Testing Time for Teens

Monday 16 June brought the beginning of the French exam season. Thousands of young students across the Limousin took the exams as well as several mature students who have returned to school to take these qualifications without which it is virtually impossible to break in to the world of work. The Baccalaureat exams are celebrating their 200th birthday this year having originally been conceived in 1808 when it was only the males of the population who were entitled to take the tests. This year the future defining results will be announced 2-4th July.

Armed Robbery at Netto

Three hooded men robbed the Netto discount supermarket in Limoges this week. On Sunday morning the manager of the store, located on avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, arrived as usual just before opening time. As he waited for the rest of the staff to arrive the three masked men, who had been lying in wait, grabbed the manager and forced him to his office. The man was forced to hand over the contents of the safe before the three thugs made their getaway. The amount taken has not been revealed but is believed to be several thousand euros. Police have launched an investigation in to the crime.

Back to Nature at Bussiere

The naturist society of Bussiere Galant in Haute Vienne is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. The club was started in 1958 by Albert Lecocq (!) who has since passed away. At the time the club was created there were very few places around where enthusiasts were able to enjoy the freedom of their interest. In 1962 the group bought a piece of secluded land to enable the members to meet and enjoy various social events without onlookers. At its peak, membership of the group amounted to around 173 members. The club also organises trips to other naturist societies throughout France.

More Escargot

Traffic ground to a halt on sections of the A20 and other key routes throughout the Limousin recently as protests continued at the continual increase in fuel prices. Taxi drivers, ambulance drivers and private citizens drove around the region at a snail’s pace as part of the ongoing ‘operation escargot’ protests.

The Driverless Car

Police patrols continued in Creuse in June as the region battled to reduce the number of drivers consuming alcohol before driving. As police waited by the roadside selecting cars at random to take part in their checks they were surprised to see one of the vehicles had two passengers but no driver. As the vehicle ground to a halt it became apparent that the 25 year old driver of the vehicle had jumped on to the knee of his passenger in a vain bid to deny he was actually in charge of the vehicle. Both the passenger and the driver were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Carbon Emission Cows

The Limousin Regional Council has set new targets to reduce the region’s carbon emissions by 2020. In a report the council claim that 43% of the Limousin’s current carbon emissions are generated by the agricultural industry with fermentation and animal flatulence being the major contributors. The authorities want to bring this figure nearer to the 27% national average. It will be very interesting to see how they propose to effect the changes!

Haute Vienne Hero

In August last year we reported on the heroic acts of 14 year old Anthony Réjasse from La Croisille sur Briance, Haute Vienne. Anthony’s quick, calm thinking and actions saved the life of a 17 year old boy working at his parent’s stables. The boy had caught fire following a freak accident but was rescued by young Anthony whose bravery was rewarded on 14 June when he received the National Order of Merit at a special ceremony. The award was originally created by General de Gaulle in 1963 to recognize outstanding acts performed by both military servicemen and civilians.

Heart Kit In Saint Mathieu

A new emergency Cardiac Defribulator has been located in the town of Saint Mathieu. This is the first time in the Limousin that this type of equipment has been to give general access. The kit is located on the Angouleme road and can be released by using a key held behind a small glass panel somewhat similar to the emergency fire buttons used in the UK.

AquaCab

A unique taxi service began on the 15th of June on the lake at Vassiviere. The taxi is working on a very simple principle: you call it and it will come and collect you and drop you at your destination completely free of charge. The operators are keen to stress it is not a sightseeing facility but an alternative means of transport to get around the area. The service will operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until the 15th September. The facility has been put in place by SY.MI.VA. (Syndicate mixte de Vassiviere) and EDF (electricite de France). To arrange a trip on the ferry call 06 78 72 32 10, for other enquiries call 05 55 69 76 70