Robbos
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Everything posted by Robbos
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Hi, did you ever find your bernese? We too are looking for one in France. Please let us know if you have any success. NB I've seen a couple but they are mostly visiting the region rather than living around here. We are in Tarn et Garonne. xx K
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we built our cat an extension for pooing, enough to house a dirt tray. After 24 hours and MUCH fuss,he did a small poo and was very pleased. After that nothing. 36 hours later we arrived at our new home and he was as if nothing had happened at all. Convinced they can hold it in if your journey is less than 2 days! the dog was much more conventional!! xxx K
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Please can I ask another related question. What is Eparcyl and where can I get it and how do we use it? We are moving into our new home in 4 weeks and it has a fosse. Previously it was used only as an occasional holiday home. We had the fosse checked when we bought and it is in good working order, although we will probably have to replace next year as we plan an extension. However this summer people plan to visit and we will use it daily so quite an increase in activity for the poor thing. I want to be sure we use the right stuff to keep it digesting properly so all advice gratefully received. Also which detergent should I use if our washing machine water goes into it, not sure but I think it might do. xx K
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I have been told that in order to gain French insurance for my 7.5 t lorry, once we are resident in France, that I will need to put it onto French plates. I think I understand the requirements for this. I have also been told that in order to drive a 7.5t lorry in France on French plates, I would have to sit a French test, a bit like an HGV test. In the UK I am old enough (sadly) to drive this lorry on normal car licence. Is this the case, and if so , has anyone any experience of a French style HGV. Would I take it in my own vehicle, and how do I get help with preparing for it? I think that my level of French would be tested if I had to take an exam in it soon after moving in! Would be grateful for any views. xx K
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I love open fires far too much. I agree with Chas' suggestions- keep the fire low or on the ground (very low dogs, long logs and no grate works pretty well). One you have got your logs burning nicely keep topping them up, and provided your fire is well protected at the front and can't cause damage with a spit, cover with the ash every one rightly tells you not to throw away (good for the garden when you eventually have to) and reduce the fire to a shrouded mess each bedtime. In the morning put one or two bits of kindling and a log on, give a quick poke and wait for it to crackle into life. Should stay alight without further effort for all of the week you keep the ash. Just keep running low with one or two logs at a time during the day (plus ash if necessary) and let it flare up when you want to sit in front of it. If you don't want to use kindling in the morning use yesterdays' paper and cardboard waste - very eco and saves on the poubelle bit!! happy fires till you get the log burner - we've those in the UK and they are undeniably more efficient if you're ready to have them and much cheaper - but a tiny bit less poetic perhaps. Me I 'd have both given the chance. xx K
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Many many thanks Keith for bothering to give a straight reply to a straight question. When I posted that query we were quite worried and had an impending trip. All the answers joked about the content and put me well off posting any other questions on this forum - I'm not usually sensitive but didn't realise my post was setting me up for a fall. Lately I use another forum and just check on here periodically but rarely post, your note was refreshing to say the least. Now I'll get loads of abuse back but there you go......................... xx K
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try here, all horsey like yourself and loads of relevant threads for france. xx K http://www.equineonline.net/
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Laguepie will be very close to us at Caylus. Will try the markets as you suggest. Have been to St A market, but in the summer was hideously busy. OK in Feb though. Moving in 2 months, loads to think of. Got P de C for stables now so at least the horses can have somewhere to live!! Thanks for the replies K &C
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we have bought a property 700m down a Chemin rural, which serves 2 maison secondaire. Once we move in (after Easter) we have been told that the Maire has a responsibility to maintain the access road suitably. Currently it is hard packed earth and a little gravel, and we have approached our Mairie to see if they can assist with some extra gravel on the slippiest bits, and to trim back the bordering tree branches (not privately owned) so that removal lorries et al can get in OK and better still, get out! We are awaiting a response, will let you know if we hear anything. xx K
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Absolutely desperately seeking loving homes!!!! 24 or 16
Robbos replied to Hutchiesinfrance's topic in Pets
I too have much respect for all who go to the trouble of helping animals, no matter how large or small. In reading this thread just through from top to bottom I regret that your reply, Christine, did read a bit judgemental, even though you didn't mean it to. It hurts such a lot being wrenched from animals, I do hope a good home is found and that the return to the UK goes comfortably. -
thanks for you kind encouragement - we too like the quiet life, and are happy not to swop UK for a "mini UK" however, sometimes the forum seems very biased away from this area, and it is reassuring to know that there are other like minded folk nearby. Moving in just after Easter and can't wait, thanks again for your replies.
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Why exactly wouldn't we look in it!!. Stops you pulling out into oncoming traffic without noticing a car under your door. In UK you sit right by the door you pull out from, so you can see if there is a car. On the offside you can't..... In UK there are loads of side swipe motorway accidents where continental lorries don't consider this. In France they appear to have noticed the risk. Incidentally the cost appears small, £16 for one of the mirrors, bit more for the other. Guess we will just fit up all three for safety's sake.
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coming across the channel in our horsebox in a week or two, and it is only fixed with one big mirror either side. Think the French are minimising accidents due to poor visability on the off side (happens often in UK with continental lorries, but our govt does not insist on any modifications.......)
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Has anyone confirmation on a French ruling on wing mirrors for a lorry. I am told that you must have 3 (one fixed above the door) offside mirrors. Is this obligatory or just preferred..............
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Across the Channel for £19!
Robbos replied to Pierre le Derriere's topic in Latest Good Value Deals to/from France
we are crossing soon in a 7.5 t lorry bringing stuff to SW France. Norfolkline was (so far) the ONLY provider to allow this as domestic and quoted £73 return as the fare, compared with well over £300 their nearest competitor. For only two hours, I am not fussed at the services so long as it is safe, and would value quietness. We shall see if the sales pitch lives up to the reality............... and if so enjoy spending the spare ££ on nice food en route per chance... -
Anyone there??? Posted a note but no replies, and no one ever seems near us. Close to Montauban/Cahors (I know Cahors is outside 82 but NEAR the edge, as we are!). Would be great to know of anyone.....
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Does anyone know of a reliable farmer near to Caylus (82) who would mow off 6 or 7 acres of very long grass, not suitable for feed of any kind now. We are in UK and alternative is to ship our tractor and mower out in advance of our spring move, but would prefer to get it done locally. Any advice welcomed.
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horsebox from NW UK to SW france
Robbos replied to Robbos's topic in South West (Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrénées)
In Caylus to be more specific, top end of Tarn et Garonne. I was a bit broad brush with Cahors! The horsebox is mine, just not bringing the horses in it just yet so useful for other things (perhaps bringing a little tractor in, we'll see...) -
Chris, this thread worries me since we are moving to (82) france in 6 months, We have a valley surrounded by woods with boar and deer definately in residence and the property a french holiday retreat for some years. I would be suprised if it is not currently hunted. In April we will bring one dog, and six horses and I would not want hunters on the land close to the animals (there is 5 ha grass and 5ha trees respectively). Should we act now given your above timescales, to minimise the trouble when we get there? Broadly I would be happy for the hunters to hunt the woods so long as we could agree when, and not on the grassy areas for the horses sake. Andy advice welcome.
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We are planning to move in April close to Cahors(82) and wish to bring a 7.5tlorry. Loads of strings have had reference to equivalent trips but no clear message (for a learner!!) Any advice over best/cheapest route. Lorry will be laden with household contents not the equines!!
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Does anyone know of a reliable farmer near to Caylus (82) who would mow off 6 or 7 acres of very long grass, not suitable for feed of any kind now. We are in UK and alternative is to ship our tractor and mower out in advance of our spring move, but would prefer to get it done locally. Any advice welcomed.
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similarly with us, does anyone know anyone who can mow a few acres (just topping the grass) in Caylus xxx Robbo and Foz
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assurance vie versus internet account for income.
Robbos replied to andy c's topic in French Finance
Guys, one thing to bear in mind when deciding between assurance vie versus a deposit based investment is that some of the latter now come with a "deferred interest" option. Britannia International, Nationwide Int. and Alliance & Leicester Int. (all Isle of Man based) all do these. Basically, your interest accrues as per normal (including compounding while not being drawn) but the key difference is that it isn't credited to your account until you ask. So if, for instance, you were in your late 50s or early 60s, you need draw only capital until age 65 when, with the arrival of your E121, social and health charges cease and you could draw the interest into the account and pay only basic French income tax on it. A saving of around 15% "tax" every year. In the intervening years you'd withdraw only capital, content in the knowledge that your interest was waiting in the wings - at least, as safe as the organisation holding it. And if we trust the banks with our capital, there's probably no need to mistrust them with unpaid interest! Disadvantages: they're postal accounts, not internet. And with the first two named you have to close the account to get the interest credited. With Nationwide Int., however, you can draw as much interest as you want, anytime you want, so giving you the opportunity to draw just enough each year after 65 to keep your marginal (i.e. top) rate of French tak from straying into the next band. Foz'n Robbo -
that's very reassuring. I have a 7.5 tonne Iveco Ford horsebox, and have made enquiries on this forum with negative/pessimistic answers. I am determined to take to france and seek formal acceptance since it fulfills a multitude of services for us, as well as moving the horses!..We don't have living accomodation so it is really an open truck (with the door on the left...............) will follow your recs. Many thanks. K
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No help for a reply to you (sorry) but does anyone know of one in 82 (Caylus)?? also...