timc17

[quote user="groslard"]Perhaps I've missed the point. I exchanged my licence in 1995 and there is at present no limit of age on my French licence. You can drive on a UK licence here but as soon as you get 'points' you MUST exchange it for a French one. [/quote] Not sure you have to change your licence. I was caught speeding in November (by a camera) and was just asked to pay the 90 euros fine. Although one penalty point was noted on the letter i was not asked to either name the driver (it's jointly registered with my better half) or change my licence. Tim

So what is the real figure - 6000 or 37000? If it's 6000 then this is only a very small percentage of the Brits living in France - hence a trickle of posts on the subject. 37000 however represents around 15 % of the expat community and one would therefore expect a deluge!

Can concur with Wooly. Have just seen the survey invoices for a house we're hoping to buy - total cost 618 euros.

Hi, Does anyone know whether the shopping centre is open on Sundays in December? Thanks in advance.   Tim

Thanks to SD and SC for the info. Tim

Has anyone been through the experience of their children taking driving lessons/test in France? We are having problems obtaining a provisional licence for our 16 year old daughter to start lessons as she needs a form signed by the marie to prove her age, residency and eligibility for National Service. Because she is British she cannot do National Service and the marie will not sign the form and our local driving instuctor will not give her lessons. Help!!

Bobbykins, We used the CDC in Saintes to set-up our business. They were very helpful (spoke english) and for a fee (40 euros) will complete all the forms on-line for you. Tim

[quote user="UlsterRugby1999"] The Irish are far from good right now and tomorrow night has all the hallmarks of a thrashing BUT the biggest difference between us and the English team right now is that we still play as a team and have some pride left. But only just I think. Dont write the French off just yet. This is pretty much form for them, except the defeat against the Pumas. Georgia and Namibia played the right game. Front it up, in your face and keep the ball. They have fierce and aggressive forwards and the picking and driving was great to see. They just hadnt got the experience to put us away. Merciful God be praised [;-)][;-)] [/quote] On a different note i went to both games and during the second half of the Georgia game several of the Irish fans were becoming quite aggressive towards each other. I know they were drunk but having been to Ireland several times for football i was quite shocked as i always thought the Irish were a calm easy going race when it came to following their national team especially rugby. Tim 

If you think England are poor what about Ireland? They were very lucky to beat Georgie last night and the Irish fans were getting pretty upset. I predict a South Africa/All Black final.

I can't see there being a problem. All three of our tickets have my name on and unlike the WC in Germany last year you won't be asked for proof of identity.

[quote user="crépuscule"]I hope you got a good price. According to my newspaper this morning, tickets are going for between 200% - 700% of face value although Canada v Japan wasn't specifically mentioned![/quote] I was happy to sell them for face value only (10 euros each). Don't tell me you'd have paid more!!

Crep, You'll be pleased to know i sold my Canada/Japan tickets without much of a problem. Off to see Ireland on Sunday in Bordeaux, might support Namibia as they'll be a bit outnumbered!   Tim

It's not the norm here to have a survey done before buying as is not employing a solicitor to check the purchase document. I will use both if we buy here again for peace of mind if nothing else. The price of £1600 does seem high though. I would not expect to pay more than £1000 for a survey here. There are several UK surveyors/engineers advertised in French Property News etc so you should be able to find quite easily.   Tim

I think FA is quite right. Here in 17 they tend to leave most of the stone face showing having been wire-brushed or sandblasted. A seam is then created around the edges of each stone. The whole effect looks almost like a giant patchwork quilt. The stone here is mainly limestone which when cleaned-up goes back to a creamy white colour. Tim

Thanks for the reply Tony. The main reason for the question was that we were unsure whether you had to register a B&B business regardless of any current registered business you had. Anyone else have any comments?   Tim

My wife and i are currently registered as a property services type business and are now looking to set-up a B&B as well. Do we have to register the B&B business or can we use our existing registration. Our current business will still be our main source of income. Any comments appreciated.   Tim

I have three spare tickets to Canada/Japan at Bordeaux on Sept 25th if anyone's interested. Please send pm for further info.

That's strange i'm flying from and to La Rochelle in November. I think you'll find Ryanair have just cut the days they'll be operating.

Anyone here in France own a Lambretta or Vespa scooter?   Tim

Thanks Aly that's roughly what i thought. The next thing is to find a reasonably priced 125 Lambretta here in France!   Tim  

I'm toying with the idea of buying another Lambretta (either a 125 or 150) and am not sure whether i'll need a full motorcycle licence or can get away with using my car licence as i used to do in the UK. Anyone help me out please?   Thanks   Tim.

Michele, Our local primary school in St Savinien was very welcoming to our youngest. Over the last ten years they have become used to having english speaking children as many young british families have now moved to the area. PM me if you need anymore info.   Tim.  

My wife receives child maintenance (UK income) from her ex-husband. Anyone know where on 2047 this should go please? Thanks in advance.   Tim.

Crep, Scotland v Italy is sold out, but tickets for other games including Scotland v Portugal are still available. If you are dead set on seeing Scotland/Italy your best hope now is E-Bay. I would have preferred to have seen England in September but i'm just as happy to watch Australia and Ireland in Bordeaux especially as i've found an irish pub near the stadium! I'm pleased to be able to take my two sons to see four World Cup games without it costing a fortune - 12 tickets for only £125.00! Tim.

Crep, Scotland v Portugal is still available as at time of posting as is Samoa v USA at the same venue and South Africa v USA at Montpellier.