Babnik

Did you semploy the architect for the plans only, or the whole process?

I use a dlink router with wanadoo 2mb. No problems!

Grant is in the form of a 40% tax rebate. That's on cost of materials, and not labour. I don't see the ethical or moral dilemma in accepting such a grant. If it means more people go for renewable energy, isn't that a good thing? You've got to heat your house somehow. So it's not a luxury.

I've written a little about our experience with Geothermal. Not fully installed yet, so can't comment on how well it works. http://www.afrenchdream.com/GeothermalUK.htm Steve

Even though our insurer said it wasn't a requirement, I've come to be very cynical and unless something is down in writing, I don't believe anyone on the phone. Anyway, we had our chimney cleaned last week, and even though it is very large, and I'm sure hadn't been cleaned in ages (by the amount of soot that came down), the price was only 45 euros. That's why I was a little surprised at the 300 euro price tag for your chimneys.

I have asked our insurance company whether it was a requirement, and they have said no. I guess it depends which company you are insured with. Just ask. As to the 400 euros bill...sounds like a rip-off to me, unless you had quite a few chimneys. We just had ours done for 45 euros.

I'm not sure what work you'd be looking for, but I'd guess that one of the implications of being unemployed in France is that it isn't easy to find work, especially if your French isn't that good. Like I said, I don't know your situation, but some people come over thinking that finding a job will be fairly straightforward!

what is this about then? http://news.tf1.fr/news/economie/0,,3254138,00.html

TVA for renovation is to stay at 5.5%, it's TVA for 'restauration' which is not decided yet. Is that not something to do with restaurants? Anyone confirm this?

Looks like we'll still get TVA at 5.5% next year! http://news.tf1.fr/news/economie/0,,3254138,00.html Steve

I'll talk to you Miki...We only have a portable!

I think putting in oil fired central heating because it's cheaper now, is extremely short sighted. The price of oil is going one way...and that's up. With a large proportion of France's electricity being generated by nuclear and renewable energy sources, I think that Geothermal is a very good option(Electricity WILL become cheaper than oil in the not too distant future!). Couple it with the fact there is a 40% tax rebate on installation, I have found it be only slightly more expensive to install when compared to conventional central heating. I have gone and seen a system working, and I'm still trying to find disadvantages, but can't really find any.

Lead Paint on shutters is not like asbestos, and the only danger (this is what I have been told..so please check beforehand!) is kids licking the paint. You can handle the paint no problem, and I guess if you need to sand them, the usual precautions when sanding should be sufficient. Does anybody know otherwise?

do you have a compost heap?

Angouleme is a bit far, how about Jonzac and Les Antilles? http://www.mairie-jonzac.fr/les_antilles_de_jonzac_casino.htm Steve

I did all of that before even coming over to France. Filled in a p-85(I think it was a p-85), sent them a letter, and after a few weeks was sent confirmation that I would not be liable to uk income tax!

Is it worse for those owners who are not present? Maybe guests know this, and try their luck!

Why don't you just ask your insurance company whether it's a requirement? We did, and they said it's not. Having said that, we're still having it done, but if you can do it yourself, then it's good to know you don't have to pay to get it done!

I train and play with a local handball team...keeps me busy several nights a week and on weekends. Try a sport. Great way to meet people. "Troisieme mi temps" (third half) very popular! (a drink after training/game!)

I feel for all these kids, and I think the attitude of some of the teachers leaves a lot to be desired, but it's not that surprising really. Imagine a child in a school in the UK, who speaks NO english. I have been there by the way, as I moved to Malta when I was 14, and my Maltese was not great! I also had another two new languages to learn, Italian and Arabic.I worked very hard over the summer, had private lessons many times a week, and improved enough not to be completely lost. I didn't like it. I was 14, and would rather have enjoyed my summer, but I wouldn't have liked being dumped in a class where I understand nothing!

You could try both for a length of time and see how much you use. Not sure if you can accurately measure it though! I'd say go for what is comfortable, I can't think there'd be much difference!

Ok, if your car is less than 4 years old you don't need a CT...great, but that still makes your headlights illegal! What happens if you have an accident (at night!) Do you think insurance will cover you? I don't know, but knowing insurance companies, I'd guess they'd clutch at any straw not to pay out!

Have you spoken to him? It could be just an honest mistake.

Mops, it's because of people like you, that People like Paul and Nigel have to 'shout from the rooftops'. I appreciate your right to bring up your grand children anyway you see fit, but with comments like your 'genetic defects' one, I do feel sorry for them!

I can't really understand why you feel demeaned? I also do not think you are on an equal footing, even if you share meals. They are the guests, you are the hosts, and you are providing a service for money. The money makes the difference. If they were just friends, then I'd guess you are on an equal footing, but you accept payment for a service, and however firnedly you are, you are still the 'hired help' as the americans would call it. Having said that, I'm sure it's just a cultural thing, and your American guests mean nothing by it!