JeanS

We have signed and paid the deposit the devis for some work to be done. The work specified on the devis is not going ahead instead we've agreed for the guy to do something else. However, we now don't what this guy to do anymore work. He has just finished puttiong in a new kitchen for us and has made a real bodge up. We had many heated discussions because he would not keep to the plans. So if we tell him we don't want hinm to do the work, am I correct that we'll only lose the deposit?

I was 125kmh in a 90kmh I'd was just off a dual carriageway. All the bits of paper I was given at the time are in tUK. I've paid up and now drive within the speed limits. I just wonder whatwould have happened if I'd not had a French address.

The Mazagram on the D940 from La Chatre to Gueret on the turnoff to Aigrande (36). Friday nights is couscous night. Well worth it. Nibbles to start, main course of couscous with loads of lamb and veggies all cooked in a tagine, then a big ice cream all for 14.50€ - need to book, restaurants smallish.

I thought I did mention the ban in my first post. The gendarmne who stopped me first said I couldn't drive anymore and took my licence - however because I had no other way of continuing my journey, they let me on my way but not before copius amount of forms had been completed - I think if I'd not said that I had a French house, it may have been different. They just could not understand when I requested all correspondence to be sent to my UK address. They even wanted my father's details and he's been dead for 32 yrs.Still I've now paid up and hopefully it will be the end of it. I now keep to the limits and save fuel. As other posts - I enjoy driving in France, especially where we are - no traffic, the only hold ups we have arfe when the local farmers move their cows from one field to another.

Sorry, didn't think of that.

Further to my post of 20 July. I received a recorded delivery letter to our house in France yesterday - I have to pay 282€ within 30days. If I don't pay then the fine goes up to 1500€. I've read the letters all ways and any way up. Still can't see how they can enforce the one months ban previosly given. Guess who's been keeping to the speed limit?

What a lovely dog - I'm trying to convince my partner that our 2yr.old labrador lady needs a friend. What other info.to you have for Clinton. We will be going back to the UK in October for the winter.

Just spend the morning making plum, greengage & blackberry jam ( separate not all together) I've used Saint Louis confiscue - as above the setting point is reached very quickly so I hope it vwill be OK. I made blackberry jam last week using the same branc but for gellee - didn't realise until I was throwing the packet in the bin. However the jam is OK, nice consistancy but a bit sweet. Now we've got loads of jam - still if we get short of money we can always live on bread and jam. We've got a glut of nectarines - anyone have ideas on how to preserve them other than jam.

I have the same problem - I just unplug & replug & it goes away. The English speaking client services only work from 9-5 /monday to Friday. I too had mega problems getting connected, still waiting for my compensation.

Thanks - I have sent you a pm

Any one know where I can get a wheel bearing for a Conway trailer. I'm in 36 near to Chateauroux

Oh dear - I thought that they had been abolished. We are in France until October and haven't got one. Anyone out there able to confirm if we need thjem & if so, where to we get them?

Thanks for your suggest. The problem we have is that the surface is all crinkly & bobbly. We're going to try a roller - failing that we'll just have to persevere - the pink has to go!!

I'm sure there is a thread about this. We need to paint the outside of the house. I think the walls are covered in Crepi - looks like conjealed gravy in texture. Any ideas about what is the best way to go about this. We've tried Sandtex masonery with a masonery paint brush, but it's going to take forever.

On the original question. We had a similar thing - we got bills for Tax. First I wrote and requested an extension because work had not commenced & then because of the falling pound & the rising costs, we decided to abandon the project before works started. After several letters, and a visit to the Tax office, I think it's worked.

Can you pm me details of the Franco Anglais club in Ste.Severe

Anyone know of a rambling/walking club near to La Chatre. I asked in the Mairie in Ste.Severe but they didn't know. Nothing too strenuous,

Sorry can't help with the chimney, he's a chubby lad - although he may not be by the end of his stay - the nearest McD's is 40 miles away.

You're not the only one - I'm jotting down some jobs for him to do already.

In April returned from our house in 36 I was caught in a mobile speed check. I was driving a UK registered car.At the time I was a bit distracted beause I was looking for somewhere to stop because my mum was having ab asthma attack. The gendarme insisted in taking my licence.So I handed over my photo licence - after completing many forms, they let me drive on. I called the DVLA - they confirmed that the French police have no powers to endorse a UK licence. I eventually got my licence back, they sent it to my French address 4 days after they had taken it. So beware Saturday mornings onthe main road into Tours.

Thanks Cathy. i'll give it a try - problem is he has only been learning French for a year. Still it would be a learning experience.

I will having my grandson, who is nearly 13, staying for August - the first week will be because he will have a friend, but I know once his mother goes back, he'll be bored. Has anyone a similar problem? We're near to Ste.Severe, but can travel to meet up with like-minded boys. He likes football, swimming & being glued to his PSP which we don't like him playing with during day

If you were nearer to me in 36 I'd buy it from you.

Thanks for your response - do you have to buy any different leads to plug into French sockets??    

Thanks for this - I called the local pharmacy in Ste.Severe. They're arranging for one to be delivered to me - cost: 16.45 Euros for the week. They were so helpful.  They also can arrange for other aids if needed.