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DECEMBER 15�� 2014 - ISSUE 77
FREE / GRATUIT
CREUSE NEWS
USEFUL NUMBERS
Editorial
Dear readers and advertisers,
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I would like to thank all the kind people who have so readily and warmly welcomed us
into the wonderful community of the Creuse since August this year.
Sometime in 2015 we hope to be living here too, and we won’t forget those who have
supported us, especially when it comes to choosing tradesmen, and providers of all the
goods and services we will need for our new house and new Creusois life.
In the meantime, wrap up warm, toast up your fires and enjoy this Christmassy edition
of Creuse News, and remember there is NO January edition – the next issue of CN will be
distributed from February 15 2015.
But don’t forget to keep checking our Facebook page (pop ‘Creuse News’ into the
Facebook search bar) as we update information and add new events listings on a daily
basis. Please also see our website (www.creuse-news.eu) for an extended version of this
issue of the magazine.
Seasons greetings to all of you.
Mandy
Cover © Avian | Dreamstime.com - Christmas Poster.Photo
CreuseTec
SATELLITE SYSTEMS
Dish alignments, Sales & Installations of
Sky - Freesat - TNTsat - Fransat
“tooway” 20MB SATELLITE BROADBAND
from €29.95 month
equipment in stock for fast installation - 100%
grants available in some departments
We also repair Sky boxes, TV’s (Plasma & LCD)
C&G Qualified engineer with 40 years experience
Lynne Margeruite
Atelier de Broderie
For all your personalised, embroidered
novelty and bespoke designed gifts!
Cushions, cards and frames
Lace doilies, bowls, handbags, jewellery
Samu (medical): 15
Police (Gendarmes): 17
Fire (Pompiers): 18
European Emergency Call: 112
Drugs/Alcohol Hotline: 113
Homeless Hotline: 115
Missing Child: 116
Child Abuse: 119
Public Service Helpline: 3939
France Telecom (English): 09 69 36 39 00
EDF International Customer Service:
05 62 16 49 08
CPAM (English): 08 11 36 36 46
Emergency dentist: 01 43 37 51 00
Finding the duty pharmacy for your area:
3615
Battered women: 01 40 33 80 60
Lost/stolen French bank cards:
0892 70 57 05
Lost/stolen cheques/cheque books:
0892 68 32 08
UK Pensions (Newcastle):
0044 191 218 77 77
British Embassy, Paris: 01 44 51 31 00
Talking Clock: 3699
SOS Crisis Line (in English):
01 46 21 46 46 (1500h – 2300h)
Cancer Support Helpline (English):
06 06 47 18 60
For business…
Commercial logos on T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps
Stock available from our showroom - by appointment
Call: 05 55 89 80 66
www.lynnemarguerite.com
For a professional job at a fair price.
Free quotations and advice given
Martin Chappell - Aubusson 23
Most of depts 23, 03, 63, 87, 36 covered
05 55 66 60 21
http://www.creusetec.com
email: [email protected]
23800 La Celle Dunoise
WAYS TO CONTACT US:
By email to: [email protected]
By phone: 05 53 62 93 79
By mobile: 06 35 90 85 21
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/creusenews
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CreuseNews
Siret 51017732800011
New PremiAIR 4
Wood Burning Stove Fans
üHigher output
üFaster start
üMore compact
Buy online direct from
Valiant’s official distributor
www.poelesplus.fr
This new 2014 design blows the rest away. Output
is 70%+ above competitor products. Works at
lower temperatures. Just 20 cms high. Great new
look. 2 year guarantee. AND it costs less. As
Valiant's official distributor in France we offer the
best customer service, value, and free advice.
Simply, place the fan on the flat top of the stove.
The heat supplies the fan with its own electricity,
to push warm air deeper into the room, which
warms faster and further away from the stove.
Full details, testimonials, independent test
Tel: 06 80 18 10 47
Email: [email protected]
Siret: 53233633600013
2
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Anonymous
Day 1. Dec. 14
My Darling,
I went to the door today and the postman
delivered a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
What a thoroughly delightful gift. I couldn't
have been more surprised. You are an angel.
With my deepest love and devotion, Agnes
Day 6. Dec 19
Dear Fred,
I couldn't believe my eyes this morning as I
walked out onto the front porch and there
were Six Geese a Laying. So you're back to
the birds again - huh? These geese are huge.
Where in hell will I keep the danged things?
The neighbours are complaining and I can't
Day 2. Dec 15
sleep through the racket. I love you but –
Sweetheart,
Today the postman brought your very sweet gift. PLEASE STOP!
Cordially, Agnes
Just imagine, Two Turtle Doves!
I'm delighted at your very thoughtful gift.
Day 7. Dec 20
They are adorable and I love you for them.
Fred,
All my love, always,
What's with you and these bleedin’ birds???
Today I received Seven Swans a Swimming.
Day 3. Dec 16
What kind of a sick joke is this? The birds
Dearest Fred,
crap all over my house and they make a
Oh! Aren't you the extravagant one?
Now I really must protest. I don't deserve such sodding racket. I can't sleep at night and I'm
generosity as Three French Hens. They are just a nervous wreck. It's not funny. Just knock it
darling but I must insist, you've been too kind. off with the birds, okay??
Sincerely, Agnes
With enduring love,
Day 4. Dec 17
Honey,
Today the postman delivered Four Calling
Birds. Now really, they are beautiful but don't
you think enough is enough? You're being
too romantic.
Affectionately, Agnes
Day 5. Dec 18
Darlingest Fred,
What a surprise! The postman just delivered
Five Gold Rings - one for every finger. You're
just impossible, and I love it! But, frankly, all
these birds squawking are beginning to get on
my nerves.
Love, Agnes
Day 8. Dec 21
OK Buster,
I think I prefer the birds. What the hell am
I supposed to do with Eight Maids a
Milking? As if it's not enough with all the
birds, now I have eight ruddy cows too!
There are turds all over the lawn and I can't
even move in my own house.
Just lay off me, smartass!! Agnes
Day 9. Dec 22
Hey Butthead,
What are you? Some kind of sadist?
Now I've got Nine Pipers Piping, and they
haven't stopped chasing those maids since
they arrived this morning.
This upsets the bloody cows, and they go
stomping all over the soddin’ birds. This place is
a hell hole and the neighbours have started a
petition to have me evicted.
You'll get yours, you bustard, Agnes
Day 10. Dec 23
Who in hell needs Ten Ladies Dancing?
Although I can't imagine why I call these sluts
‘ladies’ as they've been at it all night with the
ruddy Pipers. The cows have diarrhoea by the
way, I am contacting the police.
One who means it!!
Day 11. Dec 24
Listen Up,
What's with the Eleven Lords a Leaping?
Oh yes, they are a bloody leaping alright, all
over the slutty maids and the lustful ladies. Some
of those poor broads will never walk again. The
pipers are now sodomizing the cows. All 23 birds
are dead. They were trampled to death in the
orgy. I hope you're satisfied, you rotten vicious
excuse for a human being. I hate your guts.
Day 12. Dec 25
Law Offices, Badger & Bender,
303 Knave Street. Chicago, IL
Dear Sir,
This is to acknowledge your latest gift, Twelve
Drummers Drumming, which you have seen fit
to inflict on our client, Miss Agnes McHolstein.
The destruction of her property is now total.
You are advised that all future correspondence
with our client should be cleared through this
office. I feel compelled to warn you that if you
should attempt to reach Miss McHolstein at
Happy Dale Sanatorium, the attendants of that
institution have instructions to shoot you on
sight. Season's Greetings,
J. Frank. Attorney
BAGGED WOOD - TEL: 0674 664 526
No more cutting wood! Easy to handle 20cm lengths of dry, seasoned
Beech, ready to burn. Supplied in tidy, 35L sacks which stack well and
contain approx 20kg of firewood.
€5 a sack. All orders considered, large or small,
collect or delivered (delivery charge negotiable).
Ideal where cutting or storing wood is difficult,
perfect for gites, occasional use, or just to
save time and effort! Also suitable for pizza
ovens, bread ovens and barbecues.
Tel: 0674 664 526
Email: [email protected]
Sirets: 795 207 067 00013 & 802 189 217 00010
Your local nursery is open
in Châtelus-Malvaleix!
53 rue de la Marche
Over 8000 varieties of trees, shrubs,
fruit trees, bog plants, bulbs, …
Landscaping architect. Atmosvert can guide
you in the creation of your personal
garden concept from start to finish.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions.
Bare Rootstock Sale - Feb 20-21-22
06 40 70 94 65 - 06 40 70 94 71
05 55 61 15 54
Email: [email protected]
Siret: 753 084 284 00029
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
3
THAT FIRST FRENCH CHRISTMAS (WITH HOUSEGUESTS)
Written by a couple who wish (unsurprisingly)
to remain anonymous, this article will ring bells
with many of us who have bought our ‘new’
French shabby-chic dream home, only to move
in and start noticing the lack of basic facilities!
This particular couple moved into their fermette
in late November 2003 and, in moment of blind
optimism, invited some 20 houseguests to stay
for Christmas that year! Here is the invitation
they sent out.
ARRIVAL EVENING (‘Apres-Stuff’)
Disperse to farmhouse exhausted but glowing
from the physical exertions of the afternoon,
and spend a cosy night gathered (closely)
around our (extremely small) wood burning
stove, eating roast chestnuts and drinking hot
toddies of Pineau, cognac and freshly squished
dandelion juice.
Breakfast will be swiftly followed by the Find
and Fell a Christmas Tree competition. Ablebodied guests will be provided with individual
hand-axes, but for our elderly or infirm clientele
we have thoughtfully reserved several petroldriven chain saws. (Please see reception for
safety goggles and Insurance Disclaimer Form
847B).
(NOTE: Complementary logs provided on arrival
evening only. For the remainder of your stay
NOEL AT L’ARCHE DE NOÉ guests are respectfully reminded that this
CHRISTMAS VACATION BROCHURE holiday package is provided on a strictly ChopAt this point we are not 100% sure who is Your-Own-Log basis).
coming, as people keep making extremely FIRST NIGHT EXPERIENCE
feeble excuses, but here is our special The bedrooms at Noé may appear, at first, to
Christmas Brochure for all willing victims. Our be just a teensy, tiny bit cooler than you are
Yuletide Bonanza promises an action-packed accustomed to. This house was constructed in
program of non-stop fun 'n frolics for all the 1662, and we are sure our more discerning
family!
guests will appreciate that small hardships
sometimes have to be endured for the sake of
AGENDA
historical authenticity. (Contrary to malicious
ARRIVAL Get straight into the spirit of things rumour, the absence of oil-filled radiators has
and take part in our Make Your Own Bedding absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with our
competition (our removal van is lost bank manager pulling the plug and telling us we
somewhere north of the Severn Bridge at are ‘two pigs short of a full sty’).
present). Based in our rustic cow barn, you will
spend a super day rolling about in hay, dirt, However, accepting that some of you may be
dust and dung. The winner will be the first town-bred weaklings we have kindly arranged
person to successfully stuff a continental quilt. for there to be at least two spare dogs available
per person per night. Dogs are an extremely
Judges rules apply as below:efficient and environmentally-friendly way of
1. Each participant must bring their own keeping warm. We offer our dogs in a wide
(empty and fastenable) duvet cover.
range of Mix 'N Match options according to your
2. Half-stuffers, failed-stuffers, dung-stuffers preferred style, size, colour etc.
and non-stuffers must accept the obvious and
inevitable consequences when retiring to bed We would also strongly recommend the use of
ferrets. Ferrets make exceedingly good hot
water bottle replacements, are re-usable, and
are particularly good for warming the outer
extremities of the human body. Standard-sized
ferrets are available on a strictly first-come, first
served basis. Please reserve early to avoid
disappointment (See reception for Insurance
Disclaimer Form, Number 530S).
At 2pm (promptly) guests will retire to the
farmhouse sitting-room and spend a restful few
hours making a variety of interesting and
original tree decorations from used toilet rolls,
kitchen foil, broken egg shells and porcine bits,
bones and bobs. There is also a special prize for
the most artistic entry in the Make Your Own
Pig's Bladder Balloon competition.
5% OFF
when you spend €40 or more
Offer valid until 28�� February 2015
53 rue de la Marche
23270 Châtelus-Malvaleix
06 40 70 94 65 - 06 40 70 94 71
05 55 61 15 54
"
Cannot be used in conjuction with any other
offers. Only one coupon per purchase.
CHRISTMAS MORNING
Guests will be up early, bright-eyed and bushy
tailed and ready to join in The Great Turkey
Chase.
This activity is an essential precursor to the
complementary Dig Your Own Potatoes and
Pick your Own Veg events.
(Note: Prior to the first activity guests will
receive an individual, leather bound and fully
illustrated copy of ‘Pluck Off’ (The beginners
guide to Turkey Trussing).
This will, indeed, be a Christmas dinner that you
will never forget!
The evening will be spent in delightfully
Dickensian style with guests partaking of oldfashioned parlour games such as ‘Squeak, Piggy,
CHRISTMAS EVE
After a refreshing night's sleep (assuming that Squeak’ and ‘Pass The Carcass’ and "Pin The Tail
you have been able to tear yourself away from On The Donkey’.
star-gazing through the ornamental gaps in the THE SMALL PRINT
roof) you will be up early and ready to enjoy a 1. Airports and ferry ports are not open on
traditional farmhouse breakfast. This will be Christmas Day, no matter how desperate your
mainly pork-based on account of the pig farm circumstances.
next-door – sizzling sausages, beautiful bacon, 2. Comprehensive health insurance is strongly
half -trotters in a garlic and wine sauce……….. recommended.
www.atmosvert.fr
4
Shortly after 11pm we will guide you, in a
torch-lit procession (assuming you have
successfully completed our How To Make
Candles From Pig-Fat training course), down the
ancient highways and by-ways of the village to
the picturesque parish church, where you can
partake of Midnight Mass. We will return to the
farmhouse shortly before 1am for delicious
alcoholic-filled beverages and a spot of drunken
Welsh Choir community singing.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
3. This vacation package is unsuitable for
vegetarians.
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
THE GLORY OF
VOLTAIRE
VOLTAIRE PART 4 By Christopher Wancke
Catch up:- I am a man with a passion for
mending things and always secretly coveted a
Citoen 2CV. After much flirtation with Ebay and
by shamelessly hacking into my poor wife’s
Ebay account I managed to acquire Voltaire in
2009. Voltaire was a 1962 2CV van with suicide
doors, a hole for a floor, and 50 years of
corrosion and deterioration – exactly the
project I was looking for! I spent years lovingly
dismantling, cleaning, polishing and painting
every component part, then reassembling
(gaining a herna in the process) until finally
Voltaire was ready for his first, all important,
CT test. Everything went well until we were
within spitting distance of the CT Centre at
Genouillac, when Voltaire came to a grinding
halt at the top of a hill and we were forced to
glide ignominiously onto the CT Centre
forecourt knowing that failure was
inevitable...........
The garagiste took one look at Voltaire in his
sorry state and said, yes, they could fix the
problem........… but not today, not next week,
not until next month............… the garage was
due to close shortly for the annual holiday.
I begrudge no one their holidays but I would be
long gone back to England and at work by then,
with no chance of putting our 2CV back on the
road that summer.
Our next visit to la Creuse was November half
term 2013, so back to the garage we went, and
the news was good, Voltaire was fixed but still
had to be tested as I had forgotten to leave the
Carte Grise with them. So we went for it!
TOP GEAR TYRES
Sales & Fitting
But there was one final problem....… the
indicators were not working. What were we to
do? Postpone the test? Dismay! New flasher
unit needed. Where from? Nowhere round
here!
“I know a bloke,” said the garagiste, “A bloke
with a van just like yours; 6 volt electrics and all
that. He comes to the village every Wednesday,
perhaps we could borrow his.”
“Could we?” We did!
We borrowed, and so, on the last day of the
November half term holiday, became the very
proud and overjoyed owners of a restored and
road legal Voltaire!
Now, I am no stranger to British MOT test
centres; pokey, greasy and laden with the air of
anxiety and dark arts that extract a hefty annual
fee for the privilege, but the Genouillac test
centre was different. It was brand new, modern
and sparkling. ‘Clean enough to have your
tonsils taken out on the tool bench’, I thought.
The proprietor looked very young! A million
worries raced through my mind:- What would
he make of my bolts and rivets, no seat belts,
no front indicators and a single brake light? Can
a spot weld be replaced by a seam weld? (I had
chosen careful seam welds where there was
enough metal to get a good grip, and had used
rows of gleaming stainless steel nuts and bolts
to secure my replacement floor and rear end
superstructure). Would the rivets do? What
about the bolts? These are the questions that
my counterparts in England discuss and
negotiate with MOT testers as they present
their lovingly repaired ‘Dolly’ or ‘Charleston’ or
whatever model of 2CV, for official scrutiny. My
solutions had not been exactly typical but I
hoped they would impress the CT Tester – in
the event I never dared ask!
A year and more has passed since that happy
day. Voltaire gets plenty of outings each time
we come ‘home’ to la Creuse. We take him here
and there, for bread, for beer, for a swim (us,
not Voltaire). We take him to Bonnat, La Celle
Dunoise and La Souterraine. We don’t go fast –
we can’t! We don’t go far (not brave enough).
But nor have we (yet) broken down even though
I travel with enough tools to do another
complete rebuild and refit a NASA space station.
When not on the road Voltaire and I sit
complacently in the sunshine outside our
Creusois barn......… I don’t know what is on his
mind but I am thinking of restoring a 3 wheeled
Messerschmitt bubble car next (my wife has
changed her Ebay password).......… maybe that
will be a story for another day.
fosse-septique23.com
Fosses septiques
Micro stations
COMPETITIVE PRICES!!
Call for a free quotation
Dave Calladine
05 55 65 192 4
SIRET 5099 7624 7000 15
Filter bed systems
Plant hire
Design/supply/installation service
Steve Johns Assainissement
All aspects of fosse septique systems
undertaken
Planning permission arranged
Inspections - Design Supply - Installations
Drainage systems
Groundworks / landscaping
25 yrs experience 10 year guarantee on all work
Free quotations
05.55.64.11.73
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
5
can browse our website (www.lcs23.com) and
read descriptions in either English or French. If
they have any questions they can contact us and
no-one has to worry about asking lots of
technical questions in French. We always
ensure all the correct paperwork is present and
vehicles have valid legal CTs or MOTs. Every
Q1. How long have you lived in France and
single vehicle is given a service before the sale.
what made you settle in the Creuse?
We also offer a range of solutions for people
A. We moved to France in 2007 and have lived
selling up in France and moving back to the UK
in North Creuse since 2009 - we simply fell in
(or vice versa).
love with the beautiful surroundings.
For clients who have sold everything here and
Q2. Why cars?
are flying back, we can purchase their vehicle
A. Cars have always been a big part of my life.
and as part of the service we can arrange drop
My father was a mechanic. I have been working
off at their French airport and collection from
with cars since I was a toddler and was driving
their destination airport in the UK. Alternatively,
Austin Minis around tracks at the age of 9; I
if clients wish to use their French registered
even met my wife because my friend (her cousin)
vehicle to drive back to the UK, we can then
asked to borrow my car!
offer a quick hassle free purchase of the car,
Q3. How did you come up with the idea for and arrange to get it picked up from their new
your business model?
UK address.
A. We thoroughly enjoyed running a similar
Q5. What other related services do you offer?
family business in the UK, and when we moved
A. We can provide a vehicle transportation
to France we really struggled to find affordable
service anywhere in Europe, so if you need to
transport for our own cars which planted the
get your vehicle to a main dealer following a
idea of doing European transportation. With
the introduction of our Full Registration Service
in early 2015, we hope to lighten the load of
buying, selling and registering cars in France.
We will offer a unique and comprehensive ‘start
to finish’ service, operating from both the UK
and France.
This month I talked to Dave Blackmore about
his brand new business involving vehicle
transportation and a hassle-free car sales
service, LCS 23 Autos (please see his ad at the
top of page 4). As usual the interview is
replicated in a Q&A format.
Q4. What makes your business special?
A. We always have a selection of left hand drive
and right hand drive vehicles in stock, so people
breakdown, or you want to get your car from
France to England or vice versa we can help. In
some cases we can offer transport from France
to the UK for as little as 250 euros.
We buy both lhd and rhd cars, French Registered
or UK registered. As a fully registered and fully
insured garage we can legally purchase people's
unwanted cars without the requirement of a
controle technique less than 6 months old.
Q6. Any other plans?
A. Yes! Lots of exciting things to come in 2015:We will be offering a complete service to people
coming to France or already in France with their
existing rhd, UK registered Vehicle - we will be
able to provide headlight fitting and
adjustments, arrange Controle Technique
testing, plus registration of vehicles on behalf
of customers. We will even fit the new French
registration plates!
In the future we plan to offer our customers
servicing and maintenance of all their vehicles,
plus the supply and fitting of new tyres. We’ll
also be introducing a full vehicle diagnostic
service where we will be able to read the
vehicles engine management systems using the
same equipment as the main dealers.
Q7. How can people find out more?
A. Via our website: www.lcs23.com or on
Facebook (put LCS 23 Autos in the FB search
bar).
In France you can email us: [email protected]
or phone Dave: 0555 80 34 52/06 23 29 24 70
Or via our UK office email: [email protected]
or phone Steve on: 0044 (0) 1323 849053
PAUL BROWN
Garden Services
All gardening work grass cutting, strimming,
hedge trimming, pruning
Depts 23 & 87
05 55 89 57 40
3 Le Fresse, 23300 St Leger-Bridereix
[email protected]
Siret: 483 059 242 00030
6
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
- Electricity (also assistance
request EDF connection)
- Plumbing
- Air conditioning and heat pump
- Small renovations (bathrooms,
kitchens etc)
Call Rob Laurijsen
M. 06 40569612
T. 05 55675764
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
BEST BUYS
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY LOCAL ARTISANS
HAND CARVED PAPER KNIVES from 20€
Jeremy Watson is a wood artist and turner
working from St Domet (23190). In addition to
his gallery pieces and sculptures he has also
created a range of gifts. Featured here are
three of his paper knives.
ICE CREAM – EYE SKIN CARE
20ml pot for €6 – Lesley King
Lesley is a qualified homeopath and
herbalist working from Masleon (87130).
Lesley produces her own natural range
of skin care and related products via her
website www.newleafcreams.co.uk
SUNCATCHERS from 10€
- Les Pepites De Couleur
Joanne Brown makes these beautiful
dragonfly sun-catchers (20€) as well as
many other beautiful hand-made
decorative glass items from her home in
Nouhant (23170). Joanne will also take
individual commissions, and also offers a
gorgeous range of trinket & jewellery boxes
and candle holders. You can see and buy
Joanne’s work at the Artisanal Boutique at
Ahun Tourist Office during the whole of
December (until 6�� January) or check out
her website at: www.lespepitesdecouleur.fr
INTERIOR /
EXTERIOR SERVICES
Property Maintenance
Labouring
Garden Services
No job too small - reasonable prices
Gite / Holiday Home - Caretaking Key Holding - Cleaning
15 years’ Kitchen and Bathroom
Installation experience in UK.
Each knife is unique and hand-crafted from
holly or fruit wood such as cherry, apple or
plum, and finished to a high standard using a
hard drying oil. Each knife is supplied in a
presentation box and would make a very
special gift for someone. For more information
look at the website: www.watsonwoodart.com
This eye cream would not only make a great
stocking filler but would also be an invaluable
aid after some hard Christmas partying! The
cream helps reduce puffiness and dark circles,
and acts as a tonic for the area around the
eyes. A cooling, natural eye cream containing
witch hazel, jojoba and eyebright.
HAND-MADE JEWELLERY ITEMS from
4.50€ - Clare’s Creations.
Clare Walkling from Lepaud (23170) makes
unique jewellery items including necklaces,
rings, macramé bracelets, earrings, and jumper
pins – all in glorious colours and designs to suit
everyone. Prices are really reasonable too!
Check out Clare’s work via this website:
www.alittlemarket.com/boutique/clares
_creations
Paul Goldsmith
INTERIOR RENOVATIONS
Kitchens, bathrooms, tiling,
wood flooring, loft conversions,
pointing, windows
and plasterboarding
- Registered for 8 years in France.
- High quality work.
- Excellent references available.
- Covering Creuse and Indre.
Contact Tony 0555 675774 /
0695861342
[email protected]
Siret No 79154197200018
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
SIRET 494 123 847 00019
Tel: 09 66 03 52 89
Email: [email protected]
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
7
CHRISTMAS QUIZ by Adrian Veale
MUSIC
8. ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ was a Number
One hit for Lily Allen after being featured in
the 2013 John Lewis Christmas advert but can
you name the group who originally had a hit
with it in 2004?
9. Name the first single released from the
Michael Jackson album, ‘Thriller’.
10. Can you name either of the two Number One
singles that David Soul had in the UK during
the 1970s.
1. In 1974 ABBA had their first Number One
with, ‘Waterloo’, but can you name their last
UK Number One?
2. In 2008 what was Adele ‘chasing’ in her hit
single?
3. Can you name the song that LennonMcCartney wrote for Cilla Black in 1968 and
was the theme tune to her first TV show?
4. Can you name Madonna’s first UK Number
One single?
TV & FILM
5. In 1997 Celine Dion had a number 3 hit in the 1. What is the title of the James Bond film in
UK with ‘Tell Him’, but which legendary diva
which Daniel Craig made his debut?
was her duet partner?
2. ‘Que Sera, Sera’ is a song made famous by
6. In 2006 Leona Lewis won ‘The X Factor’, can
Doris Day (won the Academy Award for best
you name her first UK Number One single?
original song in 1956). In which Alfred
7. Blondie hit the UK charts with ‘Heart Of Glass’
Hitchcock movie does Doris Day both star &
in January 1979. Name the May 1979 follow
sing the song?
up single.
3. Can you name the two main stars of the 2013
sci-fi film ‘Gravity’?
4. Meryl Streep won the Academy Award for
Best Actress in 2012 for portraying who?
5. Name the 1983 sequel to ‘Saturday Night
Fever’, again starring John Travolta (directed by
Sylvester Stallone).
6. ‘Strictly Coming Dancing’ began in 2004, can
you name the first celebrity winner of the series?
7. Before he became James Bond which fictional
TV detective did Pierce Brosnon play during the
1980s?
8. Only Fools And Horses began in 1981 - can you
name the tower block where Del Boy lived?
9. In 1960, what title was originally proposed for
the soap opera ‘Coronation Street’.
10. Who won ‘The X-Factor’ in 2013?
Answers on pg 11.
FRENCH LESSONS WITH A
NATIVE FRENCH SPEAKER
Individual/Group lessons, all levels SKYPE lessons via the
INTERNET also available
FREE TRIAL LESSON!
Lessons in La Souterraine and
Dun-Le-Palestel (23)
OTHER SERVICES: Accompanying and
interpreting (house purchase, arranging
new utilities, car registration, healthcare,
liaison with French administration etc…).
Sophie Arsac - 05 55 89 15 74
[email protected]
I am always looking for new students in
the English Library in La Souterraine!
SIRET 502 409 212 00011
8
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
All creatures great and small
As a result of the excellent care Kelly has
provided Vanille is now a picture of health
and is in beautiful condition. Vanille now
enjoys regular walks and has been well
socialized with other dogs. Kelly is careful to
always feed Vanille separately, as her food
has to be measured to ensure that she
receives the correct amount for her size.
Terriers can be quite greedy given the chance!
DOG LOVING PEOPLE WANTED
FOR FOSTER CARING
One of the most valuable contributions anyone
can make to animal welfare is to become
involved in foster care. Fostering is the a
generous act of giving a dog the experience of
a loving home, giving help to a dog in real need,
and preparing the animal for their (hopefully)
new Forever Family. At this time of year foster
homes are really needed, especially for some of
the older dogs who do not cope at all well with
winter coldness at the Gueret SPA Centre.
Kelly receives great support from the SPA,
and feels reassured knowing that someone
at the SPA Centre is always just a phone call
away for advice and help, and Kelly has found
the local SPA vet at La Souterraine an
immense help in returning Vanille to tip-top
condition.
This week I caught up with Kelly, one of the
special people who offer this invaluable service
to Creusois dogs in need.
Kelly has been involved in the foster care of
dogs since 2013, she is an animal lover with
dogs and horses of her own, and has also been
involved in providing temporary care for ponies.
Kelly’s latest fosteree is Vanille, a fox terrier,
who arrived in August this year 2kg overweight
and very unwell. Vanille was introduced slowly,
to Kelly’s family dogs and given the same
respect. She was kept on a lead to visit the
garden until Kelly could be confident that she
would not run away. Slowly, slowly, Vanille was
allowed more freedom.
These dogs need the best present ever!
A kind and loving home! Please find it in
your hearts to offer these two doggies a
soft, warm place to spend their twilight
years......life in the SPA is very hard for
the older dogs in winter. Adoption fees
are waived by the SPA in both cases.
Enquiries to the SPA on: 05 55 81 99 31
or email: [email protected].
Ask for Evelina or Severine as they both
speak English.
If you would like to consider
fostering a dog on behalf of the
SPA please phone: 05 55 81 99
31 or email:
[email protected]
Ask for Evelina or Severine as
they both speak English.
Kelly admits that fostering is not always a
stress-free experience, especially when a dog
is first settling in, but gives the following
advice: ‘Give the dog a chance, you couldn't
possibly imagine what experiences they have
gone through, they need time to adapt.
Foster a dog that suits your life style, take
time to understand the dog and give it plenty
of time and love without spoiling. Fostering
a dog requires dedication, hard work and
serious time commitments. But it is the most
rewarding work I have ever done!’
Fanny is a sweet natured, black Labrador,
14 years young! Prior to arriving at the SPA
she had a hard life as her owner was an
alcoholic and she was not always cared for
properly. Fanny gets on well with other
dogs, but like all ladies of a certain age she
can get a little grumpy from time to time.
Fanny is fit and healthy, requires no
medication, and enjoys (short) walks.
Perhaps an ideal companion for someone
who is also not quite so active as they used
to be?
Noel is a 14 year old chocolate Labrador.
Noel was abandoned one Christmas (hence
his name), so let’s make this Yuletide a
better one for him! Noel is the most
affectionate boy, his yearning for cuddles,
walks and love is quite heartbreaking, a
gentle dog like this does not deserve to
spend another winter in the centre. Noel is
very fit and healthy, he has a wart on one
eye but this does not require medication or
treatment. Ideally he would be placed as an
‘only dog’ in a household.
Website:
Twitter:www.creuse-news.eu
www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62
Email:
93 79
[email protected]
or 06 35 90 85 21
5
9
The Cook Nook
Jayne Taplin is a professional caterer living the Vendée - throughout the summer months she takes to the
road in her mobile catering van, providing delicious fare for parties, weddings, and other events.
Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 cube of sugar
Angostura bitters
Sparkling wine
Lemon twist,
for garnish
New Year signifies a new beginning. Whether
we usher in 2015 with a tot of whiskey, set
off fireworks, ring bells or open the back and
front door (so the old year can leave and the
new one can enter) , there are traditions that
many countries follow. There are some
stranger than others! In Japan, they wear a
costume of the next zodiac animal, while in
the Philippines they opt for polka dots.
So if you jump off chairs (like the Danes) or
eat a grape on each stroke of midnight, as in
Spain, I wish you a very Happy and
Prosperous New Year.
Onion Bhajis
Chicken Tikka
If you intend to welcome in 2015 with a party
for friends and neighbours then I would
suggest this Indian buffet, all made in
advance, so that you can enjoy a fun evening.
Greet your guests with a classic Champagne
If you visit Brazil, everyone will be checking cocktail, dishes of spiced olives and home
out your brightly coloured underwear!!
made Bombay fruit and nuts.
Instructions:
Put sugar cube in a glass.
Lightly sprinkle the sugar cube with
Angostura bitters and pour in enough
Champagne or sparkling wine to fill the glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Bombay fruit & nuts
Add 1 tsp of ground cumin, ground coriander,
turmeric, chilli powder and salt to a mix of
your favourite mixed nuts and dried fruit.
Pop in a low oven for about 10 minutes with
a drizzle of olive oil. Try cranberries, walnuts,
dried banana and fried chickpeas. Use your
imagination.
(Makes 12)
Ingredients:
Bring on the starters, platters of homemade
3 large onions, thinly sliced
onion bhajis, chicken tikka and kofta kebabs,
2 tsp salt
served with raita and chutneys. Do not
60g gram flour (or plain if unavailable)
overcook these as you will be re-heating
40g cornflour
them in the oven when needed.
1 tbsp ghee or butter, melted
Juice of ¼ lemon
1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds, ¼ tsp ground fennel
1 tsp onion seeds (nigella)
1-2 tsp chilli powder
1-2 tsp garam massala
(Makes 12)
2“ root ginger, finely grated
Place these ingredients in a food processor:
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
300g of beef mince
Instructions:
2 cloves garlic, minced
Mix the onions and salt and put to the side for
2“ root ginger, finely grated
an hour. Sift the flours into a mixing bowl, then
½ tsp ground cardamom, cinnamon, cumin,
stir in the ghee and lemon juice. Add in the
turmeric, chilli and coriander.
spices, garlic and ginger. Heat the oil in a deepSalt and pepper
fat fryer to 180C. Mix the onions into the batter
1 egg yolk
and add a little cold water, to achieve a thick
Instructions:
Fry off a little of the mixture to test for seasoning consistency. With your hands loosely form a golf
and adjust as necessary. Form a sausage around ball size of the mix and drop into the fryer.
Do about 5 at a time, until golden.
12 short wooden skewers and sear on a hot
Drain on kitchen paper.
griddle, or pan, until just cooked.
Beef Koftas
10
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
(Makes 12)
You will be eating these as a starter and also
adding to the Mahkani sauce.
For the dry spice marinade mix together the
following ingredients:
4 teaspoons coriander, 4 teaspoons cumin
4 teaspoons paprika,
3 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons dried mint
1-2 teaspoons chili powder
To make the tikka mix together the following.
8 chicken breasts , diced into 3cm cubes
2 pots natural yoghurt,
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 inch piece of ginger, grated
2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp salt
Instructions:
Marinade for about half an hour, then mix in
the dry spice mix and leave for a few hours,
or overnight.
Remove 36 cubes and thread onto 12 short
wooden skewers. Put onto a hot griddle or pan,
until just cooked. Then put aside with the bhajis
and koftas.
Re-heat the starters in a foil covered dish at
160°C, 320°F for about 20 mins, when needed.
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
Chicken Tikka
Makhani
So, now for the ultimate indulgence, ending the
evening with my favourite grown up dessert. Or
will you save it for breakfast, as it does translate
as “Pick me up”?
(Serves 6-8)
Sauce to be made the previous day!
Ingredients:
4 sticks of cinnamon
1 black cardamom pod and 4 green
8 cloves
2 tsp crushed garlic
2 tsp grated ginger
2 large tins of peeled tomatoes
2 x 140g tomato purée
2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1-2 tsp chilli powder
½ litre of water
Instructions:
Put all the ingredients in a large pan.
Bring to the boil, then simmer for about an hour.
Leave overnight.
(Serves 6-8)
Ingredients and instructions for marinade to
make the night before:
600g diced lamb or 5 diced chicken breasts
Marinade in 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tbsp
lemon juice, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tsp salt
and 2 tsp Garam Masala.
Leave for a few hours or overnight.
Ingredients and Instructions for sauce:
Put the following into a large pan:
400g of diced onions
40g of chopped garlic
40g chopped ginger
2 tsp each ground coriander, cumin and
turmeric. 1 tsp salt
425g (large) tin of peeled tomatoes
1 tbsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
1-3 tsp chilli powder, 1 litre water
Instructions:
Bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour.
Cool and leave overnight.
The next day, blend the sauce, and add 250g
of fresh or frozen spinach.
Fry off the marinated meat until just browned,
add to the sauce and simmer until meat is
cooked, add 1 tbsp Garam Massala and adjust
seasoning.
Tiramisu
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
500g mascarpone
8 eggs, separated
8 tbsp caster sugar
The next day, remove the cinnamon and squeeze 100 ml very strong (espresso) coffee
the seeds out the cardamom pods.
400 ml of weaker coffee
Blend the sauce, put back on the heat and add:
6 tbsp cognac, armagnac, amaretto or a similar
250g butter
liqueur, that you love.
20cl cream
About 30 boudoir biscuits
1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
Grated chocolate to decorate
1 tsp ground cumin and coriander.
Instructions:
Fry the remaining chicken tikka until just sealed
Firstly beat the mascarpone to soften.
and coloured then add to the sauce. Gently
Whisk the egg yolks until pale yellow and fluffy.
simmer until meat is cooked through. Adjust
Add the sugar, a little at a time, until the texture
seasoning and allow to cool.
is smooth and creamy. Stir in the strong coffee
and add to the mascarpone.
When ready to serve reheat curries and serve
with rice, naan breads, chutneys and kachumba Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into
the cheese mixture ….. be as gentle as possible
(a salad of onion and tomato in a mint
but make sure it is well combined … and then
vinaigrette.)
set aside.
Pour the weaker coffee and cognac into a dish.
Dip the boudoir biscuits, both sides, but don’t let
them soak and then put 15 of them in the
bottom of a serving dish. Top with half of the
mascarpone mix, another layer of biscuits and
then the remainder of the cream cheese.
If you have a smaller and deeper dish, just layer
accordingly. Then grate your chocolate on the
top. Refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours, until you wish
to indulge.
Have fun and enjoy!
ANSWERS TO THE CHRISTMAS QUIZ ON PAGE 8
MUSIC
1. Super Trouper 1980
2. Chasing Pavements
3. Step Inside Love
4. Into The Groove 1985
5. Barbra Streisand
6. A Moment Like This
7. Sunday Girl
8. Keane
9. The Girl Is Mine duet with Paul
McCartney
10. Don’t Give Up On Us (1976)
& Silver Lady (1977)
TV & FILM
1. Casino Royale 2006)
2.The Man Who Knew Too Much
3. George Clooney & Sandra
Bullock
4. Margaret Thatcher, The Iron
Lady
5. Staying Alive
6. Natasha Kaplinsky
7. Remington Steele, 1982-1987
8. Nelson Mandela House
9. Florizel Street
10. Sam Bailey
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
11
Creuse
Muse
by Jacqueline Peacock
We have a confession to make to all you lovely
loyal readers. Hubby and I are not as we seem.
I can say that we are definitely human (have
been reading loads of vampire novels lately).
I do hope that after reading this you can forgive
us and just go with the flow.
had before unless you too are a smoker. Is that
a sigh of relief I hear from you all that you are
reassured that we are actually human?
And finally, you have just realized what the
madwoman is on about ..... yes, yes, yes, I am,
of course, talking about food- what else did you
think!!!!!
I have researched, ‘How to make your own
smoker’, got everything lined up and am now
waiting for its fabrication ...... and then, ‘Hello
- home smoked bacon and smoked everything!’
Great for a nice Jewish vegetarian surprise I am Jewish so I can say that, and anyway my
family have got over their despair, oy vey!
So I can’t wait to get smoke in my eyes and go
all soppy over a bacon sarnie. Oh, by the way,
if you want to try Flavien's duck and all his other
lovely food, get yourself over to his restaurant,
'La Fontaine aux Loup,' tucked away next-to the
church in St Sulpice de Dunoise (23800).
'blagging’ on ‘Frenzyybook' and call myself a
twit. Well, if you haven’t already noticed JJ's is
now completely spammed up and ready to
go-go-go. What?? You didn’t actually think it
was me did you? So, don’t even think about
asking me how! I still know nothing. No, it
was the lovely Sacha - who is young and took
pity on me - and set the whole thing up and
running in a few days! So, you can ask her she's here every Thursday morning . ..... and
thanks a million Sacha. Oh yes, she's just told
me to tell you that if you want to ‘friend us’,
put cafebarjj on Frenzy/Facebook. Damned if I
know what she means!!!!
Finally as this is the Dec issue, a huge thank
you to all you musicians who have supported
our little music club, and a huge thank you to
all our wonderful customers who have taken
JJ's into their hearts and supported us so well
in so many ways. Have a great Christmas and
New Year Y'all and have fun.
Ok, here comes the confession........we are both
heavily into smoking. I can honestly say that we
are weak human beings to fall so easily into the
smoke pit. Though, if we are really honest, it is
not our fault. The blame goes heavily on the
shoulders of Flavien and Muriel and their home You may recall that I mentioned it would
Jacky and Jon xx
smoked duck salad - smoke as you have never probably take me another ten years to get
Fully qualified and Insured
Repairs and Installations
No job Too Small
Competitive Pricing
Realistic Time Scales
References Available
Wishing all our clients
a very merry
Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
Would like to wish all
of our customers a very merry
Christmas and happy New Year.
Contact Iain Ewer
Tel: 05 87 54 00 00
Email: [email protected]
Siret: 539 371 005 00015
BTP SERVICES
MINI-PELLE, TRACTO PELLE
All work conforms to current French regulations.
Able Plastering
and Painting
Plasterer with over 24 years’
experience
French Registered
Fosse septiques, driveways and courtyards.
Certificate of conformity guaranteed
TERRASSEMENT, CHEMIN D’ACCES
Tarifs intéressants, Travail soigné, Devis gratuit
All internal and external works covered
- Plastering (English and French
plaster),
rendering, concreting
- Floor screeding, stud partitioning and
lime mortar pointing
Painting services also offered
Please call Steve
Email: [email protected]
12
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Siret: 49471982600021
05 55 62 12 39
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
CREUSE VIEWS
Photo © Tiphaine Hirou.
New monthly feature where talented amateur photographers from across the department showcase this beautiful area in all it’s glory and in all
it’s seasons. This month’s view comes to CN readers courtesy of Tiphaine Hirou of Crozant, and shows Crozant Castle surrounded by wonderful
autumnal foliage. Thank you Tiphaine.
A SIMPLE TIP FOR USING FRENCH ADJECTIVES by Sophie Arsac.
The position of English adjectives is easy as
they are virtually always placed before the
noun they modify.
French adjectives are mainly placed after the
noun (a green house would be une maison
verte). Only a handful of them are placed
before the noun. They are very commonly
used and there is a simple way to remember
them!
They are classified under the acronym
B.A.G.S:B stands for Beauty - beau (beautiful), joli
(pretty), ravissant (delightful).
A stands for Age - vieux (old), jeune (young), propre (a clean house) or un grand homme
ancien (ancient), nouveau (new).
(a great man), un homme grand (a tall man).
G stands for Good and Bad - bon (good),
(This list is by no means exhaustive, but
mauvais (bad), meilleur (better)
I hope it will help you)
S stands for Size - grand (tall), petit (small),
gros (fat), mince (slim).
Sophie Arsac offers French tuition
Finally, the meaning of some adjectives
changes depending on its placement before
or after the noun it modifies. Before a noun,
the adjective has a figurative sense; after a
noun, the adjective is used literally – ma
propre maison (my own house), une maison
(group lessons, one to one lessons or
via the internet), plus translation &
administrative help).
Contact her by email:
[email protected]
or telephone: 0555 89 15 74
PARK OF OVER 4000 m2
RSW
French Qualified Electricien
Plasterboarder And Roofer
Quality Work To French Norms
Certificate Of Conformity Guaranteed
Renovation Or New Build
No Job too Small
24/24 Assistance
For Free Devis:
Call Us: 05 87 24 12 04/06 83 89 05 53
Or Email: [email protected]
Hire and Sale of construction machinery
Russell Waite T.P
Z.A. Les Bois Verts,
23240, LE GRAND BOURG
TEL/FAX : 05 55 80 00 57
[email protected]
Fosse Septiques Specialist
Traditional systems
Micro-stations
Siret: 443 489 349 000 37 - NO.TVA: FR54443489349
Code APE: 4221Z - EORI NO: FR44348934900037
Axa France
decennial Insurance
05 55 80 00 57
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
13
What’s On?
Events in The Creuse
15th December –
31st January
If you have an event coming up in your locality between 15th February - 31 March 2015 & would like it
listed in the next edition please email: [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is 26�� of January.
One listing per business UNLESS you are one of our paying advertisers. Creuse News reserve the right to refuse a listing without explanation.
DECEMBER
1 December – 6 January:
The Tourist Office at d’Ahun (12 pl Defumade,
Ahun, 23150) hosts a festive Craft Fayre, well
represented by ateliers of all genres: textiles,
jewellery, gifts, art.........… everything made by
local crafts people. Christmas songs and
decorations make for a great atmosphere. Open
from 9 – 12/14 – 18h. More info: 0555 62 55 93
19 & 20 December:
20 December:
Christmas Fayre at the Gymnase Municipal in
Fellatin (23500). 10 – 18h. Stalls selling local
produce and crafts. Games and activities for the
children including:- face-painting, carriage rides
and a visit from Father Christmas.
Tel: 0555 66 43 04 for more information.
Christmas Market selling gifts for all ages,
decorations etc. Mulled wine AND a visit from
Santa. 9 – 17h. Salle des Fetes rue Barraud,
Auzances (23700). More info: 0555 67 17 13.
19 – 23 December:
Visit Santa’s House at Sous Parsat (23150).
The village will be adorned with thousands of
lights and decorations to welcome Santa who is
1 – 28 December:
scheduled to arrive at 17.45h each day before
Gueret Christmas Boutique at rue Maurice
Rollinat 23000. In collaboration with l’association dashing off again at 19h to attend to all his other
Les Arts Croisés. Exhibition and sale of decorative duties. I understand Santa’s house is peopled
with elves busily preparing orders for Christmas.
work by local artists and crafts people of the
From September onwards volunteers have
Limousin.
worked amazingly hard to create this stunning
1 – 30 December:
setting in the route de la Fontaine. Free entry.
Gueret Tourist Office host a Christmas Boutique
Suggested arrival time is before 17.30 to ensure
- the Office will be filled to the brim with Xmas
easy parking. Info: 0555 66 64 41
gift ideas all made by local artisans. Free entry.
9.30 – 12/14.30 – 17h. Tourist Office, rue Eugene 20 December – 4 January:
Pop along with the children to this petting farm
France, Gueret (23000). Info: 0555 52 14 29
set in the glorious countryside of Les Clautres,
2 – 24 December:
Bord St Georges (23230). There are Shetland
Boutique de Noel at Bourganeuf Tourist Office
ponies, miniature pigs and goats, rare breeds of
selling locally made gifts and products and
poultry & cows, ducks ,emus, swans, pheasants
Christmas decorations. Boutique will close for
and peacocks. Not to mention the mini ‘train’
the holidays from midday on 24�� December.
pulled by a tractor, and riverside walks .. A
For info: 0555 64 12 20.
voyage of discovery suitable for age 2 years and
14 December – 4 January:
upwards. Guided two hour visits so please
Christmas Through The Ages at Evaux les Bains.
reserve and check opening times by phoning
Illuminations, and 12 beautiful exhibitions
Ferme des Clautres on: 0555 65 72 23
showing how Christmas has been celebrated
20 December (until 4�� January):
from 1900 onwards (divided into ‘windowed’
Board a 4 x 4 vehicle and visit the roaming
settings showing toys, gifts, and decorated trees
American Bisons & afterwards visit the small
typical of past eras). Open every day 17.30 –
museum. 14 – 17h. Phone to check in advance as
21.30h. Free. For more info: 0652 15 02 72.
weather conditions may result in excursions
Email: [email protected]
being cancelled at short nortice. Cost 6€ adults
16 December:
3€ children. Le Palaise, Thauron (0555 64 15 63).
Traditional morning market at Royere de
www.bison-nature.com
Vassiviere.
16 December:
20 December:
Special Christmas Fund- Raising Music Club at
Christmas Concert with singing from students
JJ’s Café-bar, Aigurande (36140). Free entry but
of the Departmental Conservatoire.
the hat will be passed around! Money raised will
At La Souterraine, Salle rue de Cocq starting 19h.
go to buy food, clothes, medicines and seeds for
19 December:
orphans in Togo (in association with NOUKOU
Christmas Choral Concert with performances
registered charity). Concert starts 21h. Gorgeous
from students of the Departmental
mild butter chicken curry meal available at
Conservatoire. Starts at 19h at the Auditorium
19.30h for only 8€ per person (reservations
du Conservatoire, Gueret.
preferred (by 19�� December) but not essential.
19 December:
Phone:0254 063077 or email:
La Souterraine at Le Loch Ness starting 21h.
[email protected]
Open house for musicians to play and entertain 20 December:
an enthusiastic audience. Free entry.
Evening nativity play from 18h in the gorgeous
Phone 06 87 38 17 92 for more info.
setting of the castle at Pierre d’Aubusson,
19 December:
Table Tennis Tournament starting 20h at the
Salle Polyvalente, Crocq (23260).
More info on: 0650 29 61 83.
14
le Bourg, Le Monteil au Vicomte.
Followed by a atmospheric evening market
complete with Christmas songs and mulled wine.
More info from: 0555 64 96 39
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
20 December:
All day traditional Christmas Fayre in Salle des
Fete starting 9am at Boussac Bourg (23600).
Lots of local produce, handmade items, gifts
and flowers on sale.
20 December:
Dun Le Palestel’s traditional Christmas Market
featuring stalls with original work from local
artisans, plus a visit from Santa and lots more
to entertain & amuse. 10 – 18h in the Gymnase
Municipal. More info: 0555 89 24 61
20 December:
Festive Street Market featuring stalls selling gifts
and local food and drink. The Bourg, Clugnat
(23270). More info: 0587 55 60 17.
20 December:
Christmas Concert at l’eglise St Oradour,
Lupersat starting 19h.
20 December:
Aubusson l’Avant-Scene at 21.30h. Rock concert
with Geraud Baxter and Lux Bands Fonds.
See our Musical Notes page for full details.
21 December:
Celebrate the dance via cinematic link.
The Ballet d’Opera de France dance Etudes and
The Nutcracker. Performance starts 17.30h @
Cinema Sénéchal, r de Sénéchal, Gueret (23000).
Tickets cost 12€. Info: 0555 52 26 44
21 December:
Christmas Carol concert starts at 6.30pm at
Evangelical Church, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Gueret.
Refreshments will be served afterwards
including mince pies. For more info email:
[email protected]
21 December:
Christmas Concert starting 17h at
Savannes-Chapelle.
21 December:
Carol concert at the eglise in La Celle Dunoise
starting 18h.
23 December:
Christmas Street Market (Hotel de Ville area,
23200 Aubusson). The streets will be decked
with illuminations and decorations. Ideal
occasion to pick up last minute gifts and festive
produce. More info on: 0555 66 32 12.
23 December:
Centre-ville, La Souterraine (23300), big
Christmas market with over 180 stalls, lots of
entertainment on offer as well as a brass band.
10 – 19h. Free concert starts at 16h.
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
23 December:
31 December:
Traditional Christmas Market, with stalls selling
decorations, gifts, table decorations and local
produce. 10 – 18h. Salle Communale Bord St
Georges (23230).
New Year’s Eve party organised by Bandafolies
at Bessines – Gartempe (Salle des Fetes) from
20.30h. Stunning multi-course dinner (with some
wine provided) catered by the professional staff
from Hotel de France. Followed by an evening of
dancing courtesy of a professional DJ, who will
provide rock, pop, music from the 80s, disco and
lots more. Reservations essential as places are
limited. 69€ a head. Phone: 0555 76 04 08
23 December:
Carol Concert with Christian Mouyen at the
eglise in Bourganeuf starting 20.30h.
27 December:
New year’s Market in the Salle Polyvalente
at Boussac. Good variety of stalls, fast food
counters and entertainments. 10h – 18h.
More info from Comité des Fetes: 0698 15 91 47
JANUARY 2015
Not a great month for events, so I have found a
small variety of things to get you out and about
28 December:
during the Darkest Month:
Guided visit of the Abbey at Prébenoit. 16 – 17h. Nouzerines (les Ansannes):
Free. Betete (23270). No booking required.
Exhibition and demonstration of tapestries by
a master craftsman. For reservations phone:
30 December:
Visit the Angora sheep farm at La Chaud, Ferme 0555 82 01 52 or email (in French):
[email protected]
de Mohair de la Combraille, Mautes (23190).
Chateau de Boussac: Guided visits all year
Wool workshop also available on site. Entry 3€
(9 -12h/14 – 17h) by reservation: 0555 650762
per person. 15 – 17h.
Bussiere St Georges: Visit the donkey farm at
Reservations essential on: 0555 67 16 47
Le Chaillot, and meet the famous breed, ‘Grand
31 December (and 1�� Jan):
noir du Berry’, and enjoy the animals in a natural
Children’s Treasure Trail - discover the secrets
setting. 6.50€ per person (3�� child free).
of Evaux les Bains (they get a fairy story too).
By reservation only on: 0555 65 79 16.
Minimum age:4. Duration: 45 minutes.
Old Boussac: A guided tour which can be
Cost 2€ per ticket (available from the Tourist
arranged in English, discover the secrets and
Office in Evaux). Place Serge Cleret (23110).
the history of the town. Available all year by
Please check times on: 0555 65 50 90.
reservation only via Boussac Tourist Office.
31 December (+ 1�� January):
Aubusson: Visit the Tapestry Museum in avenue
Great for letting off steam after Christmas.
des Lissiers (23200) and discover five centuries
Children’s Treasure trail following in the path
worth of amazing tapestries including works of
of, ‘Sam The Fox’, St Pardoux Morterolles
the great masters of the art, and more
(23400). 1 hour duration. Min age 6 years.
contemporary pieces. Open every day
Tickets €1 p/person. Check times and book
tickets via Bourganeuf or Royere Tourist Offices. 9.30-12/14 – 18h. Entry fee 5€.
More info: 0555 83 08 30
More info: 0555 64 12 20.
Parc Animalier des Monts de Gueret: Visit the
31 December:
famous wolves of the Creuse. A great day out for
Join in the New Year’s Celebrations at Salle
the whole family. Plenty to see and do. Wolves
Polyvalente, Boussac from 20h. Live music
(obviously), plus various other animals, a
and a DJ, a super meal and wonderful wines.
museum, a cinematic presentation, playground,
Reserve your tickets (37€ per person) from
gift shop and lots more. (Parc is shut 24, 25 & 31
Boussac Tourist Office before 20�� December.
Dec and 1 Jan). Visit www.loups-chabrieres.com
More info: 0698 15 91 47.
for full details.
Series of concerts held throughout the department (Flayat, Dontreix, Fellatin etc) featuring a diverse
range of music from pop to blues to jazz to Celtic. For full programme & info go to www.pays-sage.net
Architectural
DRAWING
SERVICE
Renovating your
French Property?
New Build?
Dossiers prepared
Permis de construire
Declarations prealables
Contact Peter Latus
Tel/Fax 05 53 52 36 05
REGULAR MARKETS
(most are mornings only 0800 – 1300h)
If you know of a local market not listed
here please let us know by writing to:
[email protected]
Saturdays
Aubusson (Place d’Espagne et du
Marché)
Bonnat
Clugnat (1�� Saturday morning of the month)
Gueret (Place Bonnyaud et du Marché)
Mainsat (Place Du Marché)
La Souterraine (Place d’Eglise)
Vieilleville (Route de Bénévent)
Sundays
Betete (from April to end October)
Jarnages (Place d’Eglise)
Lupersat
Mortroux (2ⁿ� Sunday of the month)
St Maurice La Souterraine
(3�� Sunday of the month)
St Sulplice le Guérétois (3�� Sunday of
month between March and November)
St Vaury (2ⁿ� Sunday of the month)
Mondays
Evaux les Bains (Place Serge Cléret)
Tuesdays
Auzances (Place du Marché)
Bénévent d’Abbaye
(Pl. de la Republique)
Genouillac
Gouzon
Royere de Vassiviere (Pl. Pierre Ferrand)
Saint Feyre
Wednesdays
Ahun
Bourganeuf
Champbon sur Voueize (Place Aubergier)
Champagnat (Place d’Eglise)
Clugnat
Grand Bourg (Place des Tilleuls)
Thursdays
Boussac - Place Hôtel de Ville
Dun Le Palestel
Gueret (Place Bonnyaud)
La Souterraine (Place d’Eglise)
Lavaveix les Mines
St Sulplice les Champs
Fridays
Aigurande
Chatelux Malveleix
Fellatin
Pontarion (1�� Friday in the month)
St Etienne de Fursac
Sardent (3�� Friday in the month)
[email protected]
Siret 493 770 358 00015
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
15
THE UNLONELY GOATHERD
I’ve always wanted to meet someone who
keeps goats. I know a man called Not Tom Good
(page 18) who did, but he was really quite
useless at it (Sept 2014 edition). So, I jumped at
the chance to meet James and Judith, a couple
who keep a variety of goats and also strive to
live in as self-sufficient manner as possible.
James and Judith live in a picturesque spot just
south of La Souterraine. Their property is the
stuff of ‘Anne of Green Gables’- a charming old
mill house complete with babbling brook,
waterfall, and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
A home with a rich history, in which the
previous owners, a French family, had lived and
worked for generations, producing linen, wool
and grain from the premises.
Judith owned the property for 15 years and
used it as a holiday home, before finally making
the permanent move to France in 2007 along
with her new partner, James. They are a
delightful couple, Judith has a wickedly dry
sense of humour and a permanent twinkle in
her eye, and James is that rare combination: an
intellectual with an immensely practical soul.
This is a man who can engage in a deep
discussion about world politics whilst
simultaneously rustling up a durable animal
shelter from two polythene sheets, six pieces
of wood and a few tent pegs!
The couple initially decided to keep goats
because of the difficulties of maintaining grass
on an uneven terrain with conventional garden
machinery. James says it would be impossible
to keep the steep banks of the stream and
waterfall clear without his 4 legged lawn
mowers. But goat-keeping swiftly became both
a hobby and a passion, and James and Judith
now own a variety of goats:
Alpines (Suki, Sampson and Drusilla), Saanans
(Griff, Little ‘Un & Tabatha), pygmies (Dave and
Dinky) and one Poitevine Alpine (Delilah).
Delilah is a famously naughty goat, although she
has calmed down since giving birth recently.
Delilah delights in wrecking stable walls and
doors, often involving many of the other goats
in her frequent escape bids. James says it is
complete chaos when there are 7 or 8 goats all
running madly in different directions and only
two humans to catch them. Delilah once had to
be caught by lassooing! Delilah is now on her
fifth collar (essential goat-wear as the animals
do need to be handled) - she delights in
breaking her neckwear too.
As well as the goats, James and Judith grow
eager lad to the floor every time he ventured their own vegetables and fruit, recycle and
near.
upcycle , keep a wide variety of commonSo, a Billy Alpine (Sam) duly arrived and (as is garden and rare breed poultry, geese and ducks.
common to male goats) he stank to high James makes all his own animal shelters and
heaven. Before he could offer his services the enclosures, and erects & maintains stock
girls all turned up their noses in disgust.... and fencing. Repair skills are essential with Delilah
bolted.......... over fences, under fences, and around.
through electric fencing! Amazingly, Delilah The couple have the following advice to offer
(normally fussy, destructive and dramatic) any would-be goat owners:
proved willing and (after a problematic birth)
Sam and Delilah produced a handsome son, 1. Pygmy goats are not ‘easier’ than bigger
breeds, in fact pygmy goats are champiSampson. Sampson will eventually be the stud
on high-jumpers and frequent escape
goat for the flock.
artists.
James was anxious to point out that healthcare
is a very important part of goat-keeping,
because goats often show no signs of illness
until it is too late. A regular monthly worming
programme is essential, as the parasitic worm,
‘strongle’ can cause anaemia and death.
Feet have to be regularly checked and trimmed,
a difficult job if the goat is particularly strong.
Vets will do this (for a fee) but James says that
DIY is more than possible if one buys the
specialist equipment. Sometimes good
healthcare can have unexpected results.
Drucilla arrived as a rescue ‘dwarf’ goat, but
after worming she tripled in size and is now
classed as an Alpine!
Goats require very little work in the spring and
summer, when grass is plentiful, and strip
grazing (using electrical fencing) is used so that
the terrain gets an even ‘haircut’. But winters
can be hard work. If grass is bare the goats do
need feeding and stabling which results in extra
work such as mucking out, cracking ice every
morning (James keeps an aquarium heater in
the water butt in winter), and making up
granular feeds.
James and Julia started off with a rescue flock,
but age and disease took their toll over time, so
James decided to breed his own replacements.
Breeding is an inexact science. Delilah was
introduced to a borrowed male, Prospero, and
simply amused herself by violently knocking the Judith says that all their goats have great
16
personalities, they are also very intelligent and
inclined to be naughty, especially the infamous
Delilah.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
2.
If you intend to breed goats then buy
stock from an experienced breeder.
3.
Be careful when taking in rescue goats
who have been previously used for milking – many will have adapted to eating
granular feed only. Some never learn to
eat grass.
4.
Do invest in proper agricultural gates.
5.
Life and death are normality on any
farm, and neither come cheaply. Veterinary intervention is sometimes needed
in the birthing process. Death is costly –
60€ to euthanize and 100€ for removal
of the carcass.
6.
Goats cost money to keep. Winter feed
costs approximately 3€ per goat per
week throughout the winter months.
Then there are the one-off costs (unless
you own a Delilah) of fencing, stables,
collars, and gates. Don’t forget to factor
in healthcare costs either.
7.
If you tether goats you must stay close
to them when they are grazing. If a stray
dog should come near, the goats will
panic and nothing will stop them from
breaking their ‘moorings’, and if the dog
gives chase you will, in all probability,
lose your goat.
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
Net News
Christmassy
Like many, we will be operating Christmas on
a budget this year, so here are some useful
websites to help with cheap and cheerful
ideas.
FOODIE SITES
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/
how- make-christmas-cheaper
www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/
course/cheap-cheerful
GIFT IDEAS
https://www.pinterest.com/thebudgetdiet/
homemade-gifts/ (Quick, cheap and different
home-made Christmas gift ideas)
http://www.minimalisti.com/decoration/
christmas-decoration/10/beautiful-christmasdecoration-craft-ideas-budget.html
Loved some of the ideas on this page,
especially the ribbon and cone chair swags
and the Christmas scene in a glass (excellent
idea to occupy the children, although would
suggest plastic bowls instead of expensive
brandy glasses!)
http://www.homemade-gifts-madeeasy.com/homemade-christmas-giftideas.html
Lots and lots of free downloadable printables
here: Coupons, boxes, cards, gift tags and
calendar templates.
COUPONS are an excellent idea. Children
love to sit with crayons and felt-tip pens and
design ‘coupon gifts’. It makes them really
think about the true spirit of giving (the most
precious thing we can give anyone is our
time, isn’t it?). Here are some ideas for
home-made vouchers:
‘Help In The Garden For Grandad’, ‘Washing
Up’, ‘Read A Story Aloud’ (for young
relatives), ‘Sunday Breakfast In Bed’,
‘Washing The Car’, and ‘Babysitting’ Adults
may like to add more sophistication such as
‘Tea For Two’ or a ‘Dinner Party Invitation’.
Coupons are endless fun and only limited by
your own imagination.
In 2015 the group will be working on a CIFT
Charitable project, which involves knitting,
crocheting and sewing for charitable causes.
Funding is being organised via a campaign on
Indigogo, to raise cash for purchasing wool and
paying for postage. Please help by visiting our
Facebook, sharing and raising awareness (and
funds via donations) for our chosen causes.
In 2015 the group are organising a Craft Camp
for late summer 2015 where members can
enjoy staying in a large gite complex, learning
crafts from one another, swimming, eating,
kicking back and enjoying themselves.
What makes CIFT special is that it is a strictly
non commercial group where everyone feels
that they can share their craftwork without
fear of feeling amateur and there is a real
sense of community.
Visit CIFT by popping: Crafting In France
Together in the Facebook search bar.
HOW TO MAKE A SOCK
SNOWMAN - by Helen Hyde
Take a look at the online version of
the magazine (page 29) to see step
by step instructions on how to make
your own sock Snowman.
www.creuse-news.eu
Houses on Internet is a marketing service
that allows private owners of French
property to sell their house without
using an estate agent. A method that has
proven to be very successful.
How does it work?
1. We make a website for your property
in English, French and Dutch. The main
website is available in Russian too.
2. We connect that website to our main
site which gets over 130,000 visitors from
40+ countries per month.
3. We advertise your property on several
international French-property websites.
This way we reach 1.5 million people a
month worldwide.
What does it cost?
We ask a contribution to the advertising
cost up front and after the sale a fee of
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price. Houses on Internet operates
throughout France with a staff of 7
professionals and 89 local photographers
who visit our clients to take photos and
gather all information.
For more information, call us at
05 55 65 12 19
or visit our website
www.housesoninternet.com
Plus Vite!
Moins Cher!
FACEBOOK GROUP OF THE MONTH
Crafting in France Together group (CIFT) is
a Facebook Group which has almost 700
members. Members are knitters and
crocheters, spinners and weavers, beaders,
painters, stitchers and sewers, hat makers
and quilters and many more.
So, if you have some connection to France
and love to create, then join the group.
CIFT is a 'show, tell and ask' page where
people share their projects, pictures and web
articles, and ask each other for help and
advice.
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
17
by Not Tom Good
As regular CN readers will know I am the
placid bloke who came to France to live the
Self-Sufficiency Dream in the style of John
Seymour. I like the odd pint, practical
doingsies and don’t mind getting my hands
dirty. Unfortunately, my wife (affectionately
known as The Field Marshall) is more of a
Margot than a Barbara. In a different life,
and married to a richer man TFM would live
in a snazzy pied á terre just off Sloane Square
and spend her days plaguing innocent sales
staff in Harvey Nicks (‘I’d like that pink dress
in a light shade of taupe with a completely
different hem and neckline, please’).
I’ve told you about our eggless poultry
(Nov issue), the dramatic ducks (Oct) and
the goats who thought they were human
(Sept). Now I will tell you about the
donkeys................
The Field Marshall came home one day with a
bright smile on her face (Big red warning alert
in my brain as I know these smiles are usually
swiftly followed by a curt phone call from the
bank manager), ‘Tom’, she says, ‘I’ve just
rescued two adorable donkeys – can you do
a little something with the old stable?’
Now, ‘Old stable’ is a bit of a misnomer, TFM
was referring to the falling down heap of
holes attached to the back of our hangar.
Nevertheless, I managed to cobble together
something reasonable within 24 hours, and
soon had a cosy shelter complete with hay
rack, trough (old bath), lots of straw and
hay.........and even interior and exterior
lighting. TFM dashed out to do an emergency
shop, buying vital essentials such as pretty
blankets, brushes, combs and plaiting bands.
The donkeys duly arrived shortly before
Christmas. They were BIG donkeys, no sweet
little miniatures for The Field Marshall, these
buggers were huge! They had Aladdin feet,
bad teeth, vile tempers and a predilection for
kicking (HARD). In the first few days they
almost crushed the farrier to death against
the ‘stable’ wall, bit the horse dentist (twice),
and tested the electric fencing with the
tenacity of a pair of velociraptors.
However, they loved The Field Marshall, and
she loved them ................… in fact, life has
became one long groupfest of grooming and
plaiting, it’s almost like living in a monkey
sanctuary. (I am the one who picks up the
pooh & mends the fencing, no-one plaits my
hair – I don’t have any).
TFM called the donkeys, Torvill and Dean.
We’ve had some fun with them, I can tell you.
These two can turn on their interior lighting
with a light press of the nose (they don’t like
the dark; My bank manager doesn’t like my
electricity bills), they can also open latched
doors with ease (preferring next-door’s far
superior vegetable garden to my own), and
Dean likes chasing dogs. Our portly and
elderly spaniel was pursued at speed across
4 acres one day, fortunately he reached safety
just in time. That night he ate his dinner lying
down then slept for 14 hours straight.
On that very first Donkishly Yuletide Eve
I found the Field Marshall sitting contentedly
on a stool in the stable crooning carols, and
tearfully announcing that donkeys are just
‘Sooooo Christmassy’. I did consider, at this
point, building an additional manager, and
going out in search of a virgin, a spare small
baby, several unemployed shepherds and
three Wise Men (hard, but not impossible).
But common sense prevailed and I left her to
it and went indoors in search of beer or five.
On that note may I wish you all a very Merry
Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Entreprise
Hines
Building Services
With well over 30 years' experience in the building
trade, Robert Hines is a fully-qualified and Frenchregistered artisan. He provides quality service to
clients across a broad spectrum of building works.
Roofing - New and Repairs
Masonry & Plastering
Dry Lining & Sand Blasting
and much, much more including
KWIKSTAGE SCAFFOLD HIRE
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DIY or Full Scaffold
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Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
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& Finishing Joinery & Decking
Emergency Lock Services
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www.entreprisehines.com
[email protected]
Siret: 503 169 237 00016
18
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
MIKE CHRISTIE
05 55 64 35 11 (Home)
0787 385 888 (Mobile)
[email protected]
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
NaturalSOLUTIONS
Happier Hangovers
By Lesley King
However, if you take Nux the night before then
you should find that the headache doesn’t even
happen. If you are having such a good time that
you forget to take it before sleep then it’s not
too late to have a few doses the next day. But
it’s better to prevent than to have to cure.
Tip 2: Water! Lots of it. Much of the discomfort
of hangovers is caused by dehydration. Yes, we
all know this, but no harm in being reminded.
Again, water before we go to bed is much more
helpful than drinking it once we have reached
the point of suffering.
Tip 1: Nux Vomica! Nux is Tip 3: I’m not a fan of sports drinks but they can
be useful if you’re dehydrated from excess
a classic homeopathic
alcohol. Check the labels and choose one that
remedy for the morning
helps balance electrolytes. Nausea and
after. In fact the better
shakiness is often connected to low blood sugar.
option by far is to take a
dose the night before. Buy A sports drink or a cup of honey and lemon can
be a quick fix.
a bottle from your local
Tip 4: Excess peeing reduces levels of
pharmacy, ask for Nux
Vomica 30c and keep it by potassium, so if you can face eating a banana
you will speedily replace this element.
your bed. Slip a tablet
under your tongue as you Tip 5: Brewer’s yeast or a Vitamin B complex is
go off to sleep and if you a good idea because loss of fluids means we lose
water-soluble vitamins.
wake in the night feeling
Tip 6: Cinnamon! Not so much for hangovers,
any degree of
more for balancing blood sugar levels in
wretchedness take
general. It’s not a coincidence that this spice is
another dose.
so strongly associated with Christmas. Add it to
desserts or cereal whenever possible.
It can also help that pounding headache and
over sensitivity that follows in the wake of a
I wish you a very happy Christmas, and may
time that was a little too ‘good’.
all your sufferings be worth it!
A friend once said to me “What I want in my
Christmas stocking is a recipe for hangovers that
works!” As a health practitioner I could write
about why we shouldn’t abuse our bodies by
over indulgence and what excess alcohol does
to us - but what’s the point? We all do it from
time to time and although none of us enjoys
suffering afterwards most of us believe the
good time was worth the price. We know we’re
likely to push our limits at this time of year, so
the best thing is to understand what we can do
in the way of damage limitation.
Lesley King LCH MCH lives in Masleon, 87130,
and is a trained & qualified herbalist and
homeopath, involved in natural health since
1974, working in both the NHS & private
practice. Lesley produces a range of natural
products (www.newleafcreams.co.uk), and
also offers homeopathic consultations in
person or by Skype @ www.homeopathyhastings.net. Contact Lesley on:
05 55 57 53 77
By the way, New Leaf
has a delicious Orange and
Cinnamon Christmas bath
soak, packed with indulgent
oils and spice and at only
5,50€ +p&p for 250ml
it makes a perfect
Christmas gift!
View the products at:
www.newleafcreams.co.uk
but order by email:
[email protected]
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Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
19
Snippets
LOCAL CRAFTSWOMAN RECEIVES AN
AWARD AT THE LIMOUSIN CRAFT
‘OSCARS’
By Lynne Foster
WINTER IS ON THE WAY
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2014
by Roger Owen
On November the 11��, Jean Colbear, Clive
Talbot, Faith Owen and myself attended an act
of Remembrance along with the residents of
Bazelat, a small community in the Creuse.
This, as always, was a stark reminder of how
peoples from all over Europe made the
ultimate sacrifice in the ‘War to End All Wars’,
but perhaps made even more poignant in this,
the centenary year.
During the simple but very moving ceremony,
the 25 names of those who gave their lives
from this community were read aloud, ensuring that each person was honoured as an
As reported in the last edition of Creuse News, individual.
I was fortunate enough to be nominated in the
group “Artisan - Metiers d’Art”. Beforehand I
had to prepare a dossier containing examples
of my work as a machine embroiderer, and this
had to be sent off with a form giving full of
details about my craft (difficult as I’m not fluent
in French by any means!)
Shortly afterwards I received a telephone call
to say that I’d won an award and inviting me to
the Awards Ceremony on 22ⁿ� November at the
Centre Culterel, Beaubreuil, Limoges.
by Mick Elkins (of M&M Developments)
After such a fine Autumn the thought of those
missing or unstable roof tiles have probably
slipped from your mind as well as the roof! But
now is the time to start thinking about them
again, before the dreaded snow arrives.
Gaps in roof tiles can cause serious damage
because water intrusion will rot insulation,
break down the fibres in any plasterboarding,
and if left unattended water will soak into the
roof timbers and start to rot them.
So, if you think you have a problem with your
roof (big or small) then contact me and I will
take a look to see if you have a problem. I offer
competitive prices, and work to a very high
standard having been a roofer for over 30 years,
and established in France for over eight of
them! Please see my ad on page 12 for full
contact details. Remember, prevention is better
than cure!
CHRISTMAS GREENERY TRADITIONS
by Roger Owen, photograph by Al Howat Baker.
Many of our readers will have decorated their
UK homes with traditional holly and ivy and will
continue to do so here in France. I wonder if you
are aware that the traditions of this practice go
back to before Christianity?
It was a wonderful night - we were greeted at
the reception with single roses for the ladies
and escorted to our tables. It just looked like
the real ‘Oscars’ ceremony on the telly, big
round tables with white tablecloths and all set
out for dinner. The stage was decorated with a
huge collection of trophies and awards. We
were entertained by singers and musicians (all
nominees in the music categories), fashion
parades and dance exhibitions. While all this
was going on dinner was served.
A particularly important part of the ceremony
was the involvement of the young of the
commune. Their respect for those that gave all,
so that they, the new generation, should have
a future, was truly reflected in their
understanding and solemnity. The inscription
If CN readers would like to see and buy Lynne’s on the memorial reflects the sentiments of this Holly, ivy and other greenery such as mistletoe
were originally used in pre-Christian times to
beautiful work, please see her ad on page 2 for community to this day.
help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and
full details.
believed to ward off evil spirits, and act as a
celebration of new growth.
There were some very large and important
businesses receiving awards and I was a very
tiny fish in a very large ocean!!! I feel privileged
to have been included in such an event, and
very honoured to have been an award winner.
We were made most welcome by those
present and the sacrifices made by the British
in both World Wars was also gracefully
acknowledged by the community.
20
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
In pagan times, holly was thought to be a male
plant and ivy a female plant. An old tradition
from the Midlands says that whichever plant
was brought into the house first over winter
determined whether the man or woman of the
house would rule that year! It was thought
unlucky to bring either into a home before
Christmas Eve.
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
REPORT ON BRITISH WEEK BREAKFAST
& MARKET by Carole Faulkner
THE HAMON LAW
The morning of 5�� November greeted us with
a damp and misty start, and we had a long,
drizzly journey into Bourganeuf. We arrived into
the cosy warmth of a hall that was already really
buzzing by 8.30am ......… and wandered in the
direction of the tantalising smell of grilled bacon.
New Laws About Insurance
Policies. The major points are
listed below :-
Full English breakfasts were being served to an
eager crowd of stallholders and early visitors.
Sophie Hicks of Boucherie a la Ferme provided
the most delicious bacon, sausages and black
pudding, serving over 150 plates of excellent
food in a very short timeframe. The breakfasts
proved a big hit with the many French visitors,
especially the black pudding, which is very
similar in taste to 'boudon noir'.
·
Debbie Waller from St Severe was there
promoting eco artistry and paper-making (she
makes beautiful note books, papyrus and paper
from her own vegetables).
The new law was voted on last
February and will take effect
from the beginning of 2015
·
Then there was the fudge! Everyone loved the
free samples of fudge. This is the fledgling
business idea of the Devonshire-born Sprague
family who have recently settled in Peyrabout.
It will cover insurance of: Motor
vehicles, house insurance and
insurance against loans.
·
The insurer will be able to cancel
policies at any time without the
one year delay of the current
system, on proof of a new
insurance contract. (This ensures
that the insured party is still
covered under a new contract)
·
Insurance on loans can also be
moved. The insured party can
search, during the first year, for a
more advantageous insurance
policy to cover loans. (Currently
insurance is tied into the
bank/society lending the money).
·
Any new contract must cover the
same (or higher) liability as the
existing contract proposed by the
lender.
The British Market was well represented with
professional sellers, craftworkers and artisans,
and vide grenier/brocante traders. Petticoat
Lane proved very popular with their sales of
branded British products, and Judy Leslie tickled
the tastebuds with her huge array of gorgeous
cakes and pastries.
.
The family are currently developing their fudge
range, all based on traditional recipes handed
down through the family for generations. At
present the Spragues are working hard with the
various authorities and hope to launch their
fudge business in La Creuse in 2015. I, for one,
cannot wait!
Craftworkers showed off their skills in bead
All in all a really fun day out – lots to see, admire
work, wood turning, jam-making, and glass
making. Some of these artisans are mentioned and buy, and all on a wonderfully full tummy!
on the CN Best Buys page this month.
Thank you to the ARFB for running this fun
event for the benefit of all, I do hope they will
consider running another British Week in 2015
www.laloihamon.com is an internet site which
explains in detail the new laws and gives
advice and guidance on cancelling an existing
contract and renewing with another insurer.
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
21
A peek at the past!
CHRISTMAS TV
1964
Frankie Howard, Billy Smart’s Circus,
Double Your Money, Take Your Pick,
Emergency Ward 10
1974
The Dick Emery Show, The Likely Lads, The
Generation Game, Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave
‘Em, Mike Yarwood, The Val Doonican
Show, The Tommy Cooper Hour, This is
Your Life
1984
Blankety Blank, Hi-de-Hi, The Two Ronnies,
Des O’Connor Tonight, Brookside
1994
Blind Date, One Foot In The Grave,
Heartbeat, Birds of a Feather, Keeping Up
Appearances
2004
Absolutely Fabulous, Vicar of Dibley, Who
Wants To Be a Millionaire, The Two
Ronnies
TERRY
DIMMOCK
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
1964
The Beatles
I feel Fine
1974
Lonely This Christmas
Mud
1984
Do They Know It’s Christmas
Band Aid
1994
Stay Another Day
East 17
2004
Do They Know It’s Christmas
Band Aid 20
Chris Godson BSc CEng MICE
Unbeatable Price & Quality
Offers Fosses Septiques
installation service, mains sewer
& general groundwork.
05 55 63 65 81
22
Klargester Biodisc & Aquatiris
Reed Bed Systems.
www.fossepro.com
[email protected]
References Available
05 55 62 61 12 /
06 33 78 24 23
Siret: 51112776300015
Siret 47930451100021
Email: [email protected]
1964
The Moors Murders - Lesley Ann
Downey goes missing in Ancoats,
Manchester
1974
Birmingham pub blast kills 19.
The ‘drowned’ MP, John Stonehouse
found alive.
1984
Britain signs over Hong Kong to China.
Toxic gas leaks at Bhopal from the
Union Carbide plant, exposing
580,000+ to toxic fumes and
chemicals.
1994
Air France Flight 8969 hijacked in
Algiers.
2004
Asian/Indian Tsunami kills 230,000+
people.
Chartered Civil Engineer
RENOVATION SPECIALIST
Groundworks
Roofs
Stock Fencing
Brick/stone masonry
Project Management
IN THE NEWS - DECEMBER
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
For solutions see page 26
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
23
AN EVENING OF HEAVY ROCK AND UNBELIEVABLE
MUSIC 20�� DECEMBER, AUBUSSON
Geraud Bastar’s French tour
stops for one night in Aubusson
on 20�� December.
A great opportunity to enjoy
some of the best rock music
on offer in France today.
You will be entertained and
possibly deafened by
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
– CONCERT AND FUND-RAISER
There is something special happening at
JJ’s Cafe Bar, Aigurande (36140) at 9pm on
20th December. A great free concert with
wonderful French cabaret songs from
‘Parfum Cabaret’, and traditional Irish songs
courtesy of The Bodrum Band, plus a wide
variety of music played by regular Music
Club members.
The hat will be passed round during the
evening to collect money to fund the purchase of seeds, food, clothes and medicines
for orphans in Togo (NOUKOU registered
charity). Please go along and lend your support to this worthwhile cause.
See our events listing under 20th December
for full details including ordering of meals.
Alternatively email:[email protected]
‘gardiens de bruit, monstres
de scene’ performed by the
famous and incomparable Geraud Bastar and the band, Lux
Band Fonds. Tickets only 6€.
Concert starts 21.30h at the
Salle de Concert, l’Avant Scene,
ave des Lissiers, Aubusson.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS 22ND NOVEMBER – THE RESULT!
A great evening was enjoyed by all at Boussac
on 22ⁿ� November when the Battle Of The
Bands competition was staged at the Salle
Polyvalente. The mayor, Franck Foulon,
opened the competition, and the crowd were
entertained by last year’s runners-up, Funky
United, and then the talented young Georgie
Callendine before the five competing bands
took to the stage.
OXYMORE were finally crowned as worthy
winners of the BOTB trophy and prize money, and they played out the evening to the
delight of the audience who danced the night
away.
AIPB, who organised the event would like to
say a big thank you to the following people:
The sound technicians of Les Troubadours,
Bev Calladine, the 6 jury members, all of the
generous sponsors and members of AIPB,
Fierce competition ensued between Oxymore,
France Bleu Creuse, Jean-Claude Aubailly
Unpinned Grenades, Bears of War, Hushin'
(the sculptor of the wonderful trophy) and
Tones and the Blues Deluxe Band. All
the lively audience who were so supportive
performances were outstanding and the
on the night. Full details of the amount
judges had a very hard time deciding which 2
raised for the various charities and
groups should play in the final head to head,
associations will be announced in the
eventually choosing Oxymore (a pop/rock
February issue of Creuse News.
group from Limoges) and Unpinned Grenades
(punk rockers from Montluçon).
“More than just a bar, with a touch
of ‘Cheers’, the ‘Old Vic’,
Rover’s Return et Les Deux Magots”!
20th DECEMBER MUSIC CLUB
CHRISTMAS
FUNDRAISING SPECIAL
ABOVE:
Unpinned Grenades
LEFT:
Oxymore (The Winners)
(see the events listing for full details)
Wishing you all Happiness,
Health, and Joy for Christmas
and the New Year
Best Wishes from Jacky n Jon
Tel: 02 54 06 30 77
Have you viewed and liked our Facebook page yet? It’s getting more
popular by the day and you can check the latest events listings &
gigs and anything else that didn’t make into the printed version.
www.facebook.com/CreuseNews
email: [email protected]
24
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
A CALL TO WHEELS
own insurance, health cover, bicycle
Keen cyclists might like to consider joining this maintenance.
group of friendly cyclists who meet regularly to
‘To give you a taste here are some words from
enjoy rides out & good company whilst reaping
members of the group:
the benefits of keeping fit at the same time.
‘I have been well looked after being a newbie
A leader is assigned to organise and guide each
to cycling. I have had help setting up my bike,
ride, so good routes are chosen and tailored to
minor repairs, tips, advice, and mainly, great
fit the capabilities of the group as a whole, and
company on wonderful varied rides. It’s
most routes follow a ‘loop” design so the start
amazing how much more of the countryside you
point also becomes the finish point, most rides
become aware of on a bike, especially the hills.
being some 50 – 60 km in total. Sometimes the
At first, we just rode, then went home, but the
group stops off en route for refreshments,
idea of a coffee and cake to boost the energy
sometimes they enjoy a ‘cuppa’ after the ride
levels is a great idea especially during the colder
is done. This winter the group intend to build in
rides’.
a ‘plat du jour’ meal partway through the ride
from time to time – an ideal way to warm ‘For me riding the bike is very much about
finding time for myself, enjoying the beautiful
everyone up for the rest of the day’s cycling.
Limousin countryside, keeping fit and good
Rides take place over a wide area, incorporating
company! It’s much easier to make sure you get
much of the western and central Creuse and
that ride out when you have a RDV with the
into the Haute Vienne. Recent rides have
others on a pre-arranged date’.
covered Dun Le Palestel to Eguzon, and La
Souterraine to Ambazac. The group hope new ‘Group riding has helped me to improve my
members will be able to introduce everyone to fitness in a way I couldn’t have achieved alone.
fresh, new areas and terrains. Winter rides are Naturally I was a little concerned at first, how
likely to become Saturdays only, but come far and how fast? But the group help and
spring and summer the group try to ride out two encouragement was all that was required to
keep me going. Now I have a regular RDV with
days a week (Saturdays and Wednesdays).
the fresh air, hills and thrills of the French
A decent level of cycling proficiency is needed,
countryside to look forward to, 20 then 30 then
but no-one gets left out or left behind, and we
60 kms, it’s amazing how much more you see
look after weaker riders as they gradually build
when you’re on your bike!’
up fitness and stamina. The group is not a
formal club or association so if you would like If you would like more information please
to join please note you are responsible for your email Malcolm on: [email protected]
Home Decoration &
Hand-made Gifts
We sell home interior decoration, locally hand-made gifts & chalk paint™ decorative
paint by Annie Sloan (ASCP). ASCP will help you restore & revive your furniture
without priming or sanding! Use on varnished, painted or bare wood & choose from
33 colours. We are trained by Annie to offer expert advice & workshops designed to
teach you to paint & mix colours with confidence. Please visit us as 19 pl. Charles de
Gaulle,87210, Le Dorat, we’d love to meet you to discuss your projects or contact
Jay at info@monchiccottage or 05 87 77 95 59, www.facebook.com/monchiccottage
www.monchiccottage.com
CHALK PAINTING COURSES
Mon Chic Cottage in Le Dorat (87210) offers a
series of creative workshops designed for
people who wish to learn the beautiful arts of
Chalk Painting ™ and decorative painting. An
ideal hobby for anyone who loves French
shabby-chic, or aspires to give their home and
furnishings a truly personal touch.
There are three workshops available in total,
two covering basic skills and the third being an
opportunity to work on a personal project with
the support of the experienced team at Mon
Chic Cottage.
In Part 1 (3 hour class) you will receive an
introduction to the history of Chalk Paint™,
followed by practical tuition, giving you hands
on experience of using basic techniques. These
skills will enable you to paint in a range of
textures and finishes. A special starter pack for
40€ is available to you on the day.
Part 2 (3 hour course) teaches you the
additional skills of gilding, crackle effect,
decoupage & stencilling. All of which will
enhance your Chalk Paint™ projects. A 10%
(time limited) discount on all Annie Sloan
products is available with this course.
Part 3 (6 hour class) is an excellent
opportunity for you to apply the skills and
techniques learned in the above two courses,
by working on your own project but with the
full support and expertise of the Mon Chic
Cottage trainers, who are on hand all day to
offer help, advice, tips and support. A light
lunch is included with this course, and a
discount voucher as described above.
Mon Chic Cottage also sell Workshop Gift
Vouchers – an excellent Christmas gift idea for
the ‘crafty’ person in your life! Go to the
website for more information:
www.monchiccottage.com
or phone: 0587 779559.
BOOK NOW FOR NEW YEAR COURSES AND
START 2015 WITH AN INTERESTING NEW SKILL
Website: www.creuse-news.eu Facebook: www.facebook.com/creusenews Email: [email protected]
25
SHOPPING FOR MOBILE PHONES
I don’t know about you, but I get thoroughly
confused with mobile phones! We own ‘English’
phones (used only for trips back to the UK), we
have French mobiles both for personal and
business use……… and we have a Smartphone
(still battling to understand that one!). Recently,
I went shopping for a new phone deal and came
home thoroughly confused (to be fair I find it all
just as confusing in the UK) – the sheer volume
of technical information overwhelms me.
In the UK we usually have just two options:
Pay As You Go or Contract (which combines
a fixed term with a fixed monthly payment).
In France, many companies offer THREE choices:
CLASSIFIEDS
MAKING CONTACT
Contract (les forfaits = exactly as in the UK), Pay
As You Go (prépayé) AND Contract without fixed
term (les forfaits sans engagements).
The latter entails a monthly payment depending
on the package chosen but does not tie you
down to a 12 or 24 month commitment – you
So a good French friend took the time to explain
can stop at any time. A nice ‘middle way’, I think.
s-l-o-w-l-y. All became easy when I finally
understood the system here in France.
For sale:
Trailer. Enclosed timber trailer with sturdy tarp to
roof to ensure watertight. Drop down rear door,
spare tyre, handbrake, lighting bar. Internal
dimensions - length 3.6m, width 1.4m, height
1.15m. Price 250€. St Dizier Leyrenne area. Phone
Simon on: 05 55 64 87 91 (after 6pm) or text
0044 7722 032348.
For sale:
Kitchen table. Oval, extendable, beech or light
wood colour. 4 matching chairs upholstered with
cream seat covers. Size length 106cm extends to
135cm. Good condition. St Dizier Leyrenne area.
Price: 100€. Phone Simon on: 05 55 64 87 91 (after
6pm) or text 0044 7722 032348.
House for sale at much reduced price:
Owner returning to the U.K. Detached Bungalow
with 3 double bedrooms, large lounge, and a
conservatory overlooking large well-stocked
gardens with garden shed, workshop, and log store.
Decorated throughout and well maintained, in
excellent condition and ready to move into. Situated
5 kilometres from Benevent l'Abbaye. €125,000.
Photos on request via email to:
[email protected]
Job Lot For Sale:
Are you looking for a new business venture?
Do you have an existing shop, online store, cattery
or kennels?
Pet Stock - Over 380 items.
Images show a small selection of the products for
sale - All good quality products.
Open to offers. Any offer considered.
Please email me for a stock list.
Location: Near Le Grand Bourg, viewing welcome.
Please contact Vanessa
– [email protected]
26
Here is a useful glossary of terms:
MMS – Multi media messages – photo, music,
short film clips
SMS – Text messages.
Une forfeit mensuel - monthly contract payment
Un engagement - fixed term contract (usually
12/24 months)
Les fixes – landlines
Illimités – Unlimited
3go/5go – when written like this go = gigabyte.
Prépayé – Pay As You Go.
CUSTOMERS SEEK WELCOMING CAFÉS AND BARS
A group of keen cyclists (as featured in our
Hobbies and Interests article this month) would
like to hear from cafés and bars where they would
receive a warm welcome for their mid-ride stops
(Saturday during the winter months/ Saturdays
and Wednesdays in the spring and summer).
Sometimes this would simply be for a cuppa and
a snack, sometimes for a simple plat de jour meal.
Ideally, the venues would be in the centre, west
and north-west of the Creuse, southern Indre and
the north and north east of the Haute Vienne. If
you have an establishment that fits the bill please
contact Malcolm by email: [email protected]
COME ALONG AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS
IN THE BÉNÉVENT AREA
A group of ladies meet regularly on the third
Wednesday of every month from 2pm at Le
Colmacon Tea Rooms in Bénévent l’Abbaye (the
Tea Shop is almost directly opposite the main
doors of the church, with the entrance being
down a short flight of steps). Although some of
the ladies take along craft-work to do as they sit
and chat, an interest in crafts is not obligatory!
This is a diverse group of interesting women who
love to welcome new people – no cliquey
atmosphere here (I’ve visited myself) and lots of
help on hand as many of the ladies have lived in
France for a number of years and have lots of
advice and experience to offer. A lovely venue
(refreshments to die for, and all at reasonable
prices), and a great opportunity to make new
friends. The next meetings are on: 17th
December 14h and 21 January 14h.
For more info email: [email protected]
WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE
IN THE MOUTIER MALCARD AREA
I'm Jason, myself and my wife Alison are buying
a property to renovate near Moutier Malcard. I
work in the UK from late spring to early autumn,
and so we will be hoping to come and live at the
property for the remaining time with our two
dogs and our horse. Hopefully we will also get to
use it for the occaional summer break, work
permitting. If anyone fancies getting in touch to
chat or offer up any advice, then my email is
[email protected].
Look forward to hearing from you!
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CreuseNews
Contact us by phone: 05 53 62 93 79 or 06 35 90 85 21
O
S
AY
RD
TU 4pm
SA m N 0a
PE 1
AT H OM E. ..
Our Henley kitchen looks strikingly contemporary with cutout handles, Sheldrake dining and Salt painted walls
Create your own design ideas at French Lily Cuisines et Intérieurs SARL - by appointment
Vervaux, 23240 Saint Priest La Plaine, 05 55 80 92 91 | [email protected] | neptune.com
Please note we will be closed for Christmas from 22nd December to 5th January 2015
Legal information /information légales
Creuse News is published by / Creuse News est publié par:
A Petherick Address / siège: Lieu Dit Paradinas, 24800 Saint Paul La Roche
Siret: 511 88 22 27 00 016 ISSN: 2100 - 2630
Printed by / imprimé par:
Saxoprint EURL,23 rue Augustin Fresnel, 37170 Chambray les Tours
The Creuse News is free / Le journal Creuse News est disponible
gratuitement. Dépôt légal à parution.
All articles © 2014 Amanda Petherick unless otherwise stated.
The opinions expressed in various articles in Creuse News are not
necessarily those of the Creuse News team.
Whether its for a birthday party, wedding, dinner party, or
whatever the occasion, how about a one hour show by a
member of the Young Magicians Club - full of close up magic,
sleight of hand, mind reading, mentalism and psychology?
In English or French.
MAGIC MOMENTS
To contact Adam, call Adam: 05 55 67 52 21
Email: [email protected]
CAA
Yohann Larousse
You Buy, We Store
then Deliver to your Door
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Door to Door Deliveries
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Full/Part loads and Single Items
Professional, Reliable Service
Fully Insured
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UK’s
JANUARY SALES!
Take advantage of UK prices and quality on offer from John Lewis,
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Tel: 05 49 07 24 85
Email: [email protected]
Franglais Deliveries
SIRET: 50202166000019
Financial consultant
& Legal document help
Are you paying too much
for your insurances?
Do you need help with professional bodies
and forms?
CAA is here to assist you with all your
financial, legal personal needs.
For friendly, independent advice, please
contact us.
CAA, PeP’s 23, ZI du Cheix,
23000 la Souterraine
Taming your Social Media
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Bespoke training with hints and tips
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