNTTRRYY - BBUUIILLDDIINNGG - RREENNOOVVAATTIIOONN

Excideuil - Hautefort - TerrassonRob Hayward

TTeell:: 0055 5533 5511 9900 8800 MMoobb:: 0066 7700 8899 7722 0066hhaayywwaarrdd..aarrttiissaann@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm

Siret: 45340867600022

JUST PLASTERINGCeilings, walls, floors

Time served tradesman24, 33, 47, other regions possibleContact Mike Tel: 05 53 58 17 19

Mob: 06 67 03 30 48Email: [email protected]

Siret no: 42424381400011

SMALL BUILDING WORKS Repointing, Plasterboarding, windows,

doors installed.Translations, planning permissions.

Tel: 05 53 56 36 89 Email: [email protected] www.dordognedave.webs.com

Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010

GENERAL BUILDERChris Danaher

20 Years ExperienceFREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 05 53 05 80 17 Mobile: 06 71 40 35 [email protected] Siret:51064303400018

BergeracRenovation & Building

From groundwork, fosseseptiques, masonary,interiors, to rooves.

Free estimates & adviceTel: 05 53 81 60 73

[email protected]

3D CONSTRUCTIONFamily run building company with

over 30 yrs experience

All construction worksundertaken large orsmall incl. masonry,

carpentry and roofingBased nr. Sarlat

Free estimates - References availableTel: 06 31 21 32 04

Email: [email protected]: 505 346 676 00016

Team of English artisansfor all your renovation needs

in the Perigord NoirEmail: [email protected]

Telephone: Simon - 06 37 21 24 02Glen - 06 71 85 43 24

Siret: 5045 8000 2000 13 - 5206 6045 7000 18

BÂTI-TOP SARL

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONMEDIUM/LARGE PROJECTS

UNDERTAKEN10 YEAR INSURED GUARANTEE

www.bati-top.com05 53 73 02 88 - Siret: 9868562700016

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FOUNDED ten years ago by HarrisRaphael, Dordogne-based PioneerFrance has achieved an enviablereputation for its property sales,which are particularly concentratedin the Périgord Noir.

“We generate international expo-sure for clients’ properties by plac-ing them with very high profileinternational property websites thatcover Europe, the USA, the MiddleEast and Australasia, as well as onour own site,” said Harris.

Local marketing and targetedinternational press and public rela-tions activity are also carried out bythe company.

“Around 90% of our purchasingclientele are international - every-where from Hong Kong to Canada,”said Harris.

He added: “If you have a propertyto sell in our area of the Dordogne,Pioneer France guarantees you

international exposure to the keypurchasing markets.”

Dealing in higher-end properties,usually from €350,000 upwards,enables Pioneer France to expendmore on marketing per propertyand focus its activities on thewealthier, but more difficult toreach, international buying clientele.

“Our segment of the market hasseen an improvement of late, withgood, appropriately priced properties once again selling well,”said Harris.

“Through the recent economic cri-sis, many prospective purchasershave held back, but they have continued to want to fulfil their ambition of owning a Dordogneproperty.

“A number of buyers are now say-ing ‘now or never’ and are re-enter-ing the market, particularly with

prices some 15-25% or more belowtheir 2007/8 peaks.”

Pioneer France also provides spe-cialist complimentary services to itsproperty activities, particularly for-eign exchange facilities, representingone of the world’s largest foreignexchange currency brokers inFrance.

“This enables us to help repatriateclients’ funds at the most advanta-geous rates, maximise sales pro-ceeds and often mitigate any reduc-tion in value caused by the need toconvert sale proceeds into anothercurrency,” said Harris.

“We also extend this specialist for-eign exchange service to all PioneerFrance clients, whether or not theyare utilising our property services,”he added.

Client success as a result of thecompany’s internationally focusedactivities has seen Pioneer Francegrow steadily during a tough eco-nomic period.

“Our favourite client quote is:

‘Pioneer’s professionalism and atten-tion to detail was superb and madea potentially stressful activity for usvery easy.’ That is what we’re allabout,” said Harris.

If you would like to market yourDordogne property or need expert

foreign exchange guidance and bestrates, contact Harris and his team.

05 53 07 06 2706 76 73 73 [email protected] www.pioneerfrance.com

Pioneer France wins plaudits for its internationalapproach to Dordogne property sales

The pioneering approach

The Pioneer France team: Harris (sitting), Olivier, Tanya and Shaun


DDiissccoovveerr aallll 77 GGoollff CCoouurrsseess

RReedduucceedd ffaarreessbbeettwweeeenn 2200 -- 3300%%

GGoollff PPaassss DDoorrddooggnneeAvailable on line

wwwwww..ggoollff--ddoorrddooggnnee--ppeerriiggoorrdd..ccoomm

G. W.Makeovers & Design

English Kitchens/ Bathrooms/appli-ances direct from UK manufacturersFull range of French kitchens sup-plied Free design/planning service

Installations/Makeovers/Installations Only/Tiling

Granite and Stoneworksurfaces available

Areas: 24 33 47Call 05 53 58 09 32 or

06 58 92 09 97siret: 510 011 554 00019

One stop for all your renovation works. Specialistsin kitchens and bathrooms.

Free devis/quotes.Contact details.

Phone: 05 53 61 77 28 / 06 85 16 35 69e-mail: [email protected]

Siret: 50281715800012

LIMEUILCHURCH

(at Limeuil Haut)ANGLICAN SERVICES

EVERY SUNDAY10.30am Christmas Carol service

Thursday December 15th, 6.00pmEveryone is warmly welcomed

TEL: 05 53 31 18 04www.churchinaquitaine.org

Café ChurchBergerac

An English speaking approachto contemporary Christianity

HAPPY CHRISTMASNext meeting January 22nd

Sponsored by and held at L'EgliseEvangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou

For more details contact Reverend Derek & Pam Cook

[email protected] or Peter Shire

05 53 22 74 08www.christiansindordogne.com

EExxcclluussiivveeHHeeaalltthhccaarreeYour Helping Hand to the

French Health System

+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45www.exclusivehealthcare.com

To advertise here callfreephone in

France 0800 91 77 56 / fromUK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Garden Design Service by professionalLandscape Architect/Garden Designerfrom conception to supervision of installation

Virginia Fletcher BA, Dip (Hons) LA, MLA

Tel: 05 53 62 51 94Mob: 06 24 92 82 57

E-mail: [email protected]: 44943716900013 - Ad No. 17855

MOLE CATCHERNO MOLE - NO FEE!

Call johnthemoleman

tel 05 53 22 07 32 mob 06 06 40 92 97e-mail [email protected]

siret 51249460000012

Prêt à Plonger Piscine installation, repairs &

maintenance. Bespoke pools, noproject too big or small.

Complete package includinggroundwork, terracing/decking and

pool security.Simon & Julia Holt

0619 071121 or 0553 620152or Julia: 06 32 10 39 92

[email protected]

Siret: 49397835700017

IN DEEPPISCINES

Maintenance, leak detection, servicing, repairs

tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92email: [email protected]

regions: 47, 32, 82, 24, 33 - siret: 504576802100020

TIP TOPGarden &

Property ServicesGarden Maintenance

Hedge Trimming - TreesCutting - Strimming

General Property MaintenanceProperty checks/Keyholding

Photo updatesContact Barry OnTel: 05 53 29 03 52

Mobile: 06 24 07 31 14E: [email protected] 24 - Radius 50 kms Sarlat

Siret: 49372365400015

PISCINE AMBIANCEMore than 20 years

as regional leader in reinforcedconcrete pools.

Thanks to exclusive technologyand no outsourcing, 98% of ourclients readily recommend us!

With PISCINE AMBIANCEinvest in happiness!

PISCINE AMBIANCE - ZAC du Mazaud19100 BRIVE - + 33 (0)5 55 18 98 18

[email protected]

24 SERVICESComplete Home and Garden Maintenance

Bourdeilles 24310Tel: 06 02 34 85 38

www.24services.frSiret: 52841725600013

Jardins du Périgord- Design - Creation

- Garden management

High quality work by qualified gardeners

www.jardinsduperigord.com

pools-piscines.comSwimming pool construction and repairs

Natural pools - Replacement liners standardand liner 'armé' 150/100

NW Dordogne/South Charentetel 06 89 46 15 08 / 09 77 90 94 51

www.pools-piscines.comsiret 322 963 190 000 36

Roots & ShootsProfessional tree surgeryCall Mark for a free quote

05 53 75 05 48 - 06 89 79 05 [email protected].

www.roots-shoots.frSiret number 452-803-539-00017

St Pool PiscinesConcrete Piscines. Cost effectively

engineered. No expensive overdesign, expertly constructed

Order now for [email protected] Roberts B.Sc (c.eng)

Phone: 0553914518www.aquapierre.com

FRENCH INSURANCE - IN ENGLISH

For people who live in/ own property in

FranceStraight-forward, honest advice onthe best house, car, life & health

insurance policies for youOver 15 years experience inFrench insurance markets

English, Dutch & German spoken.Philippe Schreinemachers

www.insurance.frTel: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00Email: [email protected]

RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France

AXA INSURANCE

J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600

HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars

ENGLISH SPOKEN(call Angeline) - 02 33 49 12 34

englishspokenlecluze.e-monsite.com

To advertise here callfreephone in

France 0800 91 77 56 / fromUK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

€€ £U RR AR NE SN FC EY R

PIONEER FRANCEBest rates from the market leader

[email protected]/currency

Tel: 05 53 07 06 27

€€ £U RR AR NE SN FC EY R

PIONEER FRANCEBest rates from the market leader

[email protected]/currency

Tel: 05 53 07 06 27

ANNA Maslen runs the DordogneCattery from her property in LaChapelle-Aubareil. The businessoriginally existed just outside Sarlatand at that time Anna worked there.When the owner moved two yearsago the cattery was transferred toAnna’s premises and soon after shetook it over completely.

Anna has lived in the Dordognefor nine years with her husband andthree children. She previously lived

in the UK where she was a qualifiednurse, but has always had a passionfor cats and has several of her own. She works hard toensure that the cats live in the most hygienic and comfortable con-ditions possible.

“Each area has been built accord-ing to the standards of the FelineAdvisory Bureau in the UK,” saidAnna. “There is free air flow, mini-mal risk of infection due to a sneeze

barrier, the areas are regularlycleaned out and I spend time withthe cats to make sure they getenough attention,” said Anna. “Also,the pens are north facing, whichmeans they are in the shade when itis very hot, but at this time of yearthey catch some afternoon sun.”

The cattery has twelve small pens,which can take up to two cats of thesame family and three large ones,which can take up to four cats. Butif the larger areas are empty thenshe puts other cats in there to givethem more room.

For double security there is a cor-ridor between the cats’ area and theoutside. Anna often plays with thecats here to give them a supervisedrun around and so that they canexpend some energy.

“I get such good feedback fromeverybody who leaves their catshere,” Anna said, explaining that the

vets in Sarlat use her services too.“People are delighted with the waythe cats are returned to them,” sheadded.

“I try to keep the environment asstress free for the cats as possible,”she said. “There are no dogs here, sono barking, we’re in the countrysidewhere it is very peaceful, but thereis always lots of wildlife activity totake in as we overlook the lake.Often I see the cats watching what isgoing on and it keeps themamused,” she added.

With Christmas not far away thecattery is filling up fast, so cat own-ers wishing to board their cats overthe festive period should hurry tobook. “Last Christmas we were fullybooked with 24 cats - ownersshould know that all the cat areashave electric heating and are insu-lated to make sure they are warmand comfortable,” she said.

Anna takes long-term and short-term bookings, which can work forowners either wanting to drop theircats off while they take a holiday orthose who need to leave the countryfor a longer period of time.

For more details or to reserve aspace for your cat, contact Annadirectly. For more information andprices visit the website.

05 53 31 95 [email protected]

When you go away you need to know your cat is going to be looked after – Anna Maslen offers a cattery service in the Dordogne that provides a clean and cosy environment for your feline friend

Cattery’s goal is comfort for cats

Anna enjoys time with the cats

The Dordogne Cattery offers its feline residents a lakeside view

ADVERTISING FEATURE


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General BuildingRoofing, loft and barn conversion andproperty renovations. Depts 24, 19, 87

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or 0553312115see rates at

www.maximalocation.comSiret no. 498 524 032 00022

SURFACESPolished Concrete Floors, Walls, Worktops

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Signs, vehicle lettering etc.Free advice and quotes, based in the

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Plastering Servicesover 20 years experience in france

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MARK trained as a signwriter onleaving school and now has morethan 30 years’ experience. Afterrunning his own business nearPeterborough in the UK, Markmoved to France six years ago and isnow based near Brantôme in theDordogne.

While Mark works with manylocal people in his area, he can pro-

duce signs for customers any-where. Designs can be agreedover email and, whenfinalised, delivered directly tothe client’s front door.

“It usually takes two or threeweeks from order through todelivery,” said Mark.

There are basically two typesof sign that Mark creates:hand-painted and computergenerated. “It was all handpainting when I started out,”

said Mark. “I still enjoy this method,it is nice to produce somethingunique and artistic, like a house signwith an illustration.”

The computer-generated side ofhis sign making involves self-adhe-sive vinyl and digital printing.

“Most modern signs are producedthis way,” he said. “Vinyl lasts longerthan paint and is more easily

removed if the sign needs changing,so there are commercial advantagesto this method.”

Computer-generated vinyl signscan also include digitally-printedimages, including photographs andfull colour logos. Mark can producesigns from a customer’s own art-work or design something thatstarts from a vague idea. He alsooffers a logo design service.

While the computer-generatedsigns are more commonly usedthese days, and more practical forcommercial applications, he findsthat when people see the beautifulhand-painted signs that he creates – and realise it is a service he offers– they like the idea and often placean order.

“I have a stall at the market inBrantôme on Fridays that showsexamples of my work, and peoplethink it is a really nice idea,” saidMark.

“These are all bespoke, custom-made designs,” he said. “I use acrylic

paints and varnishesas I find them moredurable on hard-wood, such as oak,chestnut, cherry orwalnut, which I usedepending on avail-ability. All thesewoods are extremelylong lasting.”

The signs thatMark creates comein all shapes andsizes, including arange of pavementand hanging signs,banners and vehiclelettering, and he canprovide a completeservice from designto erection.

He also offers a DIY option wherehe sends out complete signs or let-ters and graphics - to anywhere inFrance - that customers can apply toboards and vehicles themselves.

If you need any sort of signage

then contact Mark directly forfriendly advice and free quotes.


From hand-painted pictorial signs to computer-generatedvinyl graphics and digital printing, Mark Davis can provideyou with exactly the kind of sign you have been looking for

Sign maker boosts business

A hand-painted and a computer-generated sign

ADVERTISING FEATURE


December 3 - LunasDecember 4 - Allemans, Annesse-et-Beaulieu,La Chapelle-Faucher, Lunas, Notre-Dame-de-Sanilhac, VerteillacDecember 5 - HautefortDecember 10 - Creysse, Hautefort,Monbazillac, Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes,

Thiviers December 11 - Beaumont-du-Périgord,Bourdeilles, Creysse, Eyzerac, Monbazillac,Saint-Astier, Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes December 16 - Sarliac-sur-l'IsleDecember 17 - Corgnac-sur-l'Isle,Prigonrieux

Alcoholics AnonymousPérigueux. Ewen: 05 53 05 76 [email protected] www.aafrancesud-ouest.com

Anglican Church of AquitaineServices: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Limeuil Haut,Ste Nathalène and Sorges, also in 47, 33. ChaplainRevd Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 [email protected]

Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise AquitaineFrom French lessons to bridge, plus monthly socialget-togethers.www.acfaa.com

Association Culturelle Internationale du PérigordACIP aims to promote integration.

Lycette Schouten Hoogendyk: 05 53 29 27 96 [email protected]

Association Française des SolosMonthly meetings after divorce, bereavement orseparation. Social events for members.Corinne: 05 53 22 68 52 (evenings) or Claire: 05 53 08 55 13 (evenings) [email protected]

Bergerac Photo ClubMeets Wed at 20.30, Maison des Associations, PlaceJules Ferry, Bergerac. [email protected]

Bibliothèque Anglaise Meyrals

English books and DVDs. Mon 14.00 to 16.00 and Wed 10.00 to noon in 24220 Meyrals.Em Boiling: 05 53 30 30 [email protected]

Cancer Support France Dordogne Est/LotMargaret York: 05 65 22 96 37 or 06 35 90 03 41 (24 hrs)[email protected]

Cancer Support France Ribérac (Charente Southand Dordogne West)Valerie Wareham: 06 43 67 86 [email protected]

Chabrelle Computer ClubCharlie Nott: La Roche Chabrelle24320 St Just Tel: 05 53 90 50 39

Centre de Golf BergeracoisPhilippa Thornton: 05 53 58 87 [email protected]

Golf Public de Périgueux

05 53 53 02 35 [email protected]

The Interesting Gardening ClubCarol Temple: 05 53 91 34 [email protected]

Maquiz'Art05 53 23 82 [email protected]

Dordogne Clubs and Associations

Car boot sales around the area this month

REAL Heating and Real Piscines is afamily-run business based inRibérac in the Dordogne.

The shop specialises in the supplyof plumbing and central heatingproducts and also swimming poolkits and accessories. Established in1997 the businesses are run by Pauland Mary Hodson and their son,Adam, who served his apprentice-ship in a large French plumbingcompany and has ten years’ experi-ence in the field.

After registering their businessthey have used their knowledge ofthe UK market to introduce special-ist products to France, includingHepworth Plastic Plumbing. “Withits 50-year guarantee and ease ofuse, it is widely known in the UKand used by both the professionaland do-it-yourself plumbers,” saidMr Hodson.

“We are the sole agents in Francefor Hepworth Plastic Plumbing. We

are often asked for plumbing prod-ucts that seem difficult to find inFrance, but, having years of experi-ence in this industry, we alwaysmanage to source the product.

“Our customers are both profes-sional plumbers and also the generalpublic. Our advice is free and we arerecognised as the experts in ourfield,” he added.

Real Heating can supply andinstall a wide range of products andsystems, from radiators and under-floor central heating to bathroomsand eco-friendly installations.

The other side of the business isReal Piscines. “In the same way wesearched for products on theplumbing side, we have done thesame with the pool side,” said MrHodson.

“The products are for both theprofessional and DIY, and our expe-rience-based knowledge is appreci-ated by our clients. Our products

are of the best quality and sourcedin France, with genuine guaranteesfor ease of use and reliability,” headded.

One of the company’s latest products is a security cover whichconforms to the latest French regulations.

“The cover is by Loop-Loc in theUSA and is made from a very lightmaterial - it is advertised supporting

the weight of a baby elephant,” saidMr Hodson.

“If you need help with pool main-tenance we will provide a free analy-sis of pool water samples and guid-ance on which chemicals to pur-chase. Whether it is a new pump,liner, sand filter or even a completekit supplied or installed we are thesuppliers to contact,” he added.

The company organises a freeworkshop to help with plumbing orpool-related questions, which is agood opportunity for customers toget help with their project.

05 53 90 46 34 [email protected]@realpiscines.comwww.realheating.comwww.realpiscines.com

Professionals and DIY experts all turn to Real Heating andReal Piscines for their equipment and knowledge

Adam, Paul and Mary Hodson make up Real Heating and Real Piscines from Ribérac in the Dordogne

THERE are three key parts tothe job of tree surgeon, saysMark Wilson of Roots &Shoots. These are tree felling,tree pruning and tree planting,and before any of these can beundertaken an assessment isrequired.

“Each and every situation isdifferent. I always assess thecustomer’s request by looking atthe physical location and thenthe tree itself, that way I can seepotential hazards and suchthings as dead wood, split andcracked limbs and disease,” said Mark.

Following this initial reviewhe provides his professionalopinion to the client, free ofcharge, recommending the bestsolution.

Mark is fully insured so hecan offer customers full peaceof mind along with the assur-ance that any action taken will

be completed with full satisfaction.Depending on the size of the task

and the location, tree felling andpruning can require a variety of dif-ferent methods in order to completethe job successfully.

Roots & Shoots has a team oftrained groundsmen and is fullyequipped with an access platform,industrial-sized wood chipper and astump grinder - this of course keepsthe cost of hiring equipment down,making its prices incredibly compet-itive.

Before the job begins Mark canalso work out the best solution fordealing with clippings and branchesand so on. These include environ-mentally-friendly options such asusing a horticultural recycling cen-tre or on-site equipment to makechippings and mulch, or even creat-ing a garden feature with your logs.

Have you ever wanted to plant atree or hedge in your garden buthad no idea where to start? Even the

smallest plot can accommodate atree and Mark can advise you. Hisexperience on all aspects of treeand shrub planting will help turnyour vision into a reality, be it agrand tree-lined avenue or a hum-ble shrub border.

Having long standing relation-ships with local pépinières, Roots& Shoots offers realistic and com-petitive prices for a wide varietyof trees and shrubs,both large and small.Mark can also workwith wood in otherways to improve youroutdoor spaces, fromcreating more shade inyour garden to buildingpergolas, fences ordecking.

05 53 75 05 4806 89 79 05 [email protected]

Pruning and felling are just some of the services that Roots & Shoots offers

Tree surgery in south-west France

Mark Wilson runs Roots & Shoots Roots & Shoots in action with its new chipper

Make the expert plumbing and pool choiceADVERTISING FEATURE


CLASSIFIEDS

€€550,000 La Force 24130, nearBergerac. Magnificent property 5 bed-rooms single storey in 2 parts with 2bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, 3 toilets(one main house 160m2 and a studiosuitable for “gite” 35m2), perfect condi-tion, fully equipped kitchen, heatedswimming pool, tennis court, stablesfor 6 horses, very nice setting, splen-did view, barn, and small bungalow,garages, 5.5 hectares out of which 1.5with peuplars. Energy rating D. 06 75 07 27 41

Pedigree Border Terrier Puppies one Dogone Bitch Born 04/10 SSCC Registered.€850 Tel: 05 53 61 93 68

Caves & CastlesGuided Tours

with professional archaeologist Steve Burman

Lascaux II, Font de Gaume & more!www.cavesandcastles.com

[email protected]: 05 53 50 31 21 - 06 76 46 67 38

PPAAIINNTT -- BBRRAANNDD NNAAMMEETop Quality Uk Emulsion White &

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FRENCH-MODE LtdClassic furniture

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outdoor Tables and Chairs- Natural quarry cut marble tables

with black cast iron legs, the typicalFrench Bistro and Cafe table.

Brian + Cheri Hewitt Lalinde Affaires

1 Rue Des Martyrs, Lalinde 24150Telephone: 05 53 57 54 06

Brian Mobile: 06 82 09 24 24Cheri Mobile: 06 48 42 04 93

www.french-mode.netemail: [email protected]

Furniturefor France

A wide range of quality indoor furniture and sofas

supplied and delivered directto your French property saving

you time and money.New showroom

"Meubles New Ideas"near Brive(19) now open.

For full colour brochureplease e-mail

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0033 (0) 5 55 25 02 68www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk

KKAANNGGAARROOOO KKAARRDDSSLeaps Ahead!

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WOODBURNERS.FRTraditional cast iron

multifuel and woodburningstoves. Option for fireback boilers on most

models. Delivered to yourdoor or installed. Also coal

now available.Contact us for (solar) renewable energy air

source pumps to replaceyour gas or

oil fired systems.See our website on

www.woodburners.frTel/fax or Email05 53 84 36 81

Mob 06 72 02 88 [email protected]

Siret no 45204687300017

OAKWOOD FLOORINGWide boards

Large stocks availablePrime & Character grades

Oiled & waxed finishesSpecial offersfrom 12 € / m²

www.oakwood-import.fremail: [email protected]

tel: 06 80 33 93 57siret 49426348

U.K. WOODBURNERSAARROWYEOMAN STOVAX

VILLAGERFrance Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd

UK 08717174097FR 0553732521

www.pepleisure.comemail: [email protected]

Regions All France

Loca PlastowTrading Since 2005

Tool & Plant HireFrom Diggers, Dumpers Rollers

To Small DIY ProjectsFloor Sanders - Rotavators

Scaffolding towers - Mixers

Tel: 05 53 83 40 67Email: [email protected]

D933 Between Eymet & MiramontSiret 483 433 264

DESIGNERDÉCOR

direct to the Dordogne- curtains, fabric, soft

furnishings, wallpaper- made to measure- delivered direct- top UK brands- competitive pricing- friendly, expert advice

www.fabricgallery.co.uk+44-1904-481101

SIMPLY BRITISHINDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS

Large range of food - fresh and frozen,books, greetings cards and gifts

Tel: 05 61 64 98 89Email: [email protected]

Web: simplybritish.frREGION: Shop 09, mail order throughout France

WOODBURNERSAsh Grove Stoves

Supplier ofHunter - Villager

- Clean Burn - Fire Visible - Boiler versions available- Deliveries all over France- Prices on our website

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579www.ashgrovestoves.com

[email protected]

BOUCHERIEA LA FERME

English butchers and farmers in France.Beef, Lamb, PorkPasties, steak pies,pork pies. Bacon,

gammon, sausages.Bespoke insulated packaging used for

delivery throughout France.Raymond&Sophie Hicks

www.boucheriealaferme.comTel: 05 55 97 95 66

Mob: 06 45 51 34 58Siret: 509 528 014 00012

www.anglofoods.comCome and stock up on all your

Christmas needs includingCrackers, Chocolates and Turkeys

Tel: 05 46 48 32 44

MOVINGTO OR FROM

FRANCE?Weekly services to &

from FranceFull or part loads, 4wks free storage,

30 Yearsexperience

Bar & Guild MemberContact:

Anglo French RemovalsTel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653

Email: [email protected]

George White European TransportSpecial rates to S/W France

13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loadsRemovals/materials/vehiclesOwner driver. RHA memberTel: +44 (0)7768 867 360Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090

Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk

SELF STORAGEDOVER

Convenient Flexible Consolidation PointWorking with the Movers Tel: +44(0) 1304 822844

[email protected]

All France

MOVE IN EUROPEThe removal company even the furniture recommendsUK - Europe - Europe - UKwww.moveineurope.com

[email protected]: +44 121 3503111

Home Tel: 05 53 93 75 52

REMOVALS & STORAGEMurray HarperEuropean transport

& storageENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN

Scheduled collection anddelivery service guaranteed

Established 30 yearsin the industry

www.murrayharper.comTel: (0034) 952 793 422 or

(0034) 952 807 [email protected]

Book your adnow for the

Januaryissue - copy

deadlineDecember 5th -call freephone

in France 0800 91 77 56

/ from UK0844 256 9881

(4p/min)

THIS time of year is the moment tostart thinking about the design ofyour garden. “Right now you canprepare for the spring so that youcan take advantage when the goodweather arrives,” said VirginaFletcher, who is a qualified land-scape architect.

Virginia runs a garden design

business near Thiviers in theDordogne, which she set up inFrance in 2003 following a movefrom the UK with her husband andtwo children in 1999.

“After qualifying I worked in theUS teaching garden design inLouisiana and Mississippi and whenI returned to England I set up myown business,” said Virginia. “I ran it for four years before we

decided to move to France.”Virginia can work to any budget,

from a one-off consultation or aplanting plan for a difficult area,right through to a full design withworking drawings and supervisionof contractors. She is also bilingualand can communicate with Frenchartisans and suppliers on behalf ofclients where necessary.

When preparing for a landscapedesign Virginia firstly needs tounderstand the site conditions aswell as the owner’s tastes; the resulthas both aesthetic and financialbenefits. “In the long term I saveclients money and time by usingappropriate plants and hard land-scaping materials, so the garden iseasier to maintain and plants don’t need to be replaced so often,”she said.

“A complete redesign involves

investigating the site, finding outwhat the client wants and thenmeasuring up the garden,” saidVirginia. “Following this I presentdifferent ideas in the form of plansand sketches, and then do the work-ing drawings and planting plans.”

If Virginia is working locally - cus-tomers tend to be based in theDordogne - she already has triedand tested contractors that she col-laborates with. However, if a projectis further afield she usually works with artisans and contractors thatthe client recommends.

Although the economic climatemeans budgets are stretched,Virginia encourages house ownersto invest in an overall design beforegoing ahead with changes in thegarden. The job can then be done inphases.

“When time and money do

become available it means thatyou’re working to a plan so itbecomes a cohesive design in thelong run,” she said. “If you have theframework it doesn’t matter howslowly you take it.”

Especially for Christmas Virginiais offering a gift voucher that can begiven as a present to a friend or family member and used for aplanting plan or a half-day consultation.

“A personalised planting planmakes a great gift as it will not only transform that special someone’s garden, but may save them money in the long run,” said Virginia.


Transform your gardenAFTER: the planted area

The winter months provide the perfect opportunity for planning your garden.Virginia Fletcher can create a planting plan for a problem border or provide acomplete garden redesign

BEFORE: the original area, the workingdrawing and the landscaping plan

ADVERTISING FEATURE

22 Property Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Sponsored by

DIY Construction

Decorating Gardening

CC Auchan, 24650 Chancelade 05 53 02 29 20

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The Connexion

France, in EnglishNews, interviews,practical info &

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As the coldweather setsin, it’s timeto makesure yourhome will bewarm. Awood stovecan be aworthwhile

buy, says REBECCA LAWN

WOOD-BURNING stovescan save you money as well asmaking your house a lotwarmer than a simple openfire. “If you have a typicalFrench house with a big fire-place and open chimney,you’ll find that a lot of theheating will go straight up thechimney,” says Steve Hillfrom Ashgrove Stores, whichsupplies wood-burners acrossEurope and the US. “Thebenefit of having a wood-burning stove is that it sealsthe chimney off and the airhas to go through the stove.”

The stoves are made of castiron, steel or soapstone. Steelwood-burners increase – anddecrease – in temperaturemore quickly and are general-ly lighter. Those made of castiron require solid floors tosupport them. As for fuel,hardwoods are best but themain thing is to make sure it’sfully seasoned, timber that is

sap-free: “Otherwise it willsmoulder,” says Steve.

The size of the stove youneed will depend on the sizeof the room you are heating,but there are other factors totake into account, such asinsulation, double-glazingand the number of doors and

windows, so it is best tospeak to a professional beforemaking a decision. For a par-ticularly large room there aredouble-sided stoves that canbe placed in the centre.

If you want a wood-burnerthat also powers your centralheating, you need a stove

with a boiler that can be con-nected to the system. Againthe size of the room it’s in isimportant, as Steve explains:“Boilers send more to theheating side than to theroom. If it’s a big room, you’llneed a radiator as well.”

When buying any type of

Try wood for warmthHot tip: a wood-burning stove in alarge fireplaceprevents heat fromdisappearing upthe chimney

wood-burner, check that itconforms to the Europeanstandard (EN 13240 forstoves). And remember thatunder French law, you needto have your chimneys sweptat least once a year by a pro-fessional company. It’s notenough to do it yourself, evenif many people do. It is alsoworth checking with yourlocal council to see if thereare other rules specific toyour area. In urban areas, forexample, chimneys generallyneed to be swept twice a year.

If you use your chimney,this requirement will be inyour home insurance. As wellas having it cleaned, you alsoneed to have a chimney liner.Make sure the fitter is regis-tered and is accredited by anorganisation such asl’Organisme professionnel dequalification et de classifica-tion du bâtiment.

Once the work has beendone and the chimney isworking, you will need anannual certificate (certificatde ramonage) to prove it hasbeen swept. Getting it profes-sionally cleaned is also foryour own safety as flues thatbecome blocked can raise therisk of a chimney fire. Soothas now been classified ascarcinogenic, so make sureyou choose a sweep who usesa specialist hazard vacuumcleaner afterwards.

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You needn’t spend a lot to restyle your bathroom

Photo:© H

enrik Winther Ander - Fotolia.com

SO YOU have just bought a house complete with avocadobathroom suite dating from the 1970s, or perhaps yourbathroom is just looking a bit tired. Well, there are somesimple ways of revamping the salle de bains that won’tbreak the bank.

First, empty the room completely so that you can spot allthe cracks and holes that need to be filled. When the fillerhas dried, sand down the walls so that they are smooth.

Next, clean the bathroom to remove as much mildew,soap residues and dust as possible – sugar soaps are veryeffective and inexpensive for this. The toughest place toclean is usually the grout, so you need to use a hard tooth-brush or nail brush and scrub with bleach. You can also tryusing a steam cleaner.

Repaint the walls using special bathroom paint so that itresists the humidity. If you have a large bathroom that iswell aired, why not be brave and make a feature wall bydecorating with a large print or colourful wallpaper?

If your tiles are not the colour you want or are starting tolook old, you do not have to replace them but simply givethem a new lease of life by repainting them. Once the tilesare clean and dry, evenly apply a tile primer with a synthet-ic bristle brush. It is best to paint with vertical strokes.When the primer is dry, rub down the whole surface withfine sandpaper, remove the dust produced and apply thesecond coat of primer.

After sanding down and cleaning again, apply the glosscoat with a natural bristle brush, again using verticalstrokes making sure you catch any running paint. Waituntil the first coat has completely dried before applying asecond coat.

Paints are now also sold in DIY shops that allow you torepaint sinks, baths and shower trays, but these are quiteexpensive.

Give your bathroom furniture a new look by painting itor just cleaning up and changing the handles. There is somuch choice now, from modern and novel to traditional orantique, and they make an immediate difference.

Shower curtains are a prominent feature of the bathroomand hanging a fabric one immediately gives a more luxuri-ous, warmer feel. To care for it, wash it in hot water aboutonce a month. If you prefer a plastic shower curtain, agood tip is to wash it by putting it in the washing machinewith a couple of towels – the friction of the towels will helpto get it cleaner.

Finish off your new bathroom look by adding a couple ofscented candles and humidity-loving plants such as orchidsor bamboo to add life and colour to the room.

How to get a new-lookbathroom on a budget

Property 23Dordogne Advertiser December 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

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St Saud LacoussièreThis charming stone housecomes with 2 lakes and a barn(100m2). The house comprises afitted kitchen, a living-room(23m2), 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

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MonpazierStone house in one of the mostbeautiful villages of the area.The house comprises winter living room, summer livingroom, 4 bedrooms, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, office and an attic.

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BrantômeVery well maintained home of 6main rooms including 4 bedrooms, living room, kitchen,pantry, 2 toilets, terrace. A 2ndbuilding of about 75m² serveslarge garage and workshop.

Buying or selling a property in oraround Dordogne? We can help.

Our website www.connexionfrance.comcarries details of more than 14,000homes for sale across France.

We also feature properties for sale in thisdedicated section of the paper eachmonth. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter theref: code shown under the property.

For sellers, the adverts are also displayedacross a range of popular English-speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERYday. Our 3+3 package costs just

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Let our distribution get you a sale.Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email [email protected]

by STAFF REPORTER

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It’s harvest time for your winter vegetables

Picking, pruningand planningWHILE many people might think December is the time toshop and plan and that gardeners, like their gardens, benefitfrom a period of dormancy, there is still work to be doneoutside.

In northern regions December can be a month of frostsand it is the time to harvest winter cabbages and cauliflow-ers. Brussels sprouts should be ready in time for Christmasand leeks can be harvested as required. Where there is adanger of severe frost, it may be worth transplanting a few towell-dug ground which will not freeze solid. Harvest celeryand parsnips and store your carrots in peat, sand or a clampif you have not already done so. Parsnips could also be left inthe ground, so long as they are protected with straw.

If you are storing vegetables over the winter, check for rot,removing any affected vegetables before it spreads. Checkpotatoes especially, paying attention also to any slugs, whichmay destroy one potato after another.

December is not all hard grind and spadework. The prun-ing season has also started and some plants with woodystems can bleed if not pruned until early next year. Vines,birch and acers all benefit from early pruning. Vines can bepruned back to two buds from last year’s growth, to encour-age new fruiting branches and larger foliage in ornamentalvarieties. Birch and acer should be shaped with care, as theirelegance relies on the delicate growth of their branches.Shape in a regular fashion, without cutting into old wood,taking growth back by one branch within the canopy.

Pears and apples, currants and autumn raspberries can bepruned any time between leaf fall and March. Stone fruitshould not be pruned in winter, as retreating sap can take inan airborne fungus, “silver-leaf”.

This is a good time to plant roses to bring colour to yourgarden next spring and summer. You can plant at any timefrom now until spring, avoiding bad frost periods. Rosesflower from the first year, except climbing varieties, whichneed two years to establish themselves. Choose a sunnysouth-facing spot with good ventilation, avoiding windexposure and proximity to large trees. Roses can be in shadefor a part of the day and suit different soil types, which arenot waterlogged or very wet in winter or too dry in summer.

In the flower garden, keep an eye out for moles and settraps if necessary.

Ordering your seed catalogues now will give you time tochoose next year’s bedding and perennial treats, while theyare still in stock before the spring rush.

24 Profile Dordogne Advertiser December 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Inheritance SolutionsFrench inheritance rules may mean that your worldwide estate will not be distributed according to your wishes.

Look after those that matter.Peter Wakelin, Regional ManagerTel French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51Email: [email protected]

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WILLIAM KING is a man with a passion – a passion for real ale andit would be hard to find a morecontented man as at home in Eymethe is almost literally surrounded bythe stuff.

He said: “I started home-brewingin the 1970s in London. With thepubs closed during the day onSaturdays and Sundays, I discov-ered that anyone in possession of abarrel of beer was very popularindeed.”

Starting out – like many others –with home-brew kits bought fromBoots, he was delighted with theresults but longer pub openinghours and the growing demands ofhis career gradually meant thathome-brewing had to be put on theback-burner.

“I was a freelance computer ana-lyst and spent years living out ofsuitcases. So, there was no time forhome-brew – in fact, barely enoughtime for anything, really.”

But William kept his home-brewequipment – just in case – and that“just in case” moment came in 2002when, aged 50, he decided to jack

in his career in information tech-nology and up sticks to France.

“I felt I was getting a bit long inthe tooth for computer program-ming and wanted a better quality oflife.”

He settled in Eymet and after ren-ovating his house, turned his atten-tion to the former abattoir andpresent-day garage that was also onthe property.

“I thought it would make an idealmicro-brewery.

“I registered the renovation proj-ect as an ‘atelier de brassage’ then Ibought some secondhand brewingequipment in the UK and broughtit over.”

Then there was nothing else to dobut wait and wait for the vital per-missions to be agreed for his workand workplace.

“It took three years for the paper-work to go through. It seemed likeforever.”

However, he didn’t spend theyears twiddling his thumbs.

William travelled all over Europeto source ingredients and to findout how to brew on an industrialscale – and to be aware of the pos-sible difficulties he could face.

“I visited microbreweries inLondon and France; I spoke to hopmerchants in Belgium and I got asense of how to do it.

“From there on, it was just a mat-ter of trial and error.”

So, was it difficult? “Brewing in these sorts of quanti-

ties isn’t much different from mak-ing home-brew, actually.

“The only thing that really differs is the size of your ferment-ing bucket!

“Of course, because I’m selling it,there are other checks that I have tomake – like making sure the wateris treated and keeping an eye on itspH level (alkalinity).”

Once the paperwork was in place,he was able to get started on mak-ing his passion a reality: “At first, Ijust supplied kegs to people whoshowed up at the brewery.

“Now I also supply the local pub –le Gambetta – and I may expand toother venues.”

What do the locals think? “Most of my customers are

British, but I’ve had some prettyencouraging comments from theFrench as well – they appreciate itbeing less gassy than a pression, andmore flavoursome.”

Turning his hobby into a businesshas been rewarding – and hardwork. Above all, he is glad to relaxin the evening with a pint of realale because, while he loves theFrench way of life, French beer sim-ply isn’t for him.

“I call it cryogenic euro fizz. It iswonderful on a really hot day forquenching your thirst – but other-wise, I’ll stick to real ale, thanks.”

A pint mug in hand and a businessto run, William King is happy

My beer hobby is my life

“Cryogenic euro-fizz is wonderful on a really hot day for quenching your thirst, butotherwise I’ll stick to real ale, thanks

For many people the idea of moving to France isto find a new way of living and to have the timeto enjoy the better things in life. In William King’s case that could hardly be more

apt – he has turned his beer-making hobby into away of life, as LUCY STUBBS finds

Every commune in the Dordogne has people who make life “tick” and who make a difference – we would like to speak to them and, ifpossible, tell their story. Do you know of someone like this?

Get in touch through [email protected]

Our focus on local life

Dordogne Advertiser - December 2011

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