Judith-aka-Judith

Idun, you were young, which helps, and some, sadly never do get languages. I had the grammar, but not the spoken, so I make mistakes, but it was when I plodded on and decided that no matter how hard I tried to get it right (and it often was) people knew I was not French, that I decided to just speak and say  s**d 'em.  It works.  As you say, they rather like the accents we seem to speak in. Mignon - yes!

Idun, thanks for that updated document. Happily it does not change our situation ... for which I am most grateful!

[quote user="pomme"]Pensioners holding and S1 have the same rights to NHS services as anyone who is ordinarily resident in England (I assume there are similar regulations for the other UK countries). The relevant information is in the DHSS document: Guidance on implementing the overseas visitor charging regulations 6.3 The following exemption categories may apply to those who are not ordinarily resident in the UK: • Regulation 13 – UK pensioners resident in the EEA: UK pensioners who are resident in another EEA member state are exempt from charge for all relevant services, including elective treatment, provided that they have registered an S1 document in that member state. See Chapter 9 for more about this exemption para 9.58 (page 81) of the DHSS document Guidance on implementing the overseas visitor charging regulations UK pensioners living in another EEA country In April 2015, there was a change in law which meant that all UK state pensioners who are living in the EEA or Switzerland and have registered an S1 form from the UK with the local authorities in their EEA country of residence are entitled to not be charged for relevant services, just like someone who is ordinarily resident in England. This rule also applies to any of their family members who also possess a UK-issued S1. However, they will need to pay any charges which also apply to UK residents, such as prescription and dental charges. Individuals who have registered a UK S1 in another EEA country should be asked to provide some evidence confirming this. If they present a UK-issued EHIC, their EHIC information should not be entered into the portal for reimbursement. Regulation 13 of the Charging Regulations concerns this category of patient This is a short link t.ly/y5NMb and this is the original link to the document https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/767905/guidance-on-implementing-the-overseas-visitor-charging-regulations.pdf[/quote] Thanks Pomme, I knew there was a document somewhere!  (Been in hospital for a relatively minor op, so had better things to worry about than finding the doc!). Which is why I was happy to do what I needed to do when I needed to use the NHS services last year ...

Norman, may I also add my congratulations.  As a long time inhabitant of France, who, contrary to one poster's opinion, does know France very well indeed, and who has been a fount of knowledge for many years on this forum, I understand why you have done this.  With no intention of ever returning to your homeland, and why should you, with no ties to pull you back probably, taking the decision you have is totally understandable. As you know, I know the city where you live, and yes, it might score higher than some on whatever scale the statisticians decide is of the moment, but it has grave problems, plus an active and mobile population which was not born in France.  You have not only been here for years, but I know your life is here in France, and I can see that taking French nationality is right for you. Like Idun, I decided when this latest debâcle started that even though I was sure I could pass the French and other tests, it was not for me, I do not feel French and never will, and I retain family ties in the UK. But I am pleased that you are now secure in your chosen place.  Well done!

Idun, yes, I maybe didn't make myself clear.  An S1 pensioner would be treated freely in hospital  / GP etc, if it were needed as an emergency, such as my lack of tablets, or an accident.  I agree, it does not mean that you could schedule a routine operation to be done by the NHS, and I am really not sure why anyone living in France would do that ... as you are likely to be seen and treated much more quickly here [cf, just back from a 2 night stay in hospital for a an op on my leg ... scheduled during my appointment with the surgeon 2 weeks ago, it is highly unlikely that NHS treatment would be so quickly scheduled!].

Cathar Tours, if you are on an S1 with the UK being your "paying" country for healthcare, this also entitles you to free healthcare in the UK as a UK pensioner ... and this has been confirmed that it will continue, as will the EHIC. I understand that come the real Brexit you should carry a copy of your S1 [or in our case E121 as our arrival here pre-dates the arrival of the S1] in the UK though whether the powers that be in the NHS will know this remains to be seen. I have the quoted ref somewhere, if I could be bothered to go and find it. Last year I had to get a repeat prescription made up, because I'd had to stay longer than anticipated, and all it took was a visit to see a GP so that they could write a prescription for it, as a copy of my French prescription which I had with me would not work.  In fact, when I signed on as that was the only way, they found my old NHS record .. and knowing the above, I just said I was on holiday [GP didn't blink an eyelid on seeing my French prescription, and she knew I was not resident] .  Given my age I even got the prescription free, first time ever as I'd left the UK just before my 60th birthday, the only problem with it was the fact that the post code had changed and hadn't been update on one system, but it had on another!  Once sorted I got my tablets OK.

Mint, So very true.  OH came 2005, I came in 2008, and having done my research on the whole, knew that a CdS "could" be requested, but was indeed no longer mandatory.  So, like you, we did not bother.  As you say, so very many more things which had to be done not only took precedence, and grateful, even if we did not think it, that it didn't need to be done, in fact, did not even enter upon the list of things to be done. Just kept up to date with changes required, and acted when necessary.  CdS obtained in August 2018, in the holiday lull, and before absolute panic set in.  I have still not signed up to change it, and will not rush, even when the replacement system comes live in July.  Let it get its gremlins out of the way first, as for us it should be a simple change. So far, I have used it just once for ID when I did not have my passport with me.

Cassie, ) If you have followed through on the removing yourself from the UK tax system - regardless that your income comes from the UK, you pay tax here and should have formalised your exit - that is proof that you have left.  They were happy to have the attestation of the house purchase, but it was too old for their purposes. 2) French impots, memory tells me that it is the annual form you get once  you start declaring, they want 5 years.  Cannot remember whether they wanted French bank accounts, I think not, and certainly did not want UK ones. What they did want is proof of continuing receipt of pensions, so letters awarding pensions ... ie that your income is secured into the future.  They did not ask for full translations, so I just translated the relevant bits, so they understood that. And amounts.  3) Carte vitales are sufficient.  As mutuelles are not obligatory, they cannot ask for them. You will need also to provide 6mthly bills from memory EDF / water/ telephone bills .. they can be a combination .. for 5 years.  This also proves you are resident .. They were not interested in our UK bank accounts, if you are filling in the French tax forms correctly, you will  have reported these, and they can find this out if they need. Usual proofs of ID, marriage etc (sometimes they want translations though they are not supposed to need them). Hope that helps.  It's a while since I did ours, and I have not yet applied via the new form.  Both retired and here 10 years or over, with only UK finance and  healthcare like you.  We got 10 year cards.

I have several slow cookers, of various ages and sizes.  Some are much speedier than others, so you need to check how things cook before you leave one alone for a long time.  I have come back to find some things burnt, others hardly cooked.  I now know which one to use when.  But couldn't live without one. 

ChessieWhy not use tinned salmon and mayonnaise to make a nice creamy paste .. having read the ingredients, just in case?  Or even tartare sauce (with the same proviso), nice and tasty that one.

Idun said: but my argument was that sometimes one has to drive, put one's foot down, and in fact speed to avoid  an incident. I totally agree Idun, and yes, sounds like we were brought up with the same teacher. There is, of course, a total difference in driving at speed always and that done when overtaking or getting out of a jam.  And of course, I have been known to drive below the speed limit if safety precludes ... like in today's downpours ...

Idun, your post about wandering foot drivers, which I find I can easily become if trying to stick rigidly to the speed limit ... is very apt.  Better to speed a little to overtake and get beyond the problem.   And then reduce to the correct speed, it goes without saying.  It is much easier to follow someone who is driving smoothly, even if a little below the limit, but interestingly you do not realise that, it is only when you follow the two differnt types of driver that the contrast puts it all into perspective. What I do find is that the drivers who try not to exceed the speed limit in normal travel are unable to speed up a little to overtake any obstruction.  It is better to speed a little to get around the obstruction, be it a slow tractor, or a wandering foot car, and get out of the danger zone which is called overtaking, as soon as possible, then return to your normal speed within the limit or so for onwards driving.

[quote user="ericd"]Being French is best ...... you can visit Turkey without needing a Visa ![/quote] But I have no wish to visit Turkey - ever - so that one doesn't hold water, for me!! 

Yes, haven't stayed in one recently, but they have been overtaken by events in hotellerie which they have not followed.  Certainly many were out of date, not the best beds and bedding, food was usually the better offering of the two, welcome variable, and opening hours (to receive you) limited.  Of course there would always be some bright sparky examples around but they were few and far between.  I suspect they will need a little more than rebranding to make it work, new owners, new thought processes ...but you can find them in useful smaller places where other chains do not go.  So let's hope for the best.

I think it was later than that, says middle ages, when celibacy was introduced, something to do with Medici pope[s] who had children on the side ...

In the 70's and up to the 90's we travelled much the same way, though arrived earlier in the afternoon to find a hotel.  Whilst many small hotels still remain, their comfort and quality (though probably not true of their food which is usually still good), may not be what you have become used to.  Nothing wrong with the IBIS / campanile chains and they are widely spread, but yes, cheaper to book in advance ... didn't use any guidebooks way back then. Logis always good too, they can be searched online too. Be prepared for more traffic on all roads than before, and holiday seasons, plus special events (yes, we had to sleep once in the car - hit the tour de France without realising, and without pre-booking), but if you avoid the very popular spots out of season it is usually possible.  I wouldn't these days, however, now stay in some of the places we found these days ... I like my comfort too much, and cost is less of an issue these days too. Don't ignore B&B's, they can often be found in more out of the way places and probably not full out of season unless in very popular spots. Looking out for signs on the roadside can be a pointer to a good place too (if they still exist - some signs never get taken down!). Yes, take roaming off when not using it, and only put it on to look for your overnight accommodation and then off again.  Booking.com can be a life saver if you struggle, but your own 'nounce' can be just as good sometimes. Good luck.

 THat doesn't look like a genuine Ameli add to me.

Indeed, Idun, but few and far between.  I must admit, it is the one thing that few continentals get right, and I have given up trying to get a decent cup of tea outside the house here in France (other than in other English places of course!!).

 Thanks, Nick.  And I could still show where it used to be!  It is still possible to find good fish and chips, but it was not just the food but the whole ambiance that worked.  I know we visited with London friends when were in conference in Harrogate once in the 90's, and even then it was not a patch on when went in the 60's.  (or was it even 50's, but it certainly would not have changed much in those decades.)  Only difference to your Whitby one .. not a mug of tea - a proper pot, with hot water to adjust .. never see that theses days!

Even the French are not always welcomed, if they did not grow up in the village ... our nearest French friends (as opposed to just neighbours) were not brought up here, though they are  living in her grandparents house ... they say that they are never fully accepted in spite of living in the family house.

Harry Ramsden's, long ago franchised, but best fish 'n chips in't north .... actaully at Guiseley, mate, half way between Leeds and Bradford, and as I was brought in a village down the road nearer to Guiseley than either Leeds or Bradford, I can say that for sure.  In fact, in those days, my dentist was there. Christmas treat after panto in (dare I say it Bradford, Leeds was not the city then that it is now), was fish and chips at Harry Ramsden's on the way home, tea, bread and butter and all.  And for us children, a present from the tree.Lovely old restaurant, high ceiling, a child's paradise!  Proper waitress service and all, black and white outfits. ... in the 60's is when I am describing this. Visited it about 10-15 years ago when I was back in the area ... not a patch on it .. and I think it's now gone the way of many.  In the old days it was also a proper take away fish shop too, which of course, is where it all started in that very building.

In our street, a nice lady I sometimes stop and chat to, and was so doing one day when another neighbour, male, who is usually chatty and even bises me now, walked past and ignored us ... there are only 6 houses on our bit of the street, so they must live almost opposite each other.  After he'd gone, she said, he is her brother-in-law (from memory, certainly relation by marriage), but he does not like her so never acknowledges her.  He bised me the next time he saw me when she was not there, so not me, thankfully.  Lots of stories like that in our village (c2000 souls), nor will this village support anything in the next village (basically you go out of one into the next, but change depts too) and vice versa!  You could not make it up .. French village life under the surface is not always very nice at all.

Mint, I hear what you say - yes, indeed, and there's the rub.  People just are not taught these days to think for themselves, and make up their own minds.   Hence the cults of celebrity by those not before really worthy of the name, "the don't want to stand out from the crowd", etc so herd instinct be it from family or peers matters not.  That's what I meant .... and for once in my life I voted against my usual instincts as I want to see a difference ... and this year it is possible as our constituency is currently much more open than it has been for years. And since my proxy vote has already been decided I don't watch the politicians' (correct use of the apostrophe, I hope!) debates and news any more, I hear enough from listening to the radio headlines as I work.

Indeed, quite frankly, a computer could hardly do worse that those who vote mindlessly, voting exactly as they've done every year they've voted,  "because my father / husband / mother etc etc voted that way"!!!

"What is the point of registering to vote ?" Because people died so that you / we might be able to vote ... whether or not it will make any difference is not the point.  I shall be very upset when my time here means I can no longer vote.  And yes, my proxy was organised last week.