Redcap

Thanks Pucette for reply, had quick look at Wanadoo Assistance, and will work through problems, if I can get my wife to help translate! I would still like to know if anyone has been able to eradicate their PC of Wanadoo Espace software?  I like to be able to connect directly to the net without having all the carry on with Wanadoo's icons etc! Regards, Bob

[quote]BobI don't know if the same applies in France however, I have ADSL here in the UK and the phone number that it is shown in my dial up is 0000000 (7 zeroes) - the area code is left blank.As ADSL is alw...[/quote] Hello david, Thanks for your reply, I think that was how my broadband connection went in UK, can't remember if the numbers were all 0000's though.  With the wanadoo Fr broadband, it seems that I am stuck with their connection software at present.  It is causing all sorts of probs, mainly the e-mail as mentioned earlier.  There must be something in the registry that keeps telling it to create a new e-mail account every time I start Outlook Express.  Also, every time I fire up from standby, the system crashes.  It's causing me to to go and have another drink! Come on techies help me get rid of Wanadoo's crap software so I can get back to surfing the net! regards, Bob

[quote]I also use Wanadoo though with Outlook rather than Outlook Express. I have had the duplicate (blank) account problem once or twice. I don't know if it is a Wanadoo or Windows issue.One think I have ...[/quote] Hi Redcap here! Question, can I set ADSL/broadband configurations manually? Having just signed up with Wanadoo Broadband (or ISDN, not sure the difference)in Dep22, I'm having problems with Outlook Express & Wanadoo.  It seems similar to many on various forums, duplicate accounts being generated each time I reconnect to OE, and asking for P/W for this account.  I had managed to change my e-mail address to one of my choosing, and as long as you reconfigure OE to the new e-mail address all seems OK. I know with dial up you can set the configuration yourself, but how can I do this with ADSL, I have checked the account/options etc, but cannot find the telephone number needed.  Can one configure ADSL/broadband manually, or do we have to use the installation disk provided, which puts all that junk on the system! Any advice greatly appreciated as slowly going nuts!! Regards, Bob

Hi from Redcap! We were faced with a swarm of houseflies when we arrived at our house in 22 last month. They were all at the north facing bedroom window, in the shutter voids and almost covered the window.  Vacum and spray saw them off, but when I went into the attic a week or so later there was nests of them in all corners!  We decided to get the local pest control in and they have been up there with a ghostbuster gun spraying a chemical that will also kill the eggs and larvae.  It was not cheap but they have guaranteed to come back and repeat the treatment for free should the problem re occur.  If the area is not treated with chemicals that destroy the eggs and larvae, then no matter that you think you have got rid of the flies, they will return in the spring. Regards, Bob(22)

Hi from Redcap! I've been meaning to try and find this out for a couple of weeks now.  Although we have landline now, I still have my UK mobile for emergencies (until we get time to find a French mobile), and really don't know what to dial.  Being ex police you'd think I would know, but I'm only used to responding to them not calling them!!  Anyone else to confirm the 112 number? Regards, Bob(22)

Hi from Redcap! We asked at our Mairie, and they said 'don't need one as of July 04 when they received the directive'.  Even though we said we really would like one, seems they are quite happy as it's less work for them!  They photocopied the relavant directive for us, as wife questioned the need for one when she applies for a job. We intend to pop into a job agency such as Manpower and ask them if they will insist on CDS.  regards, Bob            

[quote]......being from a military background it goes without saying that I wanted to attend Sorry Bob but that is not really, always the case is it. My Father and some of his mates, all old soldiers...[/quote] Hi Miki, I do know where you are coming from. I understand why many ex service do not attend, I went through a stage for some years when I refused to attend or even watch the ceremonies on TV.  I joined the Army at 15 yrs, now at 49, I've finished 30yrs (police & army), and now at last in France!  I never experienced anything like the things that our fathers/grandfathers did, though I've had a slight taste.  I now go again, not for me, but because I still greatly respect what they all did whether they wanted to or not.  I feel we should not forget.   As for present day, (Iraq etc) well again we have young people in the forces looking for action and excitement and only too willing to go.  When they are older, they will realise how they have been used!  When all the captured terrorists have been released as part of a peace treaty!!  (Sounds familiar?) Regards, Bob

Hi!, We have only been in our village for 3 weeks, being from a military background it goes without saying that I wanted to attend the local ceremony.  My wife and stepson (13) attended at the Mairie, then followed the small procession of flags to the church where most of the others were already inside.  Following the church service we then followed the flags out to the memorial next to the church for speeches by the Maire after which a short walk to the cemetary and then back to the village hall where we had a drink. Following this the 65 and overs were treated to a meal.  We then went on to some French friends for drinks etc. Having only been in the community for 3 weeks, it was an excellant way to meet the local people, and I beleive they were pleased to see us as a family attending. Regards, Bob

[quote]"I cannot see why someone would be offering to translate lenthy documents free of charge? Am I missing something here?" I emailed this person, whose name is Megan Owen, to ask how and why she offers...[/quote] Hi! What about security?  You are sending a complete stranger personal information, what is being done with it? Regards, Bob

[quote]Could anyone tell me if there is an alternative to a liner. We have dug out to a depth of about 1 metre and although there is quite a lot of clay at the bottom, it is very rocky. I would prefer not t...[/quote] Hi, I'm no expert but have a look at the possibility of creating a clay lining.  It's called 'puddling' not sure about spelling, basically you import clay into the  hole and the fltten it by treading it down with your feet, (not bare feet I think!) Exactly how it's done I don't know, but if you Google you should find some info.  The other option mat be concrete. Regards, Bob

[quote]>>.Most 'british' cars which have run out of road tax are still insured, either in the UK or here

[quote]There are many online translation services some better than others. However, I have come across one where a professional translator will produce a precise translation at no cost to you via email. ht...[/quote] Hi from Redcap, I cannot see why someone would be offering to translate lenthy documents free of charge? Am I missing something here? Nobody does anything for nothing, except on LF!  Perhaps I will email him my house deeds that we have just received, I wonder if they will be translated and back to me within 7 days!?  Sorry, but I just can't see what's in it for him. As for reverso, I think it's miles better than Babelfish. Regards, Bob (22)

[quote]You state in your post that the pond is going to be large, what size do you actually mean? The depth of pond and size are important depending upon what you plan to do with it. Are you adding fish, i...[/quote] Hello from Redcap! Been off the forum for 3 weeks due to move to France. Now settling in to our house.  We have a large pond, about 30m X 20m with a small island.  It is as far as I can tell a natural pond with clay bottom, has some drainage tubes at one end which drains into a ditch in next field.  The house has been empty for9 years, so we were surprised to see that there are fish living in the pond.  We have seen 3 large (about 1 - 1 1/2ft), and a shoal of smaller fish.  Not sure what they are, the big fish had white mouths (lips).  How are these fish surviving?  We threw some bread in but they were not really that interested! Not sure if I did the right thing, but felt it needed a clean up around the edges, so raked out a load of stagnent roots and stuff.  he water is quite clear except when it rains or I rake something out! Regards,   Bob

[quote]You state in your post that the pond is going to be large, what size do you actually mean? The depth of pond and size are important depending upon what you plan to do with it. Are you adding fish, i...[/quote] Hello from Redcap! Been off the forum for 3 weeks due to move to France. Now settling in to our house.  We have a large pond, about 30m X 20m with a small island.  It is as far as I can tell a natural pond with clay bottom, has some drainage tubes at one end which drains into a ditch in next field.  The house has been empty for9 years, so we were surprised to see that there are fish living in the pond.  We have seen 3 large (about 1 - 1 1/2ft), and a shoal of smaller fish.  Not sure what they are, the big fish had white mouths (lips).  How are these fish surviving?  We threw some bread in but they were not really that interested! Not sure if I did the right thing, but felt it needed a clean up around the edges, so raked out a load of stagnent roots and stuff.  he water is quite clear except when it rains or I rake something out! Rewgards,   Bob

Hello from Redcap!! i know this is an old post, but I said I would let you know how I got on taking the 7.5t hire van as non freight with BF.  We booked online, and wnet through without so much as a second glance!  A great crossing, and my mates had no problem bringing the van back. Now we are finally resident in cloudy St Barnabe, only just got phone line a few days ago.  Great!! Rewgards,   Bob

[quote]Can anyone give us any advice on regulations regarding smoke alarms? Are they a legal obligation here and if so what are the must dos and donts? I tried discussing this with our neighbours but they ...[/quote] Glad you mentioned them, never had a fire but have always had them fitted, something else to add to my 'last minute list'! As for open fires, I think you can get alarms that can be tuned, so they are not so sensitive, usually for kitchens I believe. Regards, Bob

[quote]I own a steamer and have used it successfully on plastered brick/block walls. After one experience with stripping plasterboard I would say that you will have to be very careful not to damage the skim ...[/quote] Hi, I've been reading through some info on painting over wallpaper, from what I've read it appears that one should not try painting over vinyl paper as it is intended to resist anything sticking to it. I have no personal experience in this, just what I read as I think the paper in our kitchen is vinyl.  Have you actually painted it yet? Regards, Bob

I have found BMW owners to be of the same mould! Arrogant and full of themselves, but that's my personal opinion.  Others may disagree!!  And yes, if I wanted one, I could go out and buy one, if I don't mind waiting, but I have better things to spend my money on! Regards, Bob  (now lets not get mad!!)

sorry it's not the reply you were perhaps waiting for Janice, but I will shortly have to tackle removing loads of wallpaper from plasterboard walls.  I have never had to do this before (from plasterboard that is), I doubt that I could use a steamer, and would have to be careful with scourer/knife, and excess water. Am I right or being too worried? Any tips re this greatly appreciated!   Regards, Bob

I'm divorced & remarried, so the way I see it is that my kids now have 2 bites of the cherry.  They have their mother who owns a house and has her own assets (mostly proceeds from divorce! oops sorry!)  So they inherit twice, that would not happen if we had stayed together, so they will not do too bad. Regards, Bob (who's daughter waited until he reitires from police, before announcing her wedding!!! I wonder why!)

I don't want to sound like a miserable git, but one of the reasons I'm moving to France is to get away from the noise, neighbours constant disco music, cars revving up etc, and fireworks!  Here in Leicester, it's fireworks fireworks fireworks!  We have fireworks at bonfire night for weeks before and days after.  We have fireworks at Divali, we have them at other Asian celebrations, new year, university's always letting them off.  Now, becoming more common are partys any day of the week into the small hours.  There are now even home delivery vans, you think I'm joking! Organised displays are great, but just like so many other things, they are getting out of control! People with too much money to waste, why do you think the Government has had to bring in controls, not that they will be very enforceable! People that set these things off at all hours have no respect for other people's rights.  Go on have a go back, I don't care, it's my opinion! Regards, Bob  

Hi, I think you will find that having the wrong address on your UK licence does not make it invalid, it is a separate offence.  It is not a traffic offence it's basically failing to notify etc etc, but it does not invalidate the licence or insurance.  I forgot to notify a change of address for 5 years, I changed to a photo card licence this year no trouble.  What one should do is get acquainted with your rights and then stick by them, French police are not particulary well clued up, and if I'm sure I'm right I'll take it all the way, to someone who does know what they are talking about. I hope it never happens! Regards, Bob

What your bank probably means is that you cannot transfer the cash by phone or online, you will need to go to a branch and complete forms (money laundering regs). Consider using currency houses such as HIFX, but allow a couple of days to get registered with them,you can do it online but still have to sign a form etc.  Once registered, you can then phone them each day to find out the current rate, which depends on how much you are transferring, whether it is a 'spot' transaction or a 'forward' transaction.  All is explained on their website, as it is on any of the other companies. Regards, Bob

Hi, Whilst I agree with most, if not all that has been said in favour of changing, I seem to recall that by doing so one loses their entitlement to drive anything above 3.5 ton (if that).  So my entitlement to drive a 7.5t van goes out of the window; correct me if I'm wrong.  I accept that I may never need to drive one again once here, but still, it's something being taken away from me that I don't like. As we plan to be resident full time with no other plans, I am happy to do everything the French way and will no doubt in time change my licence (probably when I get points!).  However, if I get a CDS, then it will be later rather than sooner.  It also costs money I believe to change(buy) a French licence. Regards, Bob  

[quote]John You are absolutely correct. My reticence in posting the link from whence I obtained the information is in fact from a site that may be regarded as a "competitor" . Therefore I have no intention ...[/quote] Hi David, Whilst I understand your concern over mentioning other forums, (which a great many of us also use, you'll never guess if I am on another one as I go by the name of Rob!!).  I do not see how admin can 'do you' if you have good relevant info to the question asked, you are not advertising.  Don't name the other forum if it worries you, but how about letting us know if you have specific info on this as I have just changed to UK photo card in anticipation of moving because as far as I am aware, one does not need to exchange for French unless points are added/deducted. Regards, Bob