Deimos

[quote user="powerdesal"]So what did you plant Deimos?  I have read that Eucalyptus (the C variety ?) is a good firewood tree and fast growing, better than one meter per year, it can also be coppiced. [/quote] Ash, alder, a species of faster growing Oak and one other I cannot remember.  I also went for closer to 6m appart and random as I intend to cut them for logs (heating) and thus they are unlikely to get to grow into fil sized trees.  It is quite a damp field yet the Oaks seem happy enough (though I did plant them in the higher bits of the field).  Mostly fast growing stuff. Ian

A couple of years ago I wanted to convert just under a hectare of "prairie" (weeds) into a forest (for wood for heating in the future). I did not want the lines of evenly spaced trees you see around. Got a professional in to advise on what trees would do best and grow fast in the soil. He just could not understand why I would not plant straight lines of evenly spaced Peuplier. His reason is that in 20 years I could sell the lot and get some money (plus the soil was well suited). I did not go with his suggestion (and persuaded him to come up with some ideas closer to what I was looking to do) but I got the distinct impression that you plant the trees (8 or 10m spacing, in straight lines, etc., leave them for 20/25 years then sell the trees. The deal being you sell them "as is" - buyer cuts and collects so you don't even have to cut them down. It must be worthwhile (or grants available) as I keep seeing new patches of land being planted in the way as others are cut down. Ian

I actually responded to Coop's post but is seems to have disappeared (and I've had no notifications or anything. What is going on ? Am I not allowed to respond or is FA threatening me with being banned again ? How can I appreciate rules, etc. when nobody (management wise) tells anybody (user wise) what is happening ? Ian

[quote user="Russethouse"]Deimos, People usually post their own experiences, which may be different to yours, if you think that something that is 'written in stone' has been misrepresented by another forum member there is nothing to stop you correcting them, but its not productive to choose not to and then moan about it IMHO. [/quote] When DEFRA write their procedures it has little to do with my experiences. My experiences are irrelevant - what DEFRA regulations are is what is important. I moan when there are already loads of threads containing correct information and somebody decides to start another and post misleading information. Why not just leave the existing correct information. Also, if people don't know, then why do they post wrong answers - wrong not being "differing from my experiences" but wrong in terms of not matching regulations. For example, when somebody says "A dog cannot get a Pet Passport until it is 6 months old" that is not their experience it is just wrong and gives incorrect information to other people - nothing to do with my own or anybody elses' experience. Maybe for Archant giving correct information is not important (i.e. just write anything - does not matter about truth/accuracy) Another good reason to moan is when you then post correct information (i.e. what the regulations actually say), you then have to post gawd knows how many further posts justifying, arguing, etc. it - for example this post. I think that the management of this forum has driven most knowledgeable posters away so what information is left is "ropey" at best. As I said in another area, posting information here is just too hard and no fun (in fact its a real drag) - so goodbye. I was stupid to come back and realise my error now. It was only because somebody on another forum mentioned some going ons on DS I bothered to have a look. RH - your pointed post has finally pointed out that I should not be here - so many thanks. Ian

[quote user="Panda "] This is not life or death, it's just a space where people can exchange views and banter, I really struggle with the whole conspiracy issues raised from time to time, I want to scream so what, some rubbish exchanged between people who don't know each other 'might have been' compromised. [/quote] It may not be "life and death" but many people ask real and important questions. Sometimes they act on the advice given - which if it is wrong can cause them significant problems. Hypothetical question "I've moved full time and live in France but I'm British. Do I need to pay tax"; hypothetical answer "just keep your head down and you should not need to pay anything to the French"; end result "French bank accounts frozen, fines, prosecution, etc.". Hypothetical question "I want to convert my attic, do I need planning permission", etc. etc. Some aspects of the forum are important (or can be used in a significant manner) and this is a responsibility posters need to remember. Ian

With regard top the original question, there is a good online store for camping stuff http://www.au-vieux-campeur.fr/gp/. I have used them before, ordering with a card over the telephone and it was good, worked well. No idea how they work with things like cloths and shoes where one might not be unsure of the size and never done any price comparisons.  I tend to only use online places when I already know exactly what I want (or it is such standard stuff that there is really little choice between brands/models/etc.) Ian

I tend to find "Go Sport" quite a lot better. Not sure how widespread through France they are but they have an outlet in the shopping centre on the N138 just on the north side of Le Mans (plus another in Tours). They have a slightly wider range of sports than e.g. Intersport. Ian

[quote user="cooperlola"]Decathlon's own brand is "Quecha" (sp?)[/quote] I thought they had quite a few "own brands" - Quencha, Tribord, something with a W logo (italic) that I cannot remember and have never kept one long enough so I cannot go and look to check). I think their "own brand" depends on the product/sport. For example, all sailing stuff is Tribord (and most diving stuff as well). Ian

Personally I don't like Decathelon. Most of the stuff they seems to sell is low cost/low quality own brand. they do sell some other better quality makes but normally very limited range (varies according to what you are looking for). In some "departments" its own brand or nothing. I'm not a brand snob bit on the few occasions I have done with Decathelon own brand the quality has turned-out terrible ("you get what you pay for") - so no more. Whilst some things are not a bit issue, when away from home (walking or sailing or something) one really does not want things to start falling apart. That said, I've yet to find decent "outdoor" shops. The few I have found are poor. for example, Aigle's own shops have a useless range (they don't stock most of Aigle's range - though the shops are very trendy). Other sports shops (e.g. Intersport) seem to focus on things like football, tennis, etc. Ian

Sorry I don't know about guitar teachers, nor your area. However, try asking in your local music shop. When I was looking for a piano teacher the local music shop had a resident one (resident a few days each week), plus resident guitar teachers, etc. However, they also had lists of "independent" teachers. Ian

Love them. A meal in themselves. Great with Cottage Cheese (except I have not seen that in France), also with pineapple. They go with loads of things or just by themselves. Ian

I tend to find MeteoFrance a bit pessimistic about the weather. Normally not too bad just they always say it is going to be a bit worse than it turns out to be. Ian

I agree about the accuracy of fr.weather.com. Also I have found http://www.lafranceagricole.fr/index.php?menu=meteo&prevision=jour&page=METEO_DEPARTEMENTALE_POPUP&departement=72 pretty accurate on rainfall. I don't know where they get the data from (and its a max of a few days) but they give the amount of rain expected each day and seems quite accurate (for weather forecasts). I used to use Accuweather but they were not very accurate. Ian

I tend not to overuse the Mairie route. Thus, on the very few occasions I have they have suggested somebody, telephoned them and got them round that day to start work !! (though both times it was for smaller things not really more than a day). I'm sure doing this often would soon cause the local artisans to get pi**ed off and I'd probably not see them again. Asking the previous owners (if possible) might be a good idea as I've found artisans who have turned-up for me seem very proud to tell me which bits of my house they have worked-on before. One thing is you will probably find the "artisan experience" quite frustrating but it's "a France thing". They seem to turn up to look pretty quickly, can be quite a struggle to get a quote from them and then the fun really starts. They all seem to have more than enough work and very full order books. Thus, expect to wait (6 months plus - and don't be surprised if it is 1yr plus). Ian

Probably depends on how much how often. If very large amounts every few years the costs of a standard bank transfer become trivial compared to the amount (e.g. £10 or £25 makes little difference). However smaller amounts more often (e.g. monthly for living off) then the cost of the transfer can become a bit more. Another consideration might be where and how you get the Euros. The rate you achieve could make the transfer costs trivial, but what you can get will depend on the amounts being transferred. I tend to do larger amounts less often and use a currency exchange company with dynamic rates (based in London). They charge me £25 to transfer the money to France, but they transfer Euros and those Euros are got at a very good rate - hence the transfer costs are trivial and more than made up for by the exchange rate achieved. Sorry - no real answers, just things to consider. Ian

A tattoo is a French thing. I (and others I think) had assumed that you were based in France and dealing with a French vet (rather than living in the UK and asking about a UK vet). Ian

The procedures for visiting the UK are not complex but must be followed correctly. 1st your pup should be microchipped (if tatoo's and you've already done the 1st rabies there are special allowances for France to record the rabies vaccination against a to too when the dog is microchipped later). Sometimes a booster rabies is given a month after the 1st as this increases the chances of passing the blood test (but also costs a little more). Then, a month or so after the rabies vaccination/booster a blood sample is taken and sent off to a test lab (taken and sent by the vet). The lab tests for rabies antibodies (i.e. that the dog has developed adequate immunity). If fails (occasionally happens), then another booster and another blood test until one is OK. Then, you need to wait 6 months from the date the blood sample was taken before entry to UK. Everything is recorded by the vet in you Pet Passport (something the vet issues). Provided the rabies boosters are done before the "valid until" date in the Pet Passport, the blood test is a one-off. Miss a "valid until" date for a rabies booster and you need to repeat the blood test and 6 month wait. Also, between 24 and 48 hours of check-in with your carrier for visiting the UK (e.g. the ferry check-in), your vet needs to threat the dog for ticks and tapeworms (and record the details in the Pet Passport). There is no flexibility in the rules. They are not too complex (sounds much worse when writing them out), but even if "it makes no difference in practice", this is no good for DEFRA - they are strict to the letter. Entry to France is easy - you just need the Pet Passport (basically up-to-date rabies vaccination). It is the return/entry to the UK that is stricter with the special rules. Ian

To visit Spain all you need is a Pet Passport. This requires a rabies vaccination (which it sounds like you already have). It is issued by your vet. There are special procedures for taking you Pet to the UK that do not apply to most of Europe (e.g. blood test and 6 month wait). The Pet Passport does not require these special UK procedures. The Pet Passport document has been designed for travel round Europe and including the UK so there are sections for the blood test, "tick & tapeworm" treatments, etc. but for most of Europe these are just left blank. My own vet issued Pet Passports for both my dogs free (it takes a couple of moments to fill in the few sections. even if yours charges, it will be pretty cheap or you are being ripped-off). However, and I always say this - people plans and circumstances can change. The 6 month wait after the blood sample that tests OK for pet entry into the UK means that when people's circumstances change un-expectedly, this can present a major problem with their pet(s). As a result one sees loads of poor pets requiring a new home. The blood test is all that is needed. It is a "one off" (i.e. only needs to be done once provided you keep the rabies boosters up-to-date"). It is pretty cheap and you can then have the peace of mind that, should anything unexpected happen you pet can travel and keep living with you. Always depresses me seeing all the "never returning to UK" and the "needs a new home because we cannot wait the 6 months ..." Ian

When I was a child and very naughty I was smacked. Turned out none the worse of it. Didn't like it at the time - but they it was only when I had been exceptionally bad (and relatively rare). I did not turn me into a vicious maniac, nor am I claiming "abusive childhood" as my excuse for all sorts of criminal behaviour. People are very vocal about "not smacking", etc. and it actually shows no consideration for those that have to endure their mis-behaved children. I am not of the "should be seen and not heard" attitude but sometimes they can get too much - not the parents fault if it happens some times but then when the parents do nothing to stop exactly the same happening again then it is just irresponsible. I tend to think the "never smack" is another case PC gone mad. True, people should not go around beating up their children but I think most parents know when to punish and what punishment is appropriate (and if they don't, should they really be bringing up children ?). Ian

They have just built a 2 story house out of these block just down the road from me. I did not see any solid framing being constructed for "load bearing" - just built of these new blocks in the same way a house would be built with bricks. However, I'm just reporting what I saw and I've no personal experience of these things. Sounds like the price might be coming down, maybe as their use is becoming more widespread ? Ian

Excellent Ian

You could try Kiloutou (http://www.kiloutou.fr/). They are a nationwide chain. Unsure about your particular area but their web site has maps/listings/details of all their outlets. Also, their web site has info on the equipment they have available (so you can check if they can supply what you want without having to go to the outlet). Ian

One thing I have learnt since living in France is that to do pretty well anything you need a medical first. Yesterday I needed to go along for another one and it struck me then that in some respects it does make sense. If you are going to do something that requires physical exertion then having a medical first seems a good idea. Although not necessary in the UK, in France to fly you need a medical, to sail a boat (regattas anyway) you need a medical, even to go roller skating you need a medical certificate. However, they do seem to have missed one activity. If done right it can be very physical and although as some people get older they tend to do it less often, I'm sure it must represent at least the same risks as many other activities. Are there or should there be any plans to introduce a medical for this activity (married couples only or singles as well ?). How might it be controlled and what would happen to people enjoying such a pastime without a medical certificate ? Would the role of the gendarmes be broadened to .... Ian

I live not too far from either St Calais nor from Ecommoy (or Marigne Laille – drove through it yesterday).  There are a few English speaking voices one overhears occasionally in the Supermarket in winter but not that many.  Its actually surprising as its an excellent area, good communications for UK (low cost flights, ferries, etc.) but is still largely French (main holiday home owners seem to be Parisians – who are not too popular). When you move, if I can help at all, do PM me.   Ian

I cannot help but have an experience I should warn you about. Some time ago I was cold called by a timber treatment company and as my roof needs some preventative treatment I said yes (as I may or may not do it myself). I had the impression that the people who called round were “soon to be appearing on Watchdog”. They first tried to convince me my roof was falling down (which I told them it was not and I knew that). They then tried to scare me by showing me loads of pictures of wood eating bugs – which I told them were very nice and how glad I was that I did not have any. They then measured, managed to get 2+2 to equal 25 and costed it on that basis. When I said no, they did the “we are in the area”, “economy of scale”, etc. to which I also said no. they then called their boss to see if they could move on the price, etc. When I then said there was no way on this earth I was making any decision about 5000€ worth of work there and then they immediately packed-up and left. I cannot accuse them of being cowboys or anything but they seem to be using the same sales technique as is famed in the UK for selling driveways and new kitchens to the elderly. Their pricing was totally mad and excessive – the sort of place that keeps trying until eventually they find somebody who says yes. Just watch, take references, get several quotes. Maybe ask a local roofing artisan if they can recommend anybody. Ian