Sabina

Only got one enquiry and no bookings with Holiday Havens so could not recommend them. Apart from 40% return bookings, all my bookings came from Visit France this year. Sabina

For me it has to be Brebis! Now back in UK and none to be found in local supermarket - even Asda have stopped selling Spanish Mangego. Oh to be back in France. Sabina

I think HP means heures plein - leccy used during day at high rate, and HC means heures creuse - leccy used  at cheap rate during night time. If switching supplier is anything like switching in UK then I'll give it a miss - the grief was not worth the 'saving'. Sabina

I also use HSBC, paying £9 for a World Transfer Payment to send euros to Britline (up to 3000 or is it 4000 euros before fee increases) Been doing it for last 15 years - it used to take days but since everything now done as telegraphic (or is it electronic) transfer using SWIFT and /or IBAN numbers, the money arrives in hours. Sabina[:D]

No Chris I'm quite happy to burn it on the wood stove if no wants it. sabina

Just felled an old mulberry tree. I believe the wood is good for sculpting. Any sculptures out there interested? Want to make me an offer?  PM me Sabina    

Anybody know of a chimney sweep in Fontenay le Comte area who gives certificate for insurance purposes? Have used local builder in past but thought he was expensive and he did not provide certificate. How much have you paid for this service? Sabina

Dave My first reply was based on 2004 form - have just found ones for 2005 and the form I referred to now has 2042 CKB-DPR in top right hand corner. The bit I filled in was the same - bottom of page 2, section C, box NO I have always had 2 forms sent, 2042 and 2042C. Have you had a notice that the tax office has moved? Their new details are 10 rue du centre, 93463 Noisy le Grand, France. Tel: 01 57 33 83 00 e-Mail: [email protected] Sabina

Even though you were paid in UK for renting out your property in France, it is income earned in France and therefore is taxed in France. Because your French income is small you will be taxed in Fance under the Micro BIC scheme - you are taxed on a portion (approx 30%) no matter what your expenses, which you don't need to tell them about. Very simple - just enter the income from French letting on 2nd page of form 2042C, section C, box NO (revenus imposables). Ideally this should be in euros - you need to convert you sterling - official rate for 2005 was 0.6853 Any tax you pay in France then needs to be included on your UK tax return under Foreign section but you can also claim loads of expenses for your gite on your UK tax return. I find the UK form more difficult to complete than the French one! Hope this helps. You will probably find more if you search this topic on the forum. Sabina

At place of signature on my booking form is the following statement:- 'I have read and understand the terms and conditions relating to this booking and confirm that I am authorised by all persons listed to make this booking on their behalf'. Would this be a useful addition for your form? Sabina

I charge £200/300 euros 'good housekeeping' deposit (refundable) for 4 bedroomed gite accommodating up to 10 people. This is always paid into my bank account prior to the holiday. Have not, as yet, taken any deduction for minor breakages (glasses) or for cleaning - takes 2 of us 6 hours to clean and change beds etc. Some people leave the house cleaner than others. Some guests have been very honest and confessed to minor damage or even replaced broken items, whilst others have hidden broken arms on sun loungers - I haven't time to inspect everything so I don't know who it was. I accept this as 'normal' and now appreciate how hard you have to work in the business. Molly maiding is not a profession for the faint hearted or over sensitive!! Sabina

Will inform the other half of new early morning duties regarding bladder relief! Alas his hair has long gone and I suspect mine is too clean. Hope the p.... does the trick Many thanks Sabina  

We've got a putois leaving nasty smells around our farmhouse. Anybody got any good ideas to get rid of either the smell or the creature itself. Have tried spraying the area (exterior) with bleach this evening but am not too optimistic this will work. Your help/advice much appreciated. Sabina  

Lou Have sent you an e-mail regarding accommodation in June. Sabina

Woops...sorry, my spelling mistake. Should be abritel.fr Sabina

Anyone had any experience advertising their gite on the Arbitel.com site? Still searching for 'ideal' website to extend marketing of gite. Sabina

Looking for best place to bulk purchase towels in UK or France for use of guests in gite. Quality sought at reasonable price. Any suggestions welcome. Sabina  

Got fed up of clearing up the muck dropping through our ceilings where there is no insolation. Has anybody found a product to fill the gaps between the boards supporting the pantiles? Have used newspaper and exterior filler on a small area but this will take forever on the outhouse roof. Any advice appreciated Sabina

I am resident in England but have gite income in FRance. I completed and submitted my first French tax return et the end of March but have had no response as yet. Is this normal or do I need to do something/make contact again. Advise please. Sabina

Many thanks for your responses. Can I ask those of you who have had work done how long you waited from point of accepting the devis and the work commencing and did you stipulate a start/finish date when agreeing the devis. Sabina.

[quote]Sabina, can you describe where Fontenay le Compte is? That would tell people whether any recomendation they make is of any use to you, without them having to get their maps out[/quote] Fontenay le Comte is in the Vendee (85) about 50 minutes drive from La Rochelle. Sabina 

[quote]Sabina, can you describe where Fontenay le Compte is? That would tell people whether any recomendation they make is of any use to you, without them having to get their maps out[/quote] Fontenay le Comte is in the Vendee about 50 minutes drive from La Rochelle. Sabina 

Tried posting this in house renovations but got no response. Desperately need good, reliable roofer - French or Englsh. Can anyone recommend such a macon in the Fontenay le Comte area? sabina

Desperately need good, reliable roofer near Fontenay le Comte. Can any one recommend either French or English mason. Sabina

Thanks for all your comments. Will try to catch and shave next door's cat and /or try the peppermint oil ! Sabina