IanSue

Perhaps you can include a foreward on how to post onto a forum correctly without assuming that other members only pick one section to read. Your request should have been made once in the Post Bag Ian

Cannot comment on what may have bitten you but I got several bites this year from what I can only describe as a horse fly. They seem to love me for desert especially when I am hot and bothered after mowing the lawn! These bring up a bite that is some 1" in diameter and it is very hard to the touch. Lasts about 3 days then goes. To stop the itching I have found an application of my wifes Primrose Oil Cream she uses on her hands does the trick very well. My wife found that by applying neat vinegar to a mossie bite straight away gets rid of the sensation of being bitten and it seemed to have vanished by the next morning. Ian

There have been instances in the past where users have received threats and unsavory mail from details recorded in the profiles. At the time the recomendation from other users was to remove personal details. I agree this is a shame, but unfortunatly this is the world in which we live. Perhaps we should all consider using the inbox feature provided a little more! Ian

I suffer the same. However in The Sunday Times yesterday, Style supplement under Alternative Medicine it suggested taking Vitimin B1 for 2 weeks before your visit and continue taking throughout the visit. Evidently this has a good success rate and one I intend to use this year. In doors I have one of those plug in mosquitoe deterrents and had no problem whilst indoors last year. Hope this helps Ian

Giles If you click on the link that is contained in the Email you will be directed straight to the topic Ian

As you are using an agent to buy your property they will 'hold your hand' as far as registering your services if you ask. Make sure you have a French Bank Account - the agent will help if you need it. The Electric and Water and sometimes the Insurance will automatically be transferred over to you as the new owner. Get the agent to help in ensuring all bills are paid direct from your bank account with the actual bill being forwarded to your UK address. You will receive the bill generally 5 - 7 days before the debit takes place ( they actually send it out earlier but it has to get over the channel first ). Do not ever let your French Bank account go overdrawn so remember to keep it topped up on your visits. If you are thinking of having a telephone installed or taking an existing service over, please bear in mind that you cannot do this until AFTER you have completed and France Telecom will always give you a new telephone number. Otherwise the comments above also apply. Good luck and hope the above helps Ian

Hi Over the past months quite a number of you have taken the plunge and moved lock stock and barrel to France. It would be of great interest to hear how you all got on. I do not mean a copy of the threads relating to 'what we miss' etc but from a more factual, informative point of view. For example, did you move into the country / village / town? how did the move go? how are the neigbours? how did the children settle in school? did the pets(cats, dogs, horses, chickens etc) settle down? are you still glad you made the move? is there anything you would have done differently? what little unexpected things did you encounter? I am sure there are many lessons we could all learn from your experiences especially for those of us who hope to follow in your shoes next year. Thanks Sue