[DSK, can we believe this?]

I find the whole thing totally bizarre. If I could afford this kind of hotel,register in my own name.I would have to have had more than a senior moment to do such a thing. If it were a sleazy hotel downtown, and registered in a false name, perhaps.

[MOT!]

Checked La Rochelle ameli web page and see that at my age (66) they offer colorectal check(done) and cardiovascular risk. No mention of MOT.

[Gratuities-Surgeons & Hospitals]

Thanks everyone-good advice as usual. As a general rule "tipping" worries me! A letter is something I had not thought of,but which I feel is a good idea and will do.

[Gratuities-Surgeons & Hospitals]

Having recently undergone an operation in hospital I wondered if it was correct/necessary to make a gift to the surgeon. Not the done thing in Britain but something at the back of my mind tells me it may be different here. Anyone any experience. Great surgeon,excellent result.

[Royal wedding live-stream puzzle...]

I notice a slight delay from the box in one room and another.

[Postal voting gripes!]

As I understand the Italians have a member of parliament for those living in Britain to look after their interests. For those who worked all their lives in the UK need someone to look after their interests-pensions etc. At the moment after 20 years, even though you are a tax payer in a country you are almost totally disenfranchised. Can't be right.

[Postal voting gripes!]

We previously lived in Wales and have received and returned our AV ballot forms.Slight niggle in that we are unable to vote in the Welsh Assembly election, which in my mind is a kind of Parliamentary election. We can vote here for the European election but not the cantonals.And after 15 years we will be disenfranchised. Needs sorting out-promises have been made but when?

[Refusing pets illegal?]

I just wonder where we stand with the law. The other point is if someone with an allergy became ill after a visit are we liable? With the best cleaning systems it's not always possible to guarantee 100% hair removal.As with a lot of laws I don't think this one has been thought through.

[Refusing pets illegal?]

Having today read an article in FPN, reminded me of the need to update our advertising for next year. The article mentions that we should ensure that pets are treated for fleas and worms ahead of their visit. Thought struck me-do we have to check the animal to the pet passport to ensure it is the same animal or do we take the customer's word? I don;t fancy buying a reader.

[Humax HD Freesat problem]

I have emailed Humax, and whilst it does not help me I am providing their reply in case it may help someone else.

Warning: these instructions will wipe your recording schedule. However you will NOT lose your already recorded programmes.

Switch OFF the Humax product from Electricity.

Disconnect the aerial cable from the Humax product.

Power On the Humax(reconnect electricity)

Press Menu.

select installation on the humax remote.

Enter your password

Select Default setting and press OK

select yes from the pop up option and press OK

Enter your password

The humax product will now go Blank and then reboot.

When the Humax logo appears switch the Humax product off,

Connect the aerial cable to the Humax

Power on the Humax product and it will automatically replace your channels.

This should fix the issues.

I have emailed again and will update if necessary.

[Humax HD Freesat problem]

I think you have the one with the hard disc, mine is the "simpler" version.It normally shows some characters and then appl, before settling on the channel.

[Humax HD Freesat problem]

Thanks again. Problem with factory reset is that to get there I need to operate menu button and then set up etc. but I can't get into the system at all.To my simple mind it sound like a processor fault or something similar.

I must say even the non HD pictures seem inferior on the Sky box.

[Humax HD Freesat problem]

Thanks for your suggestion Martin.Have got a skybox working off the the same lead from the LNB. Will try the other suggestions shortly.Have tried box "on it;s own" with no difference.

[Humax HD Freesat problem]

After 2 problem free years with my Freesat box, yesterday in an attempt to validate a line from the quad LNB to another box, I disconnected the Humax box. On re-connecting the front display panel goes into action, but then instead of the usual "appl" it carries on searching (with no on screen picture/display) and does not stop.Any suggestions?

[Dual Sim phone options?]

I have noticed there are so many available,literally thousands of Chinese on ebay and amazon. Seeing as the main brands are probably made there, has anyone bought one?

I have been tempted, but am still wary.

[Renewing a UK passport]

Hurry up, beacause of the cuts, the intention is to close the Newport passport office. The decision has been announced, but following much opposition it is now in the consultation stage.

[TRAVEL INSURANCE]

Friends who are in their middle/late 70's have asked whether it is worth having travel insurance(because of the cost) when they are covered by a UK health card.Probably not.

[Online Shopping France]

I see as well as bacon, British which they have stocked for some time,British Corner Shop can now send Beef,Lamb pies etc. to France only in chilled boxes to arrive normally within 24 hours but will keep fresh for several days.

[Make it 4 'D's please!]

....and a lot more natural vitamin "D" to keep us happy!

[Hospitalisation.]

I came out of hospital last week-not an emergency admittance, but was given a sealed envelope addressed to my registered doctor, which contained so I am told details of my operation and treatment.,

[Too Much Rose-Tinting in the magazine?]

Quite. These magazines exist to whet the appetite. and for a number of people who enjoy reading articles on France. Some are dreamers and do no more about it.II don' think they are meant for those who intend making a life changing decision.

[More Telly advice sought.....]

I understand the red button is soon to be enhanced on Freesat.

[Too Much Rose-Tinting in the magazine?]

Agree entirely.We previously lived near the coast in Wales. Saw no end of retirees being entranced in the summer, and then feeling isolated in the winter-finally returning home.I think the old suggestion of renting wherever you would like to live for at least 6 months off season is a good idea.

[Washing Machines (Yes I know it's a boring subject)]

Bought Indesit from Darty. Free delivery,at time specified,installed, clean, problem free. Worked in gite for 2 years with absolutely no problems.

[Longer Stays in France for early retirees - Info please!]

I have heard, don't know if it is true, that ferry companies make their passenger lists available to the tax authorities.