etcetera magazine March 2020

etcetera I’M FREE - TAKE ME, KEEP ME!

YOUR COMPANION FOR LIFE IN THE FRENCH COMMUNITY

MARCH 2020

Astronomy Starry Nights & LONGER DAYS…

Create Your Own

Woodland Retreat PLUS HEALTH WILDLIFE FARM LIFE EXPERT ADVICE and much more…

Welcoming Springtime Find 100s of Local Advertisers HERE

etcetera 1 PARLEZ FRANÇAIS • WHAT’S ON • CLASSIFIED • PUZZLES

hello & welcome

Contents

CONTACT US:

3

A note from the editors

4

What’s on

10

Craft

12

Language

14

Food

17

Business & assistance

21

Health

24

Garden

Mother's Day in the UK

32

Farm life

Welcome to the March edition of etcetera magazine.

34

Fishing

36

Wildlife

We’ve made it! Springtime is upon us and with this we can all come out of hibernation, following what has been another mild (albeit wet) winter.

38

Animal

40

Night sky

42

Free time

44

Competition

45

Home & Specialist

47

Getting connected

50

Artisans

58

Motoring & removals

60

Property

64

Classified

Subscribe Annual subscription France 45€ / UK 45€ Card payment by telephone Photo credits: Bigstock, Pixabay, front cover by pixabay.com/users/wal_172619-12138562

A Note from the Editors

Advertise Copy date 15th of each month (except December which is the 11th).

Commercial adverts: Please see our Media Pack at www.etceteraonline.org What’s On/Listings: 12€ per 50 words for a guaranteed spot or free (space permitting) Classified listing: 6€ per 25 words plus 3€ per photo Property listing: 10€ per 50 words plus 6€ per photo Code APE 5814Z Edition de Revues et Periodique Siret 80903463000016. La Présidente G. Feasey Registered. Le Bourg, 87360 Verneuil Moustiers. Impression: Rotimpres. Pol. Ind Casa Nova. Carrer Pla de l’Estany s/n. 17181 Aiguaviva (Girona) Espagne. etcetera est gratuit.

While we always do our best to ensure the content in this magazine is given in good faith and businesses are reputable, we accept no liability for any errors or omissions and do not endorse any companies, products or services. Articles written are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of etcetera magazine.

Tel: 05 16 32 13 42 email: editors.etcetera@gmail.com website: www.etceteraonline.org 17 rue des Chaumettes 86290 St Léomer

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,

@etceterafrance

Sunday 22nd March. Clocks change at 2am on the 29th!

Winter is usually a slightly quieter season for us, a chance to catch up on other aspects of the business. Not this time! The 2019/2020 winter season has been our busiest ever, with each month seeing a constant influx of new advertisers who we welcome with open arms!

Have a great month,

Gayle and Sam

EU

Useful numbers 15 17 18

SAMU (Medical) Gendarmes (Police) Pompiers (Fire and also trained in medical emergency) 114 Text-message emergency number for deaf/hard of hearing 119 Child abuse 115 Homeless 113 Drugs and alcohol 112 European emergency not always English 1616 Emergency- Sea & Lake 3131 Last incoming call, key ‘5’ to connect Orange English speaking helpline 0033 (0)9 69 36 39 00 Website in English: www.orange.com/en/home Technical assistance for landlines (French): 3900 (+33 9 69 39 39 00 from abroad) SFR 1023 or 00336 1000 1023 (Not English) EDF 0810 333087 EDF breakdown 24 hours +33 (0)9 69 36 63 83 EDF Helpline in English 0033 562164908 (From UK) 05 62 16 49 32 Fax E-mail: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr CPAM - 08 11 36 36 46 English Helpline Veolia Water Emergency No: 24h/24 et 7j/7 05 61 80 09 02 (press 1 for urgent problems or 2 for a technician) S.E.P Du Confolens (Water) 05 87 23 10 08 Emergency 24/7 Aéroport Int’l Limoges 05 55 43 30 30 SNCF (train times, buying tickets etc) 36 35 Alcoholics Anonymous For contact details of meetings in your area including those conducted in English, visit www.aafrance.net

Please download the pdf from this link now: www.paysruffecois.fr/sante/guide.pdf

HOSPITALS 05 55 05 55 55 Limoges (CHU) 05 55 43 50 00 St Junien 05 55 47 20 20 Bellac 05 49 44 44 44 Poitiers 05 45 24 40 40 Angoulême 05 49 32 79 79 Niort 05 45 84 40 00 Confolens Counselling In France Counsellors, psychotherapists, NLP, CBT etc offering therapy in English to expatriates all over France on www.counsellinginfrance.com SSAFA France 05 53 24 92 38 email france@ssafa.org.uk French Health Insurance. Call the special English-speaking Advice Line provided by Ameli: 0 811 36 36 46 from France (local call price from fixed-phone line). Call 0033 811 36 36 46 from foreign countries (call rates vary between operators).

NHS website : www.nhs.uk/using-thenhs/healthcare-abroad www.ameli.fr No Panic France Helpline: No Panic UK helpline: 0044 1 952 590 545 11h - 23h (French time) 7/7 www.nopanic.org.uk /nopanicfrance@orange.fr English-speaking Crisis Line SOS- HELP 01 46 21 46 46 3pm-11pm 7/7 British Consulate in Paris 01 44 51 31 00 British Consulate in Bordeaux 05 57 22 21 10 www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/ Credit Agricole English Speaking Helpline Charente (residents only) 05 45 20 49 60 Anglofile - Radio for British in Charente www.rcf.fr Tues 20h (repeated Sun 11h30).

Angouleme 96.8, Chalais 96.9, Confolens 95.4, Ruffec 95.4, Char. Limousine 104.1, Cognac 89.9

Print 2 copies - one for your home and one for your car - it could save a life.

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listing

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earth

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listing

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listing

Online radio for English-speaking expats

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listing

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craft

Terracotta Pot Wind Chimes

Add making this terracotta pot wind chimes to your list for summer crafts! Make some for yourself or to give as a gift. These easy terra cotta pot wind chimes are the perfect way to add some style to your outdoor spaces.

You will need: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Terracotta pots in various sizes Wooden beads Twine Small galvanized watering can Wire Clear faceted beads Jewellery pliers (or long-nose pliers) Wire cutters Scissors

Instructions 1. Begin by adding the beads to the galvanized watering can. Run lengths of wire through the holes as shown below. TIP: Bend the end of the wire slightly and use patience to run through the first hole and locate the second.

2. String various clear faceted beads onto the pieces of wire.

3. Wrap wire around itself using jewellery pliers to secure on the ends.

4. Repeat for four strands of beads from the watering can nozzle.

5. Start making the wind chimes by running a very long piece of twine through the handle of the small galvanized watering can.

6. Tie a knot in the twine (location depends on where terra cotta pot will sit when added to twine).

7. Add both ends through a wood bead. TIP: Wrap a piece of tape around the ends of the twine to make threading it through easier.

8. Place a terra cotta pot onto the twine by threading through the drainage hole in the bottom. Allow it to rest on the wood bead.

10. Add another bead on top of this knot.

11. Continue in this method until all of your pots are strung together on the twine.

12. Tie twine into a loop at the top to complete your wind chimes.

With thanks to Amanda from www.craftsbyamanda.com

10

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Images www.craftsbyamanda.com

9. Tie another knot above the pot so that the clay pots will hang correctly when assembled. TIP: You can tie and untie these knots until you get the pots placed correctly.

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SHABBY CHIC CREATIONS, UPCYCLED FURNITURE, CRAFTS, GIFTS, FRENCHIC PAINT T. 06 14 76 42 84 Fb@chiccreationscc Place de la Fontorse 16500 Confolens

Encadrement d’Art

Handmade Tiles - Jewellery - Candles Freshly Made Hot & Cold Light Meals & Homemade Cakes 71 Grande rue, Sauzé Vaussais. T. 05 49 07 78 22 Debbie & David The Lemon Tree T. 06 75 89 95 55 Denise Eyre at The Craft Cabin.

Email: denise.eyre@wanadoo.fr www.thecraftcabin.webs.com

Picture framers to La Galerie de Gabriel A large selection of mounts and moldings including made to order bespoke Limousin oak frames 1 Rue du 19 Mars 1962 87150 Oradour sur Vayres

Nick Wiggins - 05 87 41 65 78 email: nicktesswigg@yahoo.co.uk

MR. PIANO MAN Former BBC London Tuner Complete piano renovations (grands specialist) TUNING & REPAIRS

PIANO FINDERS

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Lots of NEW HANDMADE GIFTS now in stock

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We search for good quality grands at any size including baby and modern uprights - all in excellent condition. Guaranteed and delivered.

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Advertise Your Business Here Prices start from 35€ ttc for a 5cm x 1 column advert Contact Sam or Gayle on 05 16 32 13 42

etcetera 11

language and advice

Parlez Français MOTS ET EXPRESSIONS ESSENTIELS - SUITE Voici une liste de mots et expressions essentiels, utile si vous êtes en vacances en France ou si vous êtes débutant en français ou même pour vous qui avez peut-être besoin de rafraîchir vos connaissances en français. A utiliser sans modération car cela marque la politesse !

Here is a list of essential words and expressions, useful if you are on holiday in France or if you are a beginner in French or even for those who need to refresh their skills in French.

To use freely as it's polite!

French conversation, vocabulary & tradition� with Isabelle YOU WANT TO HEAR AGAIN - VOUS VOULEZ ENTENDRE UNE DEUXIÈME FOIS Pouvez-vous corriger mon français SVP ?

Est-ce que tu peux répéter ?

Je n’ai pas bien entendu.

Vous pouvez répéter, SVP ?

Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il-vous-plaît ?

Tu peux répéter, STP ?

Peux-tu répéter, s’il-te-plaît ?

Comment ?

Est-ce que vous pouvez répéter ?

Pardon ?

Isabelle works for CONTINENTAL HORIZONS Language Centre in L’Isle Jourdain and teaches French as a foreign language everyday in their many classrooms. Do not hesitate to contact her on 05 49 84 17 73. www.continental-horizons.com isabelle@continental-horizons.com Broaden your horizons with CONTINENTAL HORIZONS!

Isabelle

Henriette Faye

Every Monday & Tuesday With Sandrine Durand 05 55 78 16 21 / 06 83 07 66 98 r.sandrine.durand@orange.fr

12 etcetera

Remy Hickman-Reed 06 37 76 56 51

remyhickmanreed@gmail.com

No SIRET 384 055 65300016

In Champagnac la Rivière (87150)

● Assistance with all admin needs ● Professional efficient & confidential service ● Competitive rates with flexible & friendly support

FRENCH • ENGLISH SPANISH Judicial Expert Near the Court of Appeal of Limoges Certified Translations Tel: 05 55 00 96 25 Email: henriette.faye@wanadoo.fr

language and advice CAN YOU SPEAK SLOWER, PLEASE?

Bof !

D’accord.

OK or I agree

Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, SVP ?

en tout cas anyway

Vous êtes sûr ? / Tu es sûr ?

Are you sure?

Peux-tu parler plus lentement, STP ?

Parlez plus lentement, SVP !

C’est genial !

eh ben well, er et voilà and there you are

Parle plus lentement, STP !

Vous en êtes sûr ? / Tu en es sûr ?

Are you sure of that?

DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

Vous croyez ? / Tu crois ?

Do you think so?

voici here is

Pourquoi pas ?

Why not?

c’est tout !

That’s all!

C’est bizarre.

It is strange

Ne quittez pas !

Hold on (on the phone)

Est-ce que vous comprenez ?

Est-ce que tu comprends ?

Oui, je comprends.

Non, je ne comprends pas.

C’est genial.

It is great C’est chouette.

It is cool / fun / nice

I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAID.

C’est super.

(It is superb / great / wonderful)

Je n’ai pas compris ce que vous avez dit.

Oh là là !

C’est terrible.

(It is terrible / horrible.

Or used ironically: It is terrific)

DO YOU KNOW THAT …?

Ce n’est pas terrible.

(It is not really good)

Savez–vous que ………. ?

Oui, je sais.

Non, je ne sais pas.

SMALL WORDS, EXPRESSIONS AND USEFUL NOISES

C’est formidable.

It is wonderful)

Ça m’étonnerait.

I find that surprising / I would be surprised if that were true.

C’est gentil de votre part.

(It is kind of you)

J’arrive !

I’m coming.

mais but puis then (things following each other) alors then, so (in the meaning of therefore)

Ah bon ? really?

Oh là là ! oh dear! / oh my god!

donc therefore

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Je n’en sais rien.

I don’t know anything about it.

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Attendez !

Wait.

Je m’en doute.

I should have known.

C’est incroyable.

(It is incredible)

Sais-tu que …. ?

Veuillez patienter.

Please wait.

BONNIEURE

French Classes Translation Services Help with Your Paperwork English & French Secondhand Books www.doclingua.fr Ingrid Vincent Tél : 06 08 06 01 80 Mail : ingrid.vincent@doclingua.fr

FRENCH LESSONS FOR FREE Groups - Private tutoring - E-learning Contact Alain 05 55 32 41 76 / 06 37 76 54 98 alain.rio@hvformations.org Siret: 824417364 00018

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food Hello from the accidental Chatelaine! I'm honestly not sure how I find myself here, living in the middle of France in a château. But By Belind a Princ here I am, e loving to cook at any opportunity and delighted to be able to share that love with etcetera readers

Crécy is located in northern France and is known as the region for producing the best carrots in the country

Carrot Crazy TASTY AND HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS, CARROTS ARE A PARTICULARLY GOOD SOURCE OF BETA CAROTENE, FIBRE, VITAMIN K1, POTASSIUM, AND ANTIOXIDANTS

Chateau Kitchen www.chateaumareuil.com

Potage Crécy Simple ingredients combined with a delicate touch to make a delicious soup, suitable for any time of year.

Serves 4 1 tblsp unsalted butter 1 tblsp olive oil 1 leek, white and tender green parts, rinsed & sliced

350g carrots (about 5-6), sliced 350g potatoes, diced 500-600 ml chicken or vegetable stock 1 ¼ tsp fresh thyme leaves (1/2 tsp dried) 250 ml reduced fat crème fraiche 1 tblsp lemon juice ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste Chopped parsley, thyme leaves or garnish of your choice 1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. Add the chopped potatoes and sliced

carrots and sauté together for about 5 minutes, again, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped or dried thyme, cover the pan and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor, in batches if necessary, or use a stick blender directly into the pan.

3. Return the pureed soup to the rinsed out pan, add the crème fraiche, lemon juice and nutmeg. Season to taste and bring to a simmer until just heated through. Ladle into bowls and garnish with herbs of your choice.

food

Warm Roasted Vegetable

Serves 6+ Ingredients

Salad with Crumbly

500g carrots, peeled & chopped into large pieces 2 small beetroot, peeled, chopped into wedges 2 red onions, peeled & chopped into wedges 1 small or ½ large swede, peeled & chopped 2 turnips, peeled & chopped into wedges 2 parsnips, peeled & chopped Olive oil 2 tblsps balsamic vinegar 100g, crumbly cheese of your choice (eg Feta, Roquefort)

Cheese

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas 7 1. Put all the vegetables in a very large non-stick baking tray, or line your tray with a silicone sheet.

Drizzle with 2 tblsps of olive oil, season well and toss to coat. Roast the vegetables, turning several times until the onions turn brown and the veg are soft and tinged brown, (about 45 mins).

2. Leave to cool slightly. Crumble over the cheese, whisk together the balsamic vinegar with 2 tblsps of

olive oil and drizzle over the vegetables & cheese.

3. Garnish with some chopped roasted nuts and parsley, to taste, can serve with salad greens.

A meal on it’s own with some crusty bread or as part of a salad buffet to accompany cold meats or a barbecue

A deliciously sweet springtime dish

Glazed Orange Carrots A tasty side dish to compliment meat or fish Serves 4 450g small young carrots (or older ones, sliced) 60ml orange juice 3 tblsps brown sugar 30g butter Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste Chopped parsley, thyme or rosemary to serve

1. Place carrots in a shallow saucepan, and cover with water.

Boil until tender. Drain, and return carrots to pan.

2. Pour orange juice over carrots, and mix well. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in brown sugar, butter, and salt and pepper. Heat until butter and sugar melt.

Serve with some freshly chopped parsley, rosemary or thyme, to suit your palate!

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motoring

food

Diamant Catering

Hog Roasts, Paellas, Buffets, Barbecues…

Siret 533144 03600019

We are an event catering company, here for all your catering needs. Weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, all events catered for. Hog Roast - Barbecue - Buffet - Paella - Moules Frites or if you have something else in mind, just give us a call.

T: 09 71 52 20 18 Visit: www.diamant-catering.business.site

siret 87872167900016

Carrot Cake Smoothie Delicious, healthy carrot cake smoothie made with wholesome ingredients. This protein-packed carrot cake smoothie makes the perfect breakfast or snack!

Ingredients (per smoothie)

Specialising in Traditional French and American Cuisine www.ChefEricLeClere.com e-mail: EricLeClere1@gmail.com instagram.com/chef_eric_leclere facebook.com/chefeleclere

le rep

s LAKE SETTING

RE-OPENING Friday 10th April

1 large raw carrot, sliced (or shred if you don’t have a high-powered blender) 1 frozen medium ripe banana

We look forward to seeing you all again for another fantastic season

lerepos

½ cup frozen pineapple chunks ¾ cup light coconut milk, plus more if necessary (use any milk you'd like) ¼ cup plain greek yogurt 1/4 cup oats

Open: Wed ~ Thur ~ Fri ~ Sat

1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ tsp ground cinnamon

12-2pm and 6-9pm

Pinch of nutmeg Instructions 1. In a large high-powered blender, add in all ingredients and blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until all ingredients are well combined.

2. Taste, and add either honey or maple syrup to get the right sweetness for you.

2 Avenue De St. Germain 16500 Confolens

The Original …. and still the Best!

M. Cochon PROUDLY PRESENTS PORK PRODUCTS FROM ITS OWN PIGS GAMMON, JOINTS & STEAKS, DRY-CURED BACK BACON, HOT WATER CRUST PORK PIES, PORK PASTIES BRITISH STYLE SAUSAGES Plain, Cumberland, Lincoln, pork & leek !

S U L The usual pork joints, Pigs in Blankets P AND MORE! FREE DELIVERY most areas in Charente, Haute-Vienne, Dordogne, Correze ~ Suppliers to a number of leading restaurants ~

T. 07 69 09 16 03 maisoncochon@gmail.com www.mcochon.fr SIRET 848 719 42300016

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business INSURANCE

ISABELLE WANT BH ASSURANCES

the date of 2030 will swap from riskier to more secured.

ALLIANZ PER-I assurance vie This is an assurance vie created by Allianz but also all the other insurance companies to comply with the new law PACTE created by the government. This new law relates to pensions in France and in order to encourage people to save for their pension, they have come up with the “PERI: Plan Epargne Retraite Individuel”.

Most British people will recognise it as pretty much the same as any pension plan in the UK. 1. Who can invest in it: Anybody who is a French resident between 18 and 62 years old. This product is mainly for people who want to put aside for their retirement.

2. How much you can invest: You can invest as little as 50€ per month and/or as little as a lump sum of 600€.

3. Tax advantages: Well, this is the good thing! Putting money into it gives you a tax advantage. So, if you put 100€ per month in it for instance, which is 1 200€ per year, and you declare 30 000€ income per year, then you will only be taxed on 30 000- 1 200= 27 800€.

If you do not pay tax or do not want to have the tax advantage you can choose to invest in your PERI without this taxdeductible option (see below why this is good).

4. How you get your money: Once you are retired, you can choose to have your

money in a lump sum, as partial withdrawals, as regular monthly, yearly withdrawals or as annuities (for you or for your spouse) or some as partial lump sum and some in annuities (rent until you die).

Well pretty much as you wish. Note that you can access the money before you retire in exceptional circumstances such as buying your main residence or becoming disabled.

8. PERP or Madelin contract: If you have a PERP or Madelin contract which are similar (except the exit is only as an annuity and no assurance vie advantage in regards to death duties), note that those contracts will be transformed into PERI automatically and also note that you will be able to transfer those contracts from your current company to another one!

That is also part of the new law.

9. Fees: Entry fee of 4.80% negotiable of course + 12€ admin fee! And yearly management fees of 0.73%.

No fees for taking the money out.

As you can see from the French news and the ongoing strikes in Paris, French people are very attached to their pensions! But we must face reality one day and realise that it will be down to the individual to save for their pension themselves. This is You can invest as little as exactly why this investment has been 50€ per month created.

5. Tax when you take it out: If you had the tax advantage-tax deductible option when you put money in, then the money out is fully taxed (7.5% + 17.2% social charges).

If you did not choose the tax-deductible option, only the interest is taxed (just like an assurance vie).

6. Inheritance advantage: Just like an assurance vie, you name the beneficiaries when you set it up and they are entitled up to 152 500€ each if you die before 70 years or 30 500 if you die after (if the money is still in it).

7. How it is invested: As you wish but at least 30% on shares/funds or bonds. You can also choose a fund specifically dated for your retirement. If you think you will retire in 2030 for instance, then you can choose a fund which will automatically be riskier now and gradually as you approach

Allianz has a solvability ratio that is one of the best on the market at 174% for Allianz France and 200% for Allianz Group so don’t hesitate to contact me for any further information regarding our very large range of investments.

And remember to check out our web site www.bh-assurances.fr/en for all my previous articles (“practical information”) and register to receive our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook: “Allianz Jacques Boulesteix et Romain Lesterpt” And don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quote on subjects such as funeral cover, inheritance law, investments, car, house, professional and top up health insurance, etc…

Isabelle Want Mob•: 06 17 30 39 11 / Email•:isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr N° Orias 07021727/16005974 22 rue Jean Jaures 16700 Ruffec Tél:+33 (0)5 45 31 01 61

102 Avenue de la République 16260 Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure Tél:+33(0)5 45 39 51 47

10 Bd du 8 mai 1945 16110 La Rochefoucauld Tél:+33 (0)5 45 63 54 31

2 Avenue de la Gare 16270 Roumazieres-Loubert Tél:+33(0)5 45 71 17 79

etcetera 17

business and assistance

Be the Captain of Your Ship MICALA WILKINS ALACIM SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

D

o you see yourself as a leader when running your own business? Or do you see leadership as something that is for the bigger companies? Managers leading teams of people having successfully waded through a fast track leadership management course?

As a small business owner you are in effect a leader in your own right and yet may not realise it. Do these skills come naturally to you? Or have you learned and honed these skills in previous jobs, professions or activities where leadership is required?

Many will find that they have mastered good leadership skills in their business through experience and time. There is a place for good leadership in your own business. You might not see yourself as a leader and that you just have your own business.

Imagine your business as a sailing vessel.

It needs someone to handle the day to day

operations. It needs a destination. It needs navigating and knowing when to adjust the course when relevant. It needs management. It needs a captain! Welcome aboard your business, Captain! Here are some thoughts to consider when leading your ship:

aware of potential problems that could occur, and planning. Planning for growth, trimming back a bit, moving direction, taking on staff, all of the immediate actions that could impact on longer term goals.

▪ Deliver not just good but great interpersonal and communication skills ▪ Good leadership means taking when dealing with people interactions responsibility for yourself and on a daily basis. Exceptional skills continuously learning and developing enable you to influence others to get the not only yourself but your business as desired results all well. Self motivation is round without key for the success of your Good leadership means others losing face or business. This is what feeling they have keeps you focused when taking responsibility for been beaten into challenges occur and yourself and continuously submission. when you need a learning and developing reminder of why you have ▪ Be decisive. That not only yourself but your your own business. means trusting in business as well ▪ As a business owner you your gut instincts, looking at facts, will have a plan, a vision gaining insight from others, avoid of where your business is going in the burying your head in the sand next 12 months and beyond. What are and standing by the courage of your goals? Make financial plans for retirement? Sell the business on? your convictions.

Maintaining a lifestyle that suits you Running a business is a demanding task and your family? and good leadership skills are vital to the ▪ You embrace change, plan for it and success of your business. What other important leadership skills should be on adapt. You look at what is coming in and what is going out. Looking ahead, being your list?

Sandrine TUYERAS Insurance Agent

TONY FARRELL INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ADVISER The Spectrum IFA Group, with over 20 years’ experience advising expatriates throughout Europe on all aspects of financial planning T: 05 55 89 57 94 E: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com

All Insurances N°ORIAS 14001253 Finance & Investment Email : tuyeras.bellac@allianz.fr website : www.allianz.fr/tuyeras 5 rue Lamartine 87300 BELLAC Tél. 05 55 68 11 80

4 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville 87140 NANTIAT 05 55 53 51 18

TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris. R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384). Société de Courtage d’assurances. Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement. Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr Conseiller en investissements financiers, référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers

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PROFESSIONAL - All insurances HEALTH - A range of guarantees available

Contact our unique bilingual interlocutor Sabrina Prugneras:

05.55.68.10.41 email: bellac@agence.generali.fr BELLAC

ST YRIEIX LA PERCHE

LIMOGES

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1 Ave Jean Jaurès, 87300 BELLAC

20 Ave de Coussac, 87500 ST YRIEIX LA PERCHE

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Sue Cook Regional Coordinator Centre Ouest 87600 Rochechouart +33 (0)555 036 669 +33 (0)689 992 889 E: sue.c@currenciesdirect.com www.currenciesdirect.com/france Siret: 444 729 008 00011

Advertise Your Business Call Sam or Gayle on 05 16 32 13 42 or email: editors.etcetera@gmail.com 18 etcetera

business and assistance

Uk Pensions - Post-Brexit

A

fter 47 years, January 31st officially marked the UK’s departure from the European Union. Entering an 11-month transition period in which to negotiate, restructure and lay the grounds for a ‘new post-Brexit era.’

With that in mind, we should be looking at all deferred company and personal pensions that you may have in the UK, and whether you should be considering alternative options.

If you are tax resident in France but have a UK deferred company pension scheme or a British personal pension in the UK, it may prove beneficial to consider transferring it to a QROPS: Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme.

There are several benefits to doing this.

First, you have a choice of currency and investment funds - meaning you will be more in control of your pension with a flexible drawdown, enabling you to decide how much you wish to take each year rather than accepting a set amount.

Second, your nominated dependents will receive the full pension amount on your death, rather than a spouse’s pension which is normally half of the pension that you are entitled to. After the age of 75

there will be no death tax charge.

Currently, if you leave the pension in the UK there will be a tax charge of 45% when dependents make a lump sum withdrawal.

Protection of the Lifetime Allowance If your pension pot is over £1,030,000, the fund would be subject to an extra tax in the UK. However, in a QROPs this does not apply. Creating additional protection against further tax charges on your pension pot.

During the Brexit transition period, those with British citizenship still benefit as EU citizens and therefore can transfer the pension to an overseas scheme in the EU or EEA without a tax charge from the UK Government. After the transition period ends, any pension transfers could potentially have a tax charge of 25% of the value of the pension pot and thus reduce the pension value. This is in line with the treatment of pension transfers elsewhere in the world.

Current transfer values on deferred company pension schemes are at an alltime high, but this will not always be the case.

Many deferred company pension schemes are in deficit so there is a risk that if the

HELEN BOOTH INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER deVere France schemes close, your pension scheme is then placed in the UK Pension Protection fund (see my article in the March 2018 issue www.etceteraonline.org).

There are other benefits depending on your circumstances, and a conversation with a qualified independent adviser who lives and works in the country you reside (France), is a great first step. First and foremost, they will carry out a full review to ensure that a QROPS is in your best interest. They will also advise as to whether this would be the best action to take depending on the company scheme you hold - as there are a small number of company schemes where it is not advisable to transfer. Transferring schemes can take time to organise, and with the deadline fast approaching, it would be wise not to delay investigating the possibility of moving your pension.

This article is for information purposes and should not be construed as providing pension advice.

etcetera 19

business SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

LINDSEY QUERIAUD OWNER: CAST T: 05 45 84 14 94 lindseyqueriaud@outlook.com

B

efore any purchase (product or service) the consumer must be able to know the price and compare without difficulty. This is why price display is obligatory in a retail or outlet situation and in most cases is sufficient.

However, a quote is useful as soon as the product or the service is more complex and personalised (e.g., building work, tailored clothing, etc.), and where it is in this case difficult otherwise for the consumer to know what to expect to pay and be sure of the description of the order.

Obligations for Quotes WHEN POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE REQUESTING WORK, YOU MUST RESPOND WITH A TIMELY, PROFESSIONAL QUOTE. ENSURE YOU INCLUDE THE LEGALLY CORRECT DETAILS AS PER FRENCH LAW

A quote is required in the following cases: Since the law Hamon, on 17th March 2014, concerning consumption, relating to all services, the professional must provide a sufficiently detailed quote at the request of the consumer when the price cannot be determined in advance.

This estimate should include: ●

the date of the quote

●

the name and address of the company

●

the full name of the customer

Professionals are legally required to establish a quote prior to execution of the work, where the estimated amount is superior to 150 euros for:

●

the start date and the estimated duration of the work

●

the detailed description of each service, in quantity and unit price

- work such as connection, installation, maintenance and repair on electrical equipment, electronics and home appliances, regardless of where the work is to be undertaken;

●

the cost of labour

●

travel expenses

●

the total amount to pay HT and TTC.

- repairs and maintenance services carried out in the following areas: masonry, chimney fitting, air conditioning installations (with the exception of tasks performed under contracts for the heating-cooling generation), sweeping, insulation, carpentry, locksmith services, roofing, plumbing, bathroom installations, flushing, plastering, painting, glass fitting, mirror making, wall cladding and flooring in all materials, electrical installation; - work involving the replacement or addition of parts, components or devices, after the previously mentioned services.

The quote once established should include the statement handwritten « devis reçu avant l'exécution des travaux ». It must also be dated and signed by the hand from the client.

For all these jobs less than 150 euros the professional must nonetheless provide a quote if requested to do so by the consumer.

20 etcetera

As part of the services of emergency repair and maintenance in the building and home appliance sectors, there must also be indicated: ●

the duration of validity of the quote

●

whether the quote is free or paid for.

The quote can be charged to the client The quote is in principle free, but nothing prohibits an artisan from charging for a quote especially in the case of travel and/or in-depth studies of the situation.

In this case the professional must inform the customer of the price to pay for the quote.

When the quote is to be paid, the professional can propose to deduct the amount of the quote from the eventual service eventually provided.

However, for removal services or medical optic products, for example, the quote is free.

The quote binds both parties The quote, as an estimate by the professional of the proposed work, is a legal contract proposition, and, as such, it commits the professional very precisely on the scope of the work, to their cost, but also to the time delays. It is preferential that the professional seeks legal advice for the creation of their general terms and conditions and where the project could have legal risks for the specific terms.

The consumer is never obliged to entrust the work to any one professional. The quote will commit the customer from the

The quote is in principle free, but nothing prohibits an artisan from charging for a quote especially in the case of travel and/or in-depth studies of the situation moment where he has expressed his willingness to have the work undertaken by the professional, by a signature at the bottom of the quote, next to «bon pour travaux».

Cash Payments In order to counteract money laundering, all professionals or individuals who fiscally reside in France are prohibited from paying a debt or purchase that is greater than 1 000 € in cash. From business to business, this is limited to 150 € in cash.

health Saski owns and runs Limelight Fitness and is a personal trainer and sports massage practitioner

By Saski Ford

www.limelightfitness.wordpress.com email: saskiford@yahoo.com Make sure your balance your workouts so all muscles groups are exercised

Muscle Imbalance HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT AND HOW TO FIX IT

I

can say with confidence that people who live sedentary lives will have muscular imbalances throughout their body. Every joint in the body is surrounded by a group of muscles that helps to produce movement and also to control movement. When you favour one side of the body more than the other, for example you use the same arm and leg to get up from your sofa or chair, these muscles become tight from overuse and the other side will become weak from lack of use and this creates an imbalance in the body. This leaves the body susceptible to injury because the muscle tightness pulls the body limbs into a different position when the body is resting, but also creates a different plane of movement when the body is in motion, affecting the ligaments and tendons too. This creates inflammation and a whole host of other issues up and down stream in the body.

If you already have an injury or any pain in the body it’s important to seek advice from an appropriate medical professional to find out the best way forward in terms of treatment and exercise once a diagnosis has been determined. However, most muscular imbalances can be treated

with an exercise program that has been developed specifically with plenty of mobility, activation and strengthening exercises.

If you remain in a seated position for a lot of the day (eg your sofa!) it is essential that you get up and move about from time to time. Sitting for extended periods puts the hips in a flexed position, shortening the length of the hip flexor. You’ll know if you have tight hip flexors because if you look side on in the mirror your bottom will stick out a little, and you might also have low back pain. This is because the tightness through the front of the hips switches off the powerful gluteus maximus muscle which is responsible for hip extension.

Your hips will look for stability in the areas that are meant to be mobile and make mobile the lumber and sacral areas of the spine. This is how many older people end up with disc bulges, a forward flexion and a rotation of the spine (think digging in the garden and throwing the dirt to the side). It can be avoided with the correct mobility and strengthening routine.

If you continuously repeat a movement this can also create muscular imbalances. You

may have a job that requires repetitive movements throughout the day or that requires you to generate force repeatedly.

This can leave you with imbalances that are difficult to avoid unless you have a mobility and workout plan that evens up the differences in sides.

Poor posture is another source of muscular imbalance. Do you remember your parents telling you to sit up straight or stop slouching? Well they were right. Poor posture has such a detrimental effect on the body, we spend so much time hunched over our phones and computers, too much time on the sofas and in chairs, even driving our cars, it really is quite inescapable in today's society, unless we really make a point of countering the effects. We suffer with chronically tight upper body, neck and shoulders and extremely weak core and diaphragm, which needs to be addressed before anything you do in the gym becomes effective.

Be sure that you are not just moving in one plane of movement. The body moves in multiple planes and therefore your program should cater for this. Bicep curls are great for big biceps but if you don’t train your triceps too you will end up with imbalances. The same goes for the squat; great for building your thighs but don’t forget your hamstrings too. Do posterior chain movements to counteract the tightness in the front of the body. Make sure you balance your workouts with pushing, pulling, rotations and sideways movements.

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health

Carpe Diem FLOURISHING MOVES BEYOND THE CONFINES OF SIMPLE HAPPINESS OR WELL-BEING; IT ENCOMPASSES A WIDE RANGE OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTS AND OFFERS A MORE HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT MEANS TO FEEL WELL AND HAPPY

S

ome months ago a gentleman told me that my writings were trite. He explained that all intelligent people naturally knew how to flourish (I am paraphrasing). He is wrong. If you consider evolutionary psychology, who survived? Was it the optimists, ‘don’t be silly that isn’t a sabre-toothed tiger, just an interesting shadow’, or those of us who ran away, just in case?

occurs. I have heard people speaking positively about a situation that is clearly distressing; this is a type of denial. It is a natural part of the grieving process, however we do, eventually, need to face up to the situation. Nevertheless there are certain behaviours that we can develop which will make our lives more consistently pleasant, healthy and fruitful.

Do I believe that we all are naturally generating a life that flourishes? No.

I look around me and I hear people damaged by their limiting beliefs, being constantly upset by the unfairness of life, gossiping endlessly and not having those difficult conversations that would transform their relationships. I want to shout at them, ‘life is not a rehearsal, enjoy it’! You can improve your life by using techniques from the study of positive psychology. Have a look at previous articles, it isn’t rocket science but it is hard to do.

Recently a business owner told me that only one of her ex-pat clients was not on anti-depressants. I meet many people on medication, which they should obviously continue until advised by their doctor.

Nevertheless, they could be helped by additional forms of intervention, like coaching or therapy. They could develop skills to help themselves. My critic was mistaken. We do not, as indicated by the levels of medication, act to flourish.

I want to make clear what I am advocating; flourishing is not a permanent sense of happiness and optimism. Being constantly happy would be unreal and deny the psychological necessity to feel hurt/distressed when something upsetting

Dr Cathie Woodward is trained as a coach and runs a coaching practice with clients both in the UK and France.

By Dr C athie Woodw ard

length Barbour and ‘wellies’. A river in full spate is unbelievably strong. The bridge had protected me, but suddenly I felt a massive surge pulling me down. I said to myself, ‘Of course I am not going to die’, I got my head above water, and crawled up the bank. I squelched home.

A French neighbour, who fishes the water regularly, congratulated me on my luck; You can improve your life by apparently it is a using techniques from the dangerous stretch study of positive psychology of water.

Two weeks ago I fell off a small local bridge, and was submerged for several seconds. I was swept under the bridge. I don’t swim, and definitely do not recommend ‘free swimming’ in a full

It could have been you, or someone you love; it reminds us that life is fragile, and we need to make the most of it.

So why do we not follow the advice arising from well-grounded studies on people who are flourishing? Unconsciously, we imagine that we will wake up tomorrow morning and want to change our lives. It is a prevalent unconscious belief, however it rarely occurs. You have to start the habit, and practise it. So look at some previous articles and commit to trying out an aspect of positive psychology. You might even enjoy it.

etcetera 23

garden

Woodland Wonders 24 etcetera

garden

Relaxing in your hammock, looking up at the beautiful sky, and enjoying the great outdoors

HARD AS IT MAY BE TO THINK OF THE SEARING HEAT OF SUMMER JUST NOW, THERE IS A REASONABLE CHANCE THAT WE WILL BE SEARCHING FOR A SHADY SPOT IN THE GARDEN TO CHILL OUT AND ESCAPE THE HEAT

W

e do of course have choices – we can retreat indoors in front of a fan moving warm air around or buy an off the peg pergola with curtains and a cover over the top to shut out the intense sun. Or why not get a little more creative and create a woodland retreat area where we can place a pretty bench seat or string up a hammock so that we can enjoy dappled shade and still be in nature? Now would be a perfect time to get into the garden and start to create your woodland retreat.

ground cover plants and early bulbs. You will notice that the bulbs which naturally flower in woodland areas have flowered and died away before the trees come into leaf so allowing them to take full advantage of the light penetration and lack of demand on the soil for water.

Here is a very basic guide to help you create an area of woodland in your garden.

First of all, the trees. It’s important to include deciduous trees such as birch (Betula) and alder (Alnus). Birch trees are It doesn’t have to be an enormous area. It some of the most reliable trees to plant if could be created in an area as small as 5m you have an alkaline by 5m. All you have to do They tolerate poor All you have to do is follow the soil. is follow the basic soil rather well but will principle of including basic principle of including thrive in any several tiers of vegetation several tiers of vegetation to reasonable soil. They to mimic the natural mimic the natural setting of a will also grow in sunny setting of a woodland or shady positions. woodland area area. So, for example, tall Birch trees have large trees planted in groups of but shallow root 3 or 5 will mature to form a close canopy systems so it is important not to allow the as the tree crowns start to intermingle still surrounding earth to dry out. Birches are offering small gaps which will allow some often planted in groups of three. There are light penetration. The reduced levels of mythological reasons for this but the light penetrating the area and the effects practical reason is that this practice allows of the tree roots taking up much of the the roots to be kept in shade whilst the water and available nutrients creates a leaves benefit from the sun. From a micro-climate which allows for the growth designer perspective, plants, trees, flowers of very particular plants below the canopy. etc are more visually appealing when Some smaller trees should also be planted in odd numbers. The Alder tree is included or a lower tier of shrubs and then an excellent option if your chosen area of

Lorn Tracy &

e

Taylor-M ade Garden s

garden is boggy as they are quite thirsty trees and are often found growing, like willows, near water. Alders prefer a fertile soil and full sun.

For the next tier, some smaller trees/larger shrubs such as hazel (Corylus) and elder (Sambucus) can be planted.

Both will grow in sun or partial shade but the elder is more forgiving in the type of soil as hazel does prefer the soil to be moist but free draining. Hazel trees offer magnificent catkins in spring, followed by nuts in winter so are also great for the local wildlife. The optimum conditions for nut production are cool, moist summers.

There are some very attractive forms of elder as well as the ones growing freely in hedgerows. From the common species of elder (Sambucus nigra) we are rewarded with white, spring flowers followed by clusters of purple-black berries but by planting the more ornate species such as Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ we can also enjoy stunning dark purple, highly serrated leaves and masses of frothy pink flowers turning white at the end of spring.

etcetera 25

garden

Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum)

Birch (Betula)

Elderberry (Sambucus)

snowberry (Symphoricarpos)

The third tier of smaller shrubs to consider could include any dry and shade-friendly shrubs such as spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica), snowberry (Symphoricarpos) and Osmanthus. All will grow in dry, impoverished soil where most of the water and nutrients have been sucked out by the tree roots. When planting though, get them off to a good start by digging in lots of organic material. Spotted laurel is an evergreen shrub which will thrive in quite deep shade and it is not too fussy about the soil type. Care should be taken to ensure it is not planted in an area where icy winds could scorch the leaves. The snowberry is a much under-rated deciduous shrub which will also tolerate dense shade and almost any type of soil. It also has the advantage of attractive white or pink berries which stay on the plant for months in winter. Osmanthus is an evergreen, slow-growing, holly–like shrub which prefers a well-drained soil.

The final tier of the woodland garden is made up of perennials and ferns. These should be both shade and drought tolerant. Unlike many other ferns, the soft

Finally, to create a natural pathway shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) can tolerate dry conditions. It is an attractive, through your woodland area leading to a lacy fern which has a robust quality and is well-placed bench or hammock, consider also totally hardy. Many perennials are constructing a timber-edged bark path. natural woodland plants and ones which This would be an ideal complement to the tolerate dry soils include barronwort natural effect of the woodland and can be (Epimedium) with its pointed, heartconstructed fairly quickly and relatively shaped foliage, yellow spring flowers and inexpensively by using timber edgings impenetrable root system, Mrs Robb’s secured in the ground with wooden stakes. bonnet (Euphorbia amygdaloides) which Ensure that the timber bears acid-green flowers in you use is pressurespring and knits into a treated to ensure The final tier of the good colony and lilyturf against rot and decay.

(Liriope muscari), a woodland garden is made If you want to create a clump-forming, tuberous up of perennials and ferns curved path, you may perennial with purple need to saw some spikes in late parallel grooves to a summer/early autumn. depth of no more than one third the Finally, don’t forget to add a generous thickness of the board. This will give some sprinkling of bulbs/rhizomes planted flexibility to the boards to allow them to randomly for a natural effect such as wood bend. Lay weed suppressant between the anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Spanish boards either side of the path and then bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) cover in a generous layer of bark or wood more robust than the English bluebell and chippings. And there you have it – a Lily-of-the-Valley ( Convallaria). As bulbs perfect woodland retreat for the days normally flower before the trees come into when sitting outside is possible without leaf, the shade created by the upper canopy is not much of an issue for them. getting burned to a crisp!

TAYLOR-MADE GARDENS Charente, Haute Vienne, Vienne & Nth Dordogne Agents: Arbres-et-Abeilles Nursery Chez Perochon 86250 (near Civray) Tel: 05 49 87 52 37

26 etcetera

Taylor Made Gardens www.taylor-madegardens.com

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garden PAUL SMITH

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garden

Jobs to Do

By Ronnie Ogier

IN THE GARDEN

Ronnie is a passionate gardener and now loves sharing her years of experience of success and failures in her own garden and sharing it with you.

Also a keen runner, having been bitten by the ‘Couch to 5K’ bug!

MARCH IS THE MONTH WHEN I BELIEVE, AND HOPE, I CAN REALLY START WORKING OUTSIDE IN MY GARDEN. HOPEFULLY THE WORST OF THE WINTER IS OVER AND THERE ARE MORE DAYLIGHT HOURS FROM THIS MONTH AS WE REACH THE SPRING EQUINOX.

T

he sun is becoming warmer; but take care, cold weather can still catch us out, so be ready to cover with fleece, or take back indoors, any tender plants you’ve put outside. The longer days are also encouraging more plants to re-show themselves after their winter sleep. This gives the chance to remind ourselves of where things are, as there is still time to move and thin out plants, particularly perennials, before they get into full growth. It’s time for a ‘spring clean’ in the garden; cutting back winter shrubs and completing early weeding will refresh the garden, and I suspect our spirits. One thing that refreshes my spirits and I always find very exciting, is planting seeds. Each year as I start sowing seeds I am amazed by the miracle unfolding before my eyes – from a

tiny seed, in just a few weeks, I can see colourful flowers and eat tasty vegetables.

In the flower garden

In the fruit garden

|

|

| | |

Be selective in the annuals you sow. It is so easy to sow everything at once, but then I find that I just don’t have enough space to manage all the seedlings.

It’s useful to plant little and often so that as some are germinating, others are growing on and will be ready to be hardened off outside, whilst even more are still growing.

Dead-head Hydrangeas, cutting back to just above a healthy bud.

Remove the top layer of soil around permanent pot plants, and replace with new compost.

Layer climbers such as clematis, by pulling a loose end down, making a small incision just below a bud and pinning this into the ground with the tip visible. This should root by early summer.

In the vegetable garden | | | |

Remove weeds from vegetable beds and fork in plenty of compost.

Plant out broad bean seedlings.

Sow leeks, parsnips and summer cauliflower in warm soil.

If you didn’t overwinter any onion sets, now is the time to plant them.

Start now trying to control slugs and snails. There are many ’traps’ available but it’s also worth trying lambs’ wool in pellet form. I used this last year, for the first time, and it kept slugs and snails away from delicate plants; it also works as an effective moisture retention layer.

| | |

This is the last chance to plant out bare-root fruit while they are still dormant.

Protect early fruit blossoms from frost by covering with fleece.

Tidy strawberries by removing dead, damaged and diseased leaves, runners and old fruit.

Apply a balanced fertiliser around fruit and bushes.

In the greenhouse | | | | |

Bring bags of compost into the greenhouse to warm up before you start sowing.

Sow tomatoes and cucumbers to grow outside Start sowing bedding plant seeds, ready to plant out after the last frosts.

Ventilate your greenhouse on sunny days to stop it getting too warm.

Look out for early aphids and deal with them.

Happy Gardening! etcetera 29

garden Get your onion and shallot sets off to an early start by planting them in modules indoors, when the ground is still too cold and wet to plant them outside

KNOW YOUR ONIONS

By Caroline W right

Caroline has been a lecturer in horticulture for 20 years and is now running a nursery and 'garden craft' courses in the Haute-Vienne

I AM OFTEN ASKED WHEN THE BEST TIME IS TO PLANT ONIONS AND WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROWING FROM SEED AND FROM ONION SETS

Y

ou will see them everywhere in the garden centres and bricomarchés at the moment so let's have a look at the various options and the advantages of each.

The Allium (or onion) family includes onions, garlic, leeks, chives, shallots and spring onions. They are some of the easiest crops to grow organically because there are very few pests and diseases that affect them but they do have a few specific soil and site requirements. When grown in an organised crop rotation system they make excellent companions to the root crops like carrots and parsnips because their strong odour will actually help to protect the roots from insect pests like carrot root fly that is attracted to the carrot crop by its smell.

Onions are surprisingly expensive over here and therefore well worth growing although they do take up a fair amount of space on the potager if you want a good supply for the winter. There are two main cropping seasons for onions and you will notice the bags of onion sets appearing in the shops in autumn and again in late winter. Those that are for sale at the

30 etcetera

have been grown from seed the previous moment are your summer or ‘main crop’ onions that will be ready to harvest from year but ‘stopped’ before they become mid-summer and can be stored for use fully mature and dried so that they go right through the winter. The onion sets dormant. They are usually hot water that are available in the autumn are the treated which can help to prevent bolting ‘overwintering onions’ (also known as and also to help to reduce certain fungal Japanese onions) – they are very hardy diseases which can be passed on through and can be planted in late summer the seed or young sets. You get a head through autumn and are harvested much start when growing from sets because earlier than the main crop summer your onions mature earlier. This is a onions. They do not store as well as the particular advantage in areas where summer onions but are a valuable ‘stop summer can be short, cold and wet. gap’ for use between the last of the stored My preference is for sets onions from the previous year and I generally plant my and the new main crop.

Onions are surprisingly winter onions directly expensive over here The next big question is into the ground but I whether to grow them from usually start my summer and therefore well seed or from sets. The main onions and shallots in worth growing advantage of growing onions modules before planting from seed is that they are less them out when they have a good little root expensive than sets. You can sow them in system and sturdy foliage growth. Onions small batches and the seeds will keep for need about 15cm between each plant in at least a couple of years. However you rows about 20-25cm apart (you just need could get poor germination so they will enough space to pass a hoe in between the need pricking out and potting on and they rows allowing sufficient space for the will require a longer growing season. If onions to mature). If you are planting the young seedlings get dry or too hot directly into the ground, prepare a fairly then they are also more likely to ‘bolt’ fine tilth (small crumbs) by raking over (run to seed). Sets are small onions that until the large clods break down, set out a

garden

Quick to crop, spring onions are simple to grow and are an essential summer vegetable

string line to make sure you have nice straight rows and make a shallow drill, line out the onion sets and then cover so that just the neck is showing. If you have started growth off in modules you will prepare the ground in the same way but will need a small trowel or fork for planting. The main advantages for starting them off in modules is that you can select the healthiest plants with the strongest growth to plant out and it helps somewhat to prevent the blackbirds from stealing them! (They tend to pull the sets straight out of the ground.)

Onions should be cured for at least two to three weeks or until the tops necks are completely dry and the outer skin on the onion becomes slightly crisp

the organic matter is well rotted and there are no chunky pieces and uncomposted material amongst it as this will make your carrots forked and distorted.

Overwintering onions are usually ready for harvesting from early June, while main crop onions are not usually ready for lifting until late July/August. You will be able to see when they are ready because the skins will have gone dry and papery and the tops start to bend over. Always harvest them during dry weather to reduce the chance of fungal diseases attacking them in storage. They will need Onions need a to dry out further before Onions need a constant constant supply of storage. You can do this by moisture in the soil supply of moisture in the soil laying them out on wire to grow and swell racks or trays in a light dry to grow and swell steadily steadily (if they are place for 2-3 weeks. This subject to periods of aids ripening and triggers drought followed by heavy rain as we dormancy. (Remember they are still living often get with summer storms, they can plants and will need the correct storage swell too much too quickly that they split) conditions to keep them dormant while so make sure there is plenty of organic they are being stored. Onions are biennial matter in the soil which will help to soak and they will naturally come into growth up excess water and release it slowly. Very in their second year, produce a flower dry soil will also lead to bolting. If you are spike using the stored energy in the bulb, planting onions alongside root crops set seed and then die). Onions are best (which also suffer from irregular stored in a light, cool but frost-free place watering) then you must make sure that in string bags or plaited into long strings.

You will need to remove any soil, loose skins and debris before storing. Kept in the right conditions they should last until early March the following year – if you haven’t used them all by then!

Le Jardin Créatif We are running several horticultural courses this spring: Fruit Pruning 3rd, 5th or 10th March Vegetable growing for Beginners 19th March & 2nd April Shrub Pruning 25th March Plant Propagation for Beginners 5th May. Our nursery opens again for the season from Saturday 7th March – we are then open each Saturday from 10-4 until October and at other times by prior appointment.

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05.45.25.05.37 | www.charenteassistance.fr etcetera 31

farm life

The Needs of a Growing Chick SPRING BRINGS THE PROMISE OF NEW LIFE AND WE FONDLY ANTICIPATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF HATCHLINGS. WE ALSO LOOK BACK ON LESSONS LEARNED IN PREVIOUS YEARS SO THAT WE CAN CREATE THE BEST POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWING YOUNGSTERS

I

prefer to allow hens to raise their own families, from incubating their eggs to protecting and teaching their chicks the basics of life. I believe that hen-reared birds benefit enormously from learning foraging and social skills from their mother, and there is scientific evidence that supports my case. Experimental trials revealed that brooded chicks grew up less fearful, less aggressive and less disposed to feather pecking than those raised in an incubator. They were also found to be more active at performing natural, healthy tasks, such as foraging and dust-bathing.

Hatching Under A Broody So, it is my hens who decide when breeding season will start. Normally one

32 etcetera

or two will go broody in spring or early summer. If you wish to do the same, you’ll need a few hens with at least one who is prone to going broody, an unrelated cock, and a safe, dark, private place for the brooding female to sit on her eggs undisturbed. Although the hen will take care of the chicks’ needs, there are a few basic preparations and provisions you will need to ensure success. I discussed these at length in the March 2018 issue, available on etceteraonline.org.

Not all hens will go broody. In fact, breeders of laying hens have actively selected birds that do not brood, so that there is no interruption in the laying season. Fortunately, you can still find

Tamsin Cooper is a smallholder and writer with a keen interest in animal behaviour and welfare.

She keeps hens and goats.

By Tam s

in Coop er

birds among the older traditional breeds and bantams, who make good sitters and mothers. The rare local breeds Limousine, Pictave and Noire de Challans are known for these qualities.

How Chicks Learn from Their Mother The sitting hen communicates with her chicks from just before hatching, as they learn the sound of each other’s voices.

This aids the bonding phenomenon called ‘imprinting’, which ensures that the newly hatched chicks latch onto mother and stay close. Once they are all hatched and dry, she will move off to find food and water.

In the wild, their very survival would depend on staying close to her at all times.

She also responds to their calls, providing

farm life

Keeping close to mum

Being introduced to the flock

the hens. One of the hens went on to hatch the single fertile egg and we found ourselves in a most unusual situation: a single chick. This rarely happens to chickens, because they tend to sit when they have a clutch of eggs, so normally there will be multiple offspring. Little did it matter in the early days, when the mother hen’s devotions were fully focused on her protégée. However, I was aware that such attentions would only last until the chick fledged, normally around six weeks old. At that stage, hens feel the urge to rejoin the flock, feeling that their Keeping Chicks Safe offspring are self-sufficient. Normally, the little gaggle of fledglings are indeed able to Despite the mother hen’s defensive skills, stay safe by keeping together and many chicken keepers will keep the young respecting the family penned until the hierarchy of their chicks are large and fast The only protection she had elders, enough to avoid most was her mother and the flock acknowledging that predators. Others let the they are at the mother hen take full bottom of the pecking responsibility. In truth, order.

Then they slowly start to integrate they usually lose a few chicks to predators, into the main flock. but it is amazing to watch these tiny birds learn to become self-sufficient so quickly.

For our sole chick, the safety of siblings I feel that these youngsters learn to look was not an option. The only protection she after themselves a lot faster than those in had was her mother and the flock. She confinement. Having cats, we have always needed to integrate with the flock while kept our chicks in a run until eight weeks her mother still had the instinct to protect old, but last year, circumstances conspired her. So we let mother and daughter out to make me take a different approach. under supervision until we could be sure that the two were keeping up with the Why Chicks Need Their Siblings flock. Yes, there were a few nasty pecks Last year, most unusually, only one egg thrown at first, but quickly they were in out of two clutches was fertile. Our cock with the main crowd. The chick even was obviously not managing to cover all developed her own defence strategy of body heat that they are unable to maintain on their own during the first week of life.

She leads them to appropriate feed, making encouraging noises, picking up and dropping food she wishes them to eat.

As attentive students to everything she does, her chicks learn all the basics of living on the land and dealing with life’s hazards, developing communication and social skills. Meanwhile, she protects them from predators and other flock members by puffing up as large as she can and hissing.

Learning the essential skills

seeking high perches wherever they rested up. Now mother was most interested in accompanying the cock, who wasn’t too keen on having a youngster tagging along, so our chick became a bit of a loner for a few weeks. For her own protection, she developed a rather flighty disposition at this time. This was the stage where she would have greatly benefited from having siblings around. However, as she came into lay, she became fascinated with our newly introduced cock and grew in confidence. She has now become a fully integrated member of the flock.

From behavioural science and watching chickens grow up naturally, we learned the value of rearing chicks under a broody hen. Then, from the experience of our solo chick, we learned how important it is for young chicks to have siblings. Nest companions provide mutual support during the transition from mother’s care to integration with the flock.

CHICK NEEDS: Motherly guidance Sibling companionship Low perches to learn to roost Space to forage A well-balanced diet Clean water Clean pasture or run and bedding Hiding places

etcetera 33

fishing

Ouverture Truite

34 etcetera

fishing MARCH 14TH IS THE OUVERTURE TRUITE – THE START OF THE FRENCH FISHING CALENDAR THAT ALMOST SEAMLESSLY COMMENCES AT THE END OF THE CHASSE SEASON

By Clive Kenyon

T

he deserted river banks will once again become populated by pécheurs determined to harvest the small trout that have been stocked in recent weeks by the Departmental Fisheries officers.

There are other options; we are surrounded by young rivers designated by the authorities as Category 1 waters, i.e. trout fisheries. Many of them hold a good stock of wild brown trout as well as the supplementary stocklings.

In the Vienne at St. Leonard de Noblat you can find wild brown trout fishing in the faster flowing stretches between the dams and weirs and the nearby Taurion is regarded very highly by local trout anglers.

Further south the River Dordogne is a trout angler’s paradise and Beaulieu-surDordogne is as good a place as any to start.

There are also quieter stretches around the riverside villages near to Rocamadour.

struggling through the meniscus. I noticed a hatch of dark coloured sedges in the afternoon sunshine of 28th January. You may find empty shucks drifting downstream or newly hatched flies clinging to vegetation or your clothing. If you can find something of a similar size and colour in your fly box you may be able to catch a few trout while they are actively feeding on the hatching flies.

In our region there are a lot of caddis grubs clinging to the underside of flat stones in fast shallow water. Caddis are imitated by fly-fishers and fly-tyers in four stages of their life cycle. These are: the larvae, pupae, emerger and winged adult stages. In the early season it is best to concentrate on the sub-surface patterns and leave the dry flies and emergers for late summer evenings when the sedge hatch typically comes just before dusk.

Caddis nymphs are one of the easiest flies to tie and can be heavily weighted using lead wire wrapped around the hook shank or with the addition of a tungsten, brass or copper bead. When weighted like this they can be fished close to the river bed in the style of Czech Nymphing or as the point fly in a two or three fly team. In shallow waters the caddis nymph is best suspended under a small buoyant dry fly such as an Elk Hair Caddis (EHC) so that it skims the bottom of the river bed without getting stuck on the many stones. This New Many of the French pécheurs The Charente might Zealand Dropper as be a surprise to will use alternative tactics it is called has the some but in the including spinning and bait small nymph tied stretch from where on a short length of fishing using worms or it leaves Lac Lavaud line that is attached caddis grubs as bait right down to to the bend of the Savigné you will find dry fly. An EHC is trout, wild and the perfect fly for stocked. Dordognethe job as elk hair is shire shares the Tardoire and also has the a naturally buoyant hollow fibre that does Dronne, Bandiat and L’Isle that hold trout. not require false casting to dry it or In the Vienne it gets more tricky, but there dressing with floatant every few casts. This is La Gartempe and a bit of La Charente means that on streams and small rivers it that wanders into Department 86 around is possible to wade up the middle of the Charroux and Asnois. Department 87 is river away from overhanging branches and easy; La Brame, La Gorre and La Glane roll cast a short line upstream as you go and the young L’Isle are all worth wetting along. Beware of any regulations a fly-line. concerning wading as on the Touvre for instance wading is not permitted in the As I wrote last year, probably the best early part of the season. advice in respect of what fly to use is to match the hatch, that is to pick a fly that Many of the French pécheurs will use resembles whatever is hatching from the alternative tactics including spinning and water at the time of fishing. Even on the bait fishing using worms or caddis grubs coldest days there may be some flies as bait. This makes a lot of sense where ascending the water column and bank side bushes and trees restrict casting There are also smaller rivers closer to home that can offer sport for the trout angler. In the Charente there are the La Grêne, L’Issoire, Le Son – Sonnete system, La Tardoire, La Touvre and La Charente amongst many others. La Touvre is worth a special mention as it is effectively a chalk stream that erupts from the ground close to the village of the same name and discharges into the Charente near to Gond Pontouvre at Angoulême. The trout fishing is amongst the best in France.

with a fly rod. If you intend to use maggots it pays to check that they are allowed to be used as bait where you intend to fish. On a lot of the upper stream waters they prohibit asticots as bait.

Trout can also be found in a surprising number of lakes, large and small. Some communes stock trout in their village etangs and you may find details of these in the ‘Parcours de Péche Truite’ section of your Departmental Fishery’s website.

The Rain in Spain According to the old proverb, rain falls mainly on the plain, and as such feeds the Ebro river which as any angler knows contains a lot of large fish. Spain is an increasingly popular holiday destination for European anglers and even more so for us as we live so much closer to it. Around last Christmas I experienced my first Spanish fishing adventure; a bit of mullet fishing on the Riu Ter in Catalonia and hopefully we shall be returning this month for some carp and barbel fishing further inland.

Fishing in Spain is regulated regionally.

Each region issues licences to fish “Licencia de Pesca” and frustratingly regions employ different criteria when applying for a licence. I obtained my Licencia de Pesca via the Internet at a cost of €38 for two years. Penalties for fishing without a licence are high and if you’re caught you will probably also have your rods confiscated. The good news is that in most regions pensioners can obtain a licence without charge.

On the Ebro and in many other areas of Spain are large dams created for the purpose of supplying drinking water and electricity. These dams hold some of Europe’s largest fish including Wels Catfish, carp to over 70lb and up to 8 variants of barbel, some of which reach over 40lb! I might need a whole tin of luncheon meat for one of those monsters.

Spain, after Switzerland, is the most mountainous country in Europe and those mountains are home to some of the finest wild trout fishing in Europe. The upper reaches of Spanish rivers hold some stunning trout and can be fished for the price of the required licence and around €5 for a day ticket.

So, this month I shall hopefully be enjoying my second Spanish fishing adventure. After all, it is only just down the road!

etcetera 35

wildlife

YOU DOITY As James Cagney never actually said in any of his films (though he came close)

K

aren had quite a lot to say about the rat last month, so I thought it might be as well (I am supposed to be the advocate of Nature for etcetera readers) to have a look at the rat more as a denizen of the town and countryside.

We are actually blessed in Northern Europe with two different rats, the Black or Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) and the Brown or Common Rat (Rattus norvegicus). They can both get quite large, the Black up to 24 cm (plus tail), the Brown up to 29 cm (again plus tail). The Black Rat is the more agile of the two. It is dark in colour, with a sharper muzzle, while the Brown Rat is, not surprisingly, brown, and has a blunter face.

Despite the fact that nobody loves them, they do quite well, since they are happy in damp, noisome places which most other creatures avoid. They particularly enjoy the habitats Man has created. As Karen has said, their breeding potential is phenomenal.

Also, they eat very nearly anything they can get their teeth into. Their dentition is that of the rodents, so they are

36 etcetera

equipped with constantly-growing incisor teeth that they must keep active, but they can eat meat, waste products, vegetables – in fact almost anything, except they cannot browse.

Their rodent teeth are what give them the lamentable ability to chew through fairly substantial cables. They have no idea of the danger that lurks within, but are hoping for food, so when they short out the wires they have exposed, fry themselves, cut off a substantial part of the mains supply and even start a fire, it was all just a mistake.

They suffer from very bad press whenever plagues rear their heads. They are roundly cited as responsible for the Bubonic Plague outbreaks, and, in truth, the 1665 outbreak was probably related to rat populations.

Of course, the link with rats was not known about at the time. This resulted in the decision that there must be a link with cats and dogs, which led to an official order that all cats and dogs should be destroyed. What is forgotten, however, is that the flea did a lot of the heavy lifting of moving the plague between humans.

Don’t forget, the Derbyshire village of Eyam received the plague in 1666 from a box of second-hand clothing which contained human fleas. No rats were directly involved.

In the even more destructive outbreak in the 1300s, which changed the entire economy of Europe, it is debatable

wildlife

RAT!

whether the rats had much to do with the spread. The plague moved very fast through Europe, faster than rat involvement can explain, and it may well have spread from human to human via human fleas and ticks.

By Mike Geo rge

Mike George is our regular contributor on wildlife and the countryside in France. He is a geologist and naturalist, living in the Jurassic area of the Charente

3-5 days, then spend a few days feeling tired and rotten before resuming normal life. However, in a few cases, a secondary infection affects the brain or lungs or liver, giving rise to a much more severe illness which can lead to organ failure and death.

This is Weil’s Disease (pronounced, appropriately, “vile’s”) and requires hospital care. Fortunately, it is fairly uncommon.

The hapless rat (or human) acts chiefly as the reservoir for the plague. You can catch it by getting too close to rats (or infected humans) but normally something (the flea) must carry the infecting organism from the infected blood to yours. Technically, this The plague moved very transfer-carrier is known fast through Europe, as the vector.

I knew a lady who volunteered to help clean out the home of a recentlyfaster than rat deceased eccentric.

There is another disease, involvement can explain The house was a tip, though, for which rats are and showed abundant responsible, and this is evidence of rat often overlooked. It does not require any infestation. The ladies knew nothing of vector. The rat’s lack of responsibility in leptospirosis, and waded in un-gloved and its eating is matched, as Karen points out, unprotected. A few days later they started by its reprehensible excretory habits. It showing ‘flu-like symptoms. Strangely, uses its waste matter to mark territory, their families did not develop ‘flu, and the and it does a thorough job, but the waste ladies, being robust WI members, all carries an organism which will last recovered. They were never tested for several days in warm, moist conditions, leptospirosis, but I am willing to guess just waiting ... that that is what they had.

Leptospirosis is the name of this disease.

So what can we do about the rats? Dogs It is a bacterial infection which is spread and cats will attack them if they have the by urine. The bacteria can exist for some “Right stuff”. I have known large dogs time in fresh water (though salt water kills that avoided rats on all occasions, but by them). If the bacteria enters an open cut contrast I once had a beautiful silveror sore, it can spread, giving rise to ‘flutabby Persian cat, who by rights should like symptoms. A healthy human can normally fight off this initial infection in have spent his time sitting decoratively on

a satin cushion, but who in fact liked nothing better than to kill rats in the garden He was good at it, too.

Never try to tackle a rat yourself. I have never been bitten by a rat, but I have been bitten by a grey squirrel, which is about the same size with similar teeth, and believe me, it hurts. In addition, the infections lurking in a rat’s mouth defy description. You will need emergency treatment.

Nor is it much good trapping them and taking them off to the woods to release them. I hate to disagree with you, Karen, but my experience is that the rat will make it back home before your husband!

Get in the professionals. They know what they are doing, and have seen enough not to have delicate feelings for the poor rat.

etcetera 37

wildlife/animal

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN MARCH ▪

▪

Warm days can bring out hibernating butterflies, and one can only hope they manage to find some sustenance, or thy may not survive the winter.

The first of the spring butterflies will start to appear – Brimstone butterflies, some large and small whites, and some of the brown butterflies. I saw several of these during the sunny days of February.

Watch out towards the end of the month and through April for the Pine Processionary Moth caterpillars.

I mention these every year. The long line of nose-to-tail caterpillars looks fascinating, but LEAVE THEM WELL ALONE. Their hairs cause dreadful itching in humans, and to cats and dogs they can be very harmful, even deadly.

▪

The first beetles – the hardy Gendarme beetles (actually bugs) with their red-and-black coats – have been in evidence throughout February, and will be even more visible this month.

▪

I have already seen Carpenter Bees, the huge, purplish bumble-bees, flying about. They are seeking moist soft wood to lay their eggs in, so your

house timbers are in no danger from them, but they will check every suitable-looking hole in the walls.

▪

Watch out for bee-flies. These tiny creatures, about the size of a pea and light brown in colour, love to hover in front of early flowers and drink the nectar. They look like tiny bumblebees, but very close inspection will reveal that they only have one pair of wings and are true flies.

▪

Hummingbird Hawk-moths may put in an appearance on warm days later in the month, flying strongly up and down the walls of your house. Again, they do no harm to the house – they are just enjoying the warmth radiated from the stonework.

▪

In the woods, daffodils made their appearance in February. Violets will begin to appear in fields and on road verges. See if you can spot white specimens – they are about. Cowslips also start to carpet the roadsides.

They love the limy soil of this region.

▪

Towards the end of the month the familiar green haze of new leaves begins to appear in the trees. Spring should soon be here!

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Dog boarding, walking and training www.k9homeandaway.co.uk E: deviziano@msn.com T: 02 54 01 18 84 Facebook: k9homeandaway

Siret 801 996 943 00040

Doggy & Moggy Holidays & Hydrotherapy Centre O HYD R

GS DO

Caring for your pet, our aim is for their stay with us to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

From one day to several weeks.

ERAPY FO TH

R

HAPPY STAYS FOR DOGS AND CATS

ERY

FULL

www.doggymoggyholidays.fr

R C ON C A AI

TT

Y

Thiat 87320 (10 mins north Le Dorat)

We also supply a range of CSJ dog food, see website for details.

Tel : Josie or Sean 05 55 60 27 79 / Email: info@doggymoggyholidays.fr etcetera 39

astronomy

The Night zing! a g r a t S y p H ap

ON THE 20TH OF THE MONTH, THE DAY AND THE NIGHT WILL BE ALMOST EXACTLY THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME BECAUSE THE SUN WILL BE CROSSING THE EQUATOR.

T

he Vernal Equinox: it is the beginning of Spring! There is still plenty to see in our night skies in March. I always feel a little buzz of excitement when browsing the sky and spotting some very recognizable constellations.

One of the most distinctive of these is the constellation of Cassiopeia, or The Queen. To find her, look up facing north. The five main stars of Cassiopeia form a large 'W' or 'M' depending on her position and orientation in the sky. Because of her high position (the astronomical term is 'declination') it is always above the horizon for many observers so it can be really interesting to try to spot her on different nights of the month to 40 etcetera

track how she moves around in the sky.

Translated from Latin, equinox means "equal night." In that ancient tongue, the words for "even" is "aequi" while "nox" means "night."

2nd, looking towards the south west.

The Moon will be full in the evening around 6.50pm on 9th.

On 28th and 29th, from around 10pm the thin crescent Moon will appear very close to Venus, The Pleiades and Alderbaran (the eye of The Moon and the bull). On the Venus is still brilliantly Planets in March morning of 31st, bright in the evening around 7 am early The Moon will sky this month. risers may catch a (seemingly!) pass very glimpse of the planets close to the beautiful Mars, Saturn and Pleiades open star cluster on 1st Jupiter by looking towards the south March. Pleiades or Seven Sisters is a east. Venus is still brilliantly bright in really bright group of blueish stars the evening sky this month. You can which look grand through binoculars find it looking towards the south too. A quarter Moon can be seen just west. Summer time returns officially above a bright star Alderbaran on the on 28th in Europe!

astronomy

Sky

By Clair Wardla e w

Claire Wardlaw, originally from Edinburgh, lives in the Charente with her husband. Since their move over 4 years ago, Claire has become passionate about Astronomy with the aid and guidance of Astrofarm.

Cassiopeia Cassiopeia is a constellation found in the northern sky. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century Greek astronomer Ptolemy. Cassiopeia is one of the 88 modern constellations we see today.

The Cassiopeia constellation gets its name from the vain Queen Cassiopeia found in Greek Mythology.

A section of the Milky Way runs through Cassiopeia, containing a number of open clusters, young luminous galactic disc stars, and nebulae.

Astronomers to Remember Probably one of the most famous household names in the world of astronomy was Sir Patrick Alfred Caldwell-Moore. Born on 4th March 1923, he attained prominent status in the field of astronomy as a lunar artist, writer, researcher, radio commentator and television presenter. He was fascinated in astronomy from the age of 6. He presented the television series, The Sky at Night for many years and shared the detailed lunar map he had created from his careful observations over many months on the first episode of the programme. Another thing which he spent a long while doing, and is something fun to try for yourself, was to sketch a particular

feature of the moon at three different times in the month. Each night of sketching, the moon details will be different because the the sun will cast dramatically different shadows on the craters and mountain areas. This is because of the changing position of the moon each night. He would use pencils and inks to add details to his craters or Mares or seas to highlights these changes. His enthusiasm for studying and sketching the moon has made it a much more popular area of astronomy over the years.

Some of Patrick Moore's lunar charts and records were used by NASA during the early Apollo missions.

If you would like to see a few more ideas of how to try some

astro sketching do have a look at the Facebook group I started a year or so ago: 'Astronomy Sketching and Art/ Astro Dessin.

free time

42 etcetera

free time

etcetera 43

competition

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Theme for 2021 - French life Next year marks Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne's 10th anniversary, and following the great success of their 2019 calendar, they are celebrating this landmark occasion by producing an anniversary calendar for 2021. Thank you to everyone who has already sent in their entries - keep them coming!

Calendar theme for 2021 The theme for the 2021 Calendar Competition is ‘French Life’.

What thoughts do you conjure up when when you think of our lives in France? The countryside and its wildlife? The stunning and historic architecture? Or your simple potager at home? Use your imagination and think what epitomizes life here in France for you.

44 etcetera

Closing date

Summary of points to remember

The closing date for the competition is midnight on Friday 15th May 2020.

▪ Think French life

How to enter the competition Entries must be sent in digital format only please.

All images (you can enter up to four in total - one for each season) must be the original high resolution files, at 300 dpi, landscape - 3508 x 2480 pixels. When emailing or uploading the image, please save the file using your full name and the season. Entrants must include their full names, address, telephone number and email address.

Send entries via email to: etceteracompetition@gmail.com.

▪ The photo must be landscape orientation (not portrait).

▪ Think about the light and composition.

Full details of the competition can be found in January’s edition of etcetera magazine, which you can also view online at: www.etceteraonline.org Please make sure you read ‘The important stuff’ which includes details of required consent, again all details are in last month’s magazine and are on our website.

The 12 photographs chosen by the judges will be included in the 2021 Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne calendar, with all proceeds going to the charity.

home & specialist

La Source

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Ÿ We supply and fit a range of carpets to suit all budgets

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www.etceteraonline.org etcetera 45

home & specialist

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● ● ● ●

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46 etcetera

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getting connected

H

ello dear readers. Welcome to March’s ramblings. I very much hope that you had a good February. I know I did. The 14th was especially good. I was asked to provide a massive (dish) erection and spent much of the day banging away (cable clips).

When I eventually finished, I was very satisfied (with my work) but needed to have a long rest afterwards.

er, nobody makes them. You can still find some online but the prices are crazy. They were selling on Amazon UK for nearly £400. A company called ARRIS are due to start production some time this year, but no dates have been given.

If you have to have an external join in your TV cabling, then please don’t use electrical tape. It’s not waterproof. It’ll be OK for a See, sometimes my bit, but eventually, working day can be very water will get into demanding, so get your If you have to have an external the join and rot minds out of that gutter. the connections, join in your TV cabling, then Really, Mavis? I expected causing the please don’t use electrical tape dreaded ‘no better of you…. signal’ message to And, I also expect Mavis to appear. If you do remember that Freesat is need to join the cable (which is perfectly not the same as Freeview. I know it, you acceptable if done correctly), use a know it, and hopefully Mavis does as well. waterproof and weatherproof tape.

Ah, oh, whilst on the subject of Freesat, Can I wall mount your TV? Yes, happy to. have you heard (I doubt you have, as it Can I wire up your home cinema system? would make you really dull) that Humax With pleasure. Can I clean your gutters as I have ceased production of their Freesat+ have a long ladder? Don’t push it! boxes? This means that as I type, literally,

SATELLITE TV

STUART WALLACE THE FRENCH HOUSE

Just to clarify, not all satellite TV comes from the same place (unless you mean ‘space’). The UK TV most of us watch is found at Astra 2 (or 28.2° E as it is also known). French satellite TV comes from Astra 1 (19.2° E) for TNTSAT, Canal+ or Orange TV or Eutelsat 5 (5° W) for Fransat. Another popular one is Hotbird 13 (13° E). These are probably the main 3.

The ‘E’ after the number represents the number of degrees east of south.

A ‘W’ means that amount of degrees west of south.

Siret 480 287 390 00029

English Free to Air / Freesat Satellite Broadband Installed English Subscription TV French TV DIY Kits Expert Service

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A reliable service at sensible rates serving departments: 86, 36, 16 & 87. We can serve certain areas in other dept/s.

Contact Steve for a free no obligation quotation on:

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Siret 84173376900019

tfhsatellite@gmail.com www.the-french-house.net

Home Satellite Services. (H.S.S.)

@homesatservices

homesatservices032@gmail.com

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From 35€ ttc Contact Sam or Gayle 05 16 312 13 42

etcetera 47

Siret 452 755 390 000 13 - RM 8601

getting connected

INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & SALES

n Smart installations (thermostats, cameras etc.) n Air conditioning n Data & communications

Contact Paul Ellis: Tel: 09 62 68 09 06 Regions: Mob: 06 70 97 59 56 16, 36, 79, Email: paul.gill@wanadoo.fr 86 & 87

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n Commercial

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david.read@wanadoo.fr Siret 490820859RM87

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· Fully qualified registered electrician (bilingual) · All work fully insured with 10-year guarantee · Domestic & commercial installation / repairs · Communications wiring & automation · Safety and conformity checks 86430 Adriers / jbelectric86@orange.fr 06 78 12 02 91 SIRET 537398125 00014

48 etcetera

French Electrician - fluent English Speaker Based in Bellac - covering 87 & parts of 86,16 & 23

For all your electrical needs - safety checks, re-wires, new builds, upgrades and complete renovations 05 55 68 62 26 / 06 24 27 01 86 charleselec@gmail.com Siret No: 503121279 00015

getting connected

‘

ROBERT MAHONY

PETER AMOR

Give us a call no job too small

siret: 48002659000012

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I offer free &

Hedley Marsh 86150 Moussac sur Vienne Tel: 05 49 48 35 49 Mobile: 06 45 74 25 36 Email: hedleymarsh@orange.fr

siret 440 419 018 00013

35 years’ experience All work fully insured

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E: pearce.lynne@orange.fr

VIENNE HEATING SERVICES Siret: 51190455900024

I offer free & friendly advice friendly advice so please don’t so please don’t hesitatetoto hesitate contact me. contact me

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Fully Insured French Registered Tel. 05 49 48 16 10 / 06 41 34 49 34 Email: stevepowelljones@orange.fr Siret: 82450859200014

Mark Gregory

Qualified & registered plumber Bathrooms - Kitchens - Drainage Complete Renovations - Repairs Dry lining - 40 yrs’ experience Based L’Isle Jourdain 86150

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etcetera 49

getting connected/ artisans DARREN LUCKHURST

Homecall PC PC repair on house calls PC building on demand We sell hardware & peripherals ESET SECURITY BROADBAND INSTALLATION SOFTWARE RETAILER ASSISTANCE ON SITE Year round maintenance • Contracts on request

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artisans

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50 etcetera

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artisans

Steve’s property maintenance

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R & G Builders

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05 55 03 23 39

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/ 06 67 98 38 89

One Builder

Siret en cours

russellhainesbuilder@gmail.com

H TAYLOR KEITARTISAN

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Depts 79, 16 & 86

www.timhartley.fr

Siret 434972303RM87 tim_hartley@hotmail.com

Fully qualified stone mason with 25 years’ experience

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Siret: 828 984 815 0013

Based in 87 - will travel

C&C Carpentry & Joinery

HUARD FONTAINE

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AC Kitchens & Bathrooms

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Free estimates, friendly and reliable service Tel: 06 17 89 06 39 30 years’ exp paul_pickup@hotmail.com Fully

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Javarzay 79110 Chef-Boutonne

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Registered in France 2001 05 55 60 86 62 / 06 71 78 94 34

E: eddltd@mail.com M: +44 77 79 04 57 18 Checkatrader E.D.D ltd

Siret: 489 199 661 00013

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Painting, Tiling, Wallpaper hanging all types of decorating undertaken Confolens 16 and area 25 years experience.

Contact 05.45.85.78.30 / 06.04.49.04.10 stuart.park@hotmail.fr

etcetera 51

artisans

Dominic Smith

Based in Benest (16)

Painter / Decorator

PAINTER & DECORATOR Interior and Exterior

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Siret: 807 715 529 00010

Tel: 05 45 30 04 97 Email : smith.dominic@orange.fr www.facebook.com/d.smithdecoratingservices

Odd Job Tom

Over 35 years in the trade Covers depts 86,16,87

Painting, wallpapering, tape/jointing and tiling

Will travel up to 1hr of Dept 86 Pool maintenance Tree Felling & Stump Grinding Grass Cutting & Odd Jobs

FREE ESTIMATES

Chris Ringguth

Siret 5285994590013

Les Effes, 86150 QUEAUX

Email leseffes@hotmail.co.uk T: 05 49 48 27 91 / 06 04 44 32 12

tturnbull80@yahoo.com Siret 8423761 3900015

siret no 523 998 557 00020

ADRIAN AMOS

HILL TOP TILING

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REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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hilltoptiling

SIRET : 508 248 747 000 18

STONE MASON

Phone Georgia 0611 169296

georgiaayton@hotmail.com Based Bussiere Poitevine 87320

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WE NOW CONSTRUCT

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T. 05 45 30 38 98 Email: much.christopher@orange.fr

WWW.ETCETERAONLINE.ORG

52 etcetera

FIND US on

- Plastering By Design

BUILDING / MULTI SERVICE

Digital Version of etcetera EVERY MONTH

Floor sanding

Siret 809 212 483 00014

Siret 528 777 519 00018

Siret:530 444 496 00018

05 45 91 26 61 / 06 56 79 25 58

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Andrew Hadfield Based 87330 References Available

05 55 60 72 98 07 81 53 71 91 dandahadfield@aol.com siret: 53229047500013

Kitchens & Bathrooms Dry Lining - walls and ceilings Tiling - walls and floors Painting and decorating Wood and Laminate flooring

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artisans section

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ARTISAN TILING

◈ All

aspects of tiling considered ◈ Interior & exterior ◈ Porcelain, ceramic & natural stone ◈ 15 years’ experience

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3Over 35 years’ experience 3Clean and professional work 3All aspects under taken 3Small works not a problem

For a competitive estimate contact: Robert Fuller Tel 05 55 49 82 96 Mobile +44 78 64 71 69 37 rfplastering@gmail.com Siret 525 171 864 00016

GLEN VINEY

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Siret 527 736 326 00010

etcetera 53

artisans

LION ROUGE UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES SPECIALISTS All sizes, shapes & colours offered Supplied & fitted to the highest standard using premium products

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~ COVERING SOUTH WEST FRANCE ~

www.lionrouge.eu

Tel: 05 46 70 25 87

info@lionrouge.eu

Siret 800 969 438 00020

JM Roofing

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French & English Speaking

54 etcetera

Depts covered 16, 17, 24, 79, 86, 87

www.artisancentral.fr/JMToitures

artisans

AABA ROOFING FRANCE

Quality Roofing & Building for you

Assurance Décennale

Ecuras 16220

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www.aabaroofingfrance.com

Siret 53210969100024

Siret: 842 248 692 00019

SARL

the roof, the whole roof and nothing but the roof

Experts in working with slate, clay & zinc

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06 35 11 27 31

For a free estimation please call or email:

Strictly Roofing Malcolm Cooke

admin@strictlyroofing.fr

www.strictlyroofing.fr

After · New Build Specialists

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Before

After

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Before

Before After

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Visit: www.slm-construction.fr Email: slmconstruction.mcdonald@gmail.com

or speak to Stuart on

06 38 68 60 14 etcetera 55

artisans M C SCAFFOLDING Siret: 80025145600011

Full English Scaffolding Service

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Delivered, erected, and dismantled Over 20 years’ experience. Free Quotes.

For internal & external use ~ Platforms up to 6m in height

Depts 16, 87, part 24, 17, 79 & 86 Day: 07 85 44 26 66 / Eve: 05 45 66 49 87 martin.clare6@gmail.com

amanda.hallbrook@sky.com

Siret 83166665600010

Strong aluminium scaffold tel 05 55 05 01 99 BECK CHERRY PICKER HIRE

Tim Shepherd

17m tracked cherry picker for hire with working IPAF qualified operator All exterior works undertaken Hourly or Daily rates Will travel to all of etcetera’s distribution areas

garden care P painting P fencing cleaning P caretaking P maintenance key-holding P admin help P changeovers

www.beckcherrypickerhire.com beckcherrypickerhire@gmail.com

Tel : 05.49.87.02.96 shepherd.timothy@orange.fr

T: 07 84 12 44 97

Siret 752 049 932 00011

Siret 82797863600013

Glyn Chubb

ARCHITECT

Roofing, plasterboarding, tiling Restoration and general building 25 years experience

Small jobs no problem!

Plasterboarding / Rendering Renovations

email: glynn.chubb79@orange.fr Tel: 05 49 27 67 29 Siret No. 494 068 315 00014

Advertise Your Business

John Hartie B.Arch. A.R.I.A.S, R.I.B.A ORDRE des ARCHITECTES no. 073326 Based in La Rochefoucauld for over 12 years 14 Rue des Bans 16110 La Rochefoucauld T: 05 45 91 73 90 / 06 81 90 18 87 Email: john.hartie@orange.fr Eco-Buildings - New Build Renovations - Barn Conversions

Siret. 500 835 189 000 16

Staircases, windows, Doors, Gates, Barn Doors, Kitchens

Siret: 502 353 675 00015

Carpenter/Joiner

M&M Sandblasting ~ Services ~ Superior Services - Good Workmanship - Honesty

For as little as 35€ ttc per month

RUST REMOVAL - OAK BEAM BLASTING BRICK CLEANING - METAL - CONCRETE & STONE - TIMBER - CHIMNEY RESTORATION 3500 PSI HIGH PRESSURE CLEANER

Contact Sam or Gayle to discuss your advertising needs 05 16 32 13 42 / editors.etcetera@gmail.com

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 mandmblastinglimousin@gmail.com www.mandmblasting.com Siret 82184631800011

Roofing / Renovatio Roofing / Renovations

ROOFING SPECIALISTS Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007

Call Mark for a free quotation: T: 05 55 44 71 44 / M: 06 78 60 96 16 mumford.toiture@gmail.com Siret no. 493 159 412 00037

56 etcetera

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING / RENDERING & POINTING - Zinc / PVC guttering - Anti-moss - Insulation & Plaster boarding - Interior / exterior renovations For a free quotation please contact: Howard

CONTACT: PAUL CHARLESWORTH T: 06 28 28 04 63 E: pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr

(fully bilingual, living in France since 1990, 10 yr décennale Insurance)

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

Tel: 05.55.60.23.70 / 06.85.43.13.58 Email: rcc87@live.fr

Siret : 531 655 231 00 11

Depts: 87,86,16 & 23 Siret: 799 894 860 000 11

artisans

Siret 82184631800011

3 ton Digger Dumper/Tipper & Driver Cherry Picker Hire Hydraulic Concrete Breaking

Minidigger, Driver & Tipper Truck Free estimates

SARL

TER MAC et COUV

Toutes eaux, Micro stations, Compact systems, Special flood zone

Gravel driveways, rubbish/ tree stump removals, trenches etc www.davesdiggers.com

For more information and a quote

please contact Matthew or Mandie Farraway 05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57

Email davesdiggers@aol.com Dave Good 0549 073358/ 0675 180913 Based near CouhĂŠ 86/79/16 siret 5250162590018

Machines & driver 0.75 tons to 13 tons French spoken, 10+ years working in depts. 16, 86, 87

Siret : 484 738 166 00012

EXCAVATION SERVICES

Email: bentham.nigel@gmail.com Tel: 06 48 17 20 94

South West France Fosse We are the only dedicated installer Trained-Approved-Recommended

by SPANC

Can you trust your installation to anyone else!

With over 30 years’ experience

See all our work on

Siret 8234 2070 800013

southwestfrancefosse

Digital version online every month www.etceteraonline.org etcetera 57

motors & removals Lower Emissions

Free Diagnostic

More Power

Smoother Drive

CARS MOTORCYCLES LIGHT TRUCKS

Free courtesy cars - Valeting - Car storage with free airport drop offs - Cambelts - Diagnostics - Welding Electrics - Tow bars - Tyre-fitting/Punctures - A/C CT Prep - Garden Tools & Chainsaws Sharpened Email rmbservicesfrance@gmail.com Tel. 06 01 59 60 75 Siret: 815 114 7720 0016

MOTOR PARTS

Driving Experience

Petrol

Diesel

Hybrid

Engine Safe

Siret 85357860700014

CHABANAIS WORKSHOP

Mobile Service available

www.EngineCarbonCleaners.com

Over 38 years’ experience on all makes of vehicle

CHARENTE Suppliers of Car & Van Spares & LHD headlights anywhere in France Direct to France at big savings! also Mower Batteries and drive belts!

Delivery via UPS to your door in France JOHN SOWERSBY 0044 (0)7830 170761 motorptscharente@aol.com

Based near Chef-Boutonne (79) GPS coordinates: N 46°07'18" W0 °01'03"

•

Fully equipped workshop with state of the art diagnostic equipment

•

Service & repair of cars & light commercials including preparation for Contrôle Technique

• We also supply & fit left-hand drive headlights • Free car loan available

Walton Coachworks 87600 Vayres Nick Walton MECHANICAL WORK ON ALL MAKES & MODELS IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE • Welding • Servicing • Diagnosis • Stereo & CD installation • LHD lights & tow-bars fitted • Wheel alignment • Replacement tyres & balancing • Interior & exterior valeting

• Pre-Controle Technique check • Top quality tyres (within 48 hrs) • Parts available same day or in 24hrs - less common cars 3-day delivery walton-coachworks@hotmail.com Tel: 07 87 65 53 11 / 05 55 78 67 02

Cornwall based business for collection & transportation, for cars, vans & vehicles

www.eurocovery.co.uk Mob (0044) (0) 7971 864 023 (0044) (0) 1726 337612 eurocoveryinternational@gmail.com

Typically 40% cheaper than French prices

Tyre fitting, inc balancing : 12€ Tracking/Alignment : 35€ Car/Van servicing : 75€ + parts E: dixontyres@gmail.com T: 0545 306707

58 etcetera

siret 53821341400013

Depts 16, 86, 87 & 24 (Car & van servicing, Towbars & LHD lights) Any make of Car or Van Fully mobile service at your address

Siret 8120 15386 00012

NEW

motors & removals

ROCKET VAN Full and Part Loads To and From the UK

PATRICK NICHOLLS

Charente based

Relocations in France UK Depot for Deliveries Storage Options Available 20m3 Luton Vans with Tail Lifts

Siret en cours

Tel: 05 49 07 24 85

Dedicated loads France - UK - France.

Deliveries & Collections ~ 14m3 capacity / 4.2 m length Email: pat.nicholls@hotmail.com UK mob 0044 (0)7711 235 668 FR mob 0033 (0)617 038 858

Van Rouge ● ● ● ●

Regular UK trips Part loads and single items Efficient and reliable service 18m3 van with a 4.5m load length

Call/email Ray (+33) 05.87.14.09.84 (+33) 07.61.21.85.15 (+44) 07900-105752

France UK Spain

Email: vanrouge@mail.com Website: themanwithavan.info

Weekly United Kingdom è France è Spain United Kingdom - Kent & Home Counties Storage La Souterraine / Canterbury / Lincolnshire Very competitive rates Fully Insured Call Matt on: 0044 (0)7506 457225 Email: ma.europeanremovals@gmail.com 20+ years experience

Est. since 2004 Deliveries and Collections FRANCE-UK-EUROPE (Inc. the islands)

Transport & Small Removals Throughout Europe Full and Part Loads. Friendly Personal Service For Quote/Devis: Tel: 0033(0) 549971556 Mob: 0033(0)685805057 / UK Mob: 0044(0)7754732640 Email: heretothere86@gmail.com

F RENCH V AN M AN

Scott Marshall www.frenchvanman.eu

09 82 12 69 73 / 06 06 40 81 07

Siret: 53021364400012

● ● ● ● ● ●

Siret: 48122412900033

Man and Van Services

Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local • Europe • UK - Full or part loads House/Barn clearances / Antiques Finding & Sales 15m3 capacity | 4m load length English & French spoken 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres Est’d 2007

A Family Run Storage Firm in the Heart of the Limousin

Brexit-busting Super Low Prices!

Secure, dry, insulated storage NEW! 14.5m HIGH CHERRY PICKER

Now storing cars, caravans and camping cars Call Karen for a quote on 09

66 03 52 89

UK & OVERSEAS REMOVALS & STORAGE WEEKLY SERVICES UK - FRANCE - UK

etcetera 59

removals/property

Safe Hands

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

FIXED PRICE MAINTENANCE

From

50€ pw *

No surprise ‘end of season’ bills

Have you or your guests arrived at your house to find…

▪ An overflowing post box ▪ Weed infested drive and path

We offer fixed price maintenance packages from 50€* per week * Terms and conditions apply

Put Your in Safe 60 etcetera

House

Hands

▪ The grass hasn’t been cut ▪ Your swimming pool is green

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Weekly Well-being Check Cut the grass & hedges Clean and treat your swimming pool

Call Lisa

06 33 14 81 08

property A French property network

** FREE ** ** ADVERTISING **

NEED EFFECTIVE AND SERIOUS SUPPORT TO BUY OR SELL YOUR PROPERTY?

0% ESTATE AGENCY FEE Need assistance with your property purchase?

Please contact us if you are looking for a property to buy or you have a property to sell in the west Haute-Vienne, or nearby.

We offer a Bespoke Buyer Support Service.

Contact us:

www.bellefranceimmobilier.com

www.privatepropertysellers.com

Françoise 0683297593 / Rebekah 0616834510

Ask for SEXTANT PROPERTIES Active in L'Isle-Jourdain (86) and South Vienne Free information and advice:

Thomas.courouble@sextantfrance.fr

06 07 89 13 94

French Legal and Property Services

PROPERTY SALES IN FRANCE Private Property Sales with Expert Advice

www.propertysalesinfrance.com

Sell Your Home Privately on an Established Website With Excellent International Coverage To advertise your property contact us on enquiries@propertysalesinfrance.com

Siret 812 798 668 00024

▪ ▪ ▪

- Samantha van Dalen Tel. UK: (0044) (0) 7910 199 072 Tel. France: (0033) (0) 645 3004 66 www.frenchlegalandpropertyservices.com

W

IN A NI W NG AR SE D RV IC E

Freephone from France: 08 05 69 23 23 Selling your French home?

www.beauxvillages.com

Our local team would be delighted to meet you as soon as possible

WE OFFER: ● Valuations based on current, local market conditions ● A dedicated contact to guide you through the whole process ● Award-winning worldwide marketing through our own website and market leading portals ● Access to thousands of buyers already registered with us

enquiries@beauxvillages.com or drop in at 19 avenue de la République, 86500 Montmorillon

Beautiful riverside development of 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments.

A conversion project of a historic building into 49 new luxurious apartments on the borders of the Vienne river, in the charming and scenic city of Confolens.

Residence de Labajouderie The place where luxury meets history.

Your chance to own a piece of true French living, fully customised to suit your taste and needs.

Move-in-ready, with prices for a one bedroom starting at €89,000 and two bedrooms from €117,500 - Mention you saw us in ‘etcetera’ magazine to enjoy more special offers!

Residents will enjoy a home finished with the most up‐to‐date specifications • Stunning river views • Light, airy rooms • High ceilings • Stylish bathrooms • Modern kitchens • Parquet floors • Wooden windows • Stylish paneled doors

• Heated swimming pool • Bicycle parking room • Double glazing • Efficient heating • Gym & sauna • Sound insulation • Allocated car parking space for each home

• Remote control home technology • Lift access to all upper floors • 24/7 security cameras • Intratone entry system • Remote control gate • Beautifully landscaped garden and courtyard • On-site concierge

For a limited period: Special release prices for Phase 1 apartments Contact our sales team for more info on personalising your new home in France www.zedimmobilier.com/ info@zedimmobilier.com/ +33 (0)6 38 21 59 38

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etcetera 63

listing

64 etcetera

listing

etcetera 65

DO YOU USE

OR

FOR HEATING?

DO YOUR BILLS KEEP RISING? HERE IS THE SOLUTION

Installation of an air to water heat pump * Are you eligible for the new "prime coup

de pouce EDF" (3500€ or 5500€) combinable with a grant from the tax office of 30 % AND grant from ANAH (up to 50% of the installation)? Up to 90 % of your installation paid for.

Example (house 90m2) - INSTALLATION: 14,770€ TTC, EDF GRANT: 5,500€, ANAH GRANT: 7000€, TAX OFFICE GRANT: 681€, LEFT TO PAY 1,589€.

Visit our facebook page to see customer feedback and get tips on energy saving.

WE TAKE CARE OF ALL THE ADMINISTRATION

ENERGY SAVING (Heating)

Return form to: New Wave Energies, 51 Rue Descartes, 87000 Limoges

FAST RESPONSE

www.newwave-energies.com New Wave Energies • Siège social : 51, rue Descartes 87000 Limoges Tel : 0 981 324 237 • S.A.S.U. au capital de 50 000 euros • N° de Siret 800 247 274 00035 66 etcetera

Do you have a renovation project that needs windows, shutters or doors?

- Free quotes - All our fitters are RGE qualified

Do you have an exterior renovation project?

We can help you decide from a large choice of blinds, fly screens, gates and garage doors

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 12pm / 2pm - 6pm WWW.MENUISERIES-LA-ROCHEFOUCAULD.FR

TWO AGENCIES AT YOUR SERVICE

siret 50428351600012

Simon Hayman Tel: 06 28 93 56 28 E: simon.hayman@sfr.fr

Le Beau Bois Carpentry, Rancon 87290

SKIRTING, ARCHITRAVE, PLANED AND MOULDED OAK MADE TO ORDER. FLOORING. KITCHEN FITTING. WINDOWS AND DOORS. STAIRCASES.

For more info visit: le-beau-bois.business.site

ü ü ü ü ü ü

New Builds Approved Fosses Septiques Driveways / Land clearance Renovations Foundations Lake Conformity works Full Public Liability & Civil Décennale Insurance

Siret: 51760499700018

09.67.86.69.28 cesarconstructions@gmail.com www.facebook.com/cesarconstructions.btp.3

68 etcetera