Springer

  As far as I'm aware,  there is no check-in for animals to be tested this side of the tunnel. We take our dogs over on a regular basis and are asked at the check in if we have any animals on board. We are then given a window badge stating this. We then drive straight through and off the tunnel the other side. The passports are only checked on the return journey before entering the UK.   This is only our experience, and I'm not saying that there is definitely not a check-in this side. But, on the occasions (approx 10) our dogs have travelled then we have never been checked on the outward journey.   Hope this helps.        Jon

Thanks for the reply Bob. Jon

Hi,   Just a quick question, does anyone know the price of the large gas bottles (I think they are around 49 kg). Firstly what is the hire charge and how much to refill.Then does anyone know the cost of a change over valve.   Just one more thing, I take it the gas used is propane? John

Hi, not sure I agree with the above, If you buy Boiled linseed oil it will have a drying agent added. Tung oil will not have this and will take an age to dry between coats and then may leach out when you have thought it is dry. If you want to go down the route of using tung oil than a good "finishing" oil is what you need. This will give the finish of a tung oil but has a drying/hardening agent added. Having said this it will offer no greater protection than linseed oil. John  

After cleaning, give it several light coats with warm linseed oil. Allow this to dry then buff with a lint-free cloth. This will protect and show the beams natural colour with a slight sheen.   John 

Thanks for replies, I now see why our charges are low, looking at things I would assume that we are only receiving 3kw. Jon

Hi, Looking for some advice regarding my electrics. Firstly, can anybody give me an idea of the cost to remove my meter and main power from inside to a external wall? The box would be sited directly under where the power cable connects to the property. Secondly, the power supply we have is very low. the cables coming to the house are very small (2 small cables weaved together) which leads to us constantly tripping out when running two or three supplies (ie lights, heater, cooker) together. I checked my neighbours and their input is alot larger than ours. From this I assume that the power has  been here quite a while and never upgraded. How would I go about having my power increased and any idea of the cost involved. Thanks Jon  

 Totally disagree with the above.  Look into the products rather than just assume that the locals are right.I've used foamseal on my roof in Normandy and it offers far greater benefits than your average insulation, so I would highly recommend it. As for as in France do as the french I'll just say this. Have you ever bought anything over the internet from abroad (assuming you live in the UK) because it was better or cheaper. There is a worldwide market out there and as long as the research is done then there should be no issues with using it. John

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, if so what sort, this will make a difference to the depth you will require. For example I keep koi and my pond is 7' deep. Let me know you plans and I'll try and advise. John

Recieved our estimation for new roof total size - 75 sqm 2 dormers made (but not glazed) 1 dormer repaired Main beams ok but having some struts replaced underfelted,batterned and tiled new guttering alround total costs 12000 euros. John  

Hagar, I like the idea of the Mrs being impounded!

I'll be making my own window for our house. What I need to know is whats the best wood to use (at a reasonable price)? The property is in Normandy, so needs to cope with these weather conditions. I've used tanalised softwood over here for exterior work and it ok, would it cope in Normandy if stained and varnished. John

Hi, I've just checked the customs & excise website for what they consider to be the recommended allowance. As I've said above, the allowances are: 90 litres of wine                                                      110 litres of beer                                                       10 litres of spirits                                                        20 litres of fortified wine This allowance is per person and anything above they will start to question. So, it's not as some believe that it is "as much as you like". there is a limit to what is deemed acceptable.   John

Hi, Does anyone now the going rate of French lessons in the uk? We've had an offer of a 1hr lesson in our home from a french lady. This is not her main job but something she is looking to do as a side-line. She is asking for £20 per person and is based in the Midlands, Seems a touch high to me but I have no real experience of this.   John

When it comes to buying liner I would not use Bradshaws they are very expensive. You best bet would be visit a newsagent and buy a pond magazine (of which there are numerous) in the back you will find lots of ads for pond liners, contact these and get lots of quotes for the size you need. John