[Wild red poppies in garden]

Thanks everyone.

Phew - thought I might have destroyed them.

So they grow from seed every year, and doesn't matter, once they've flowered, that's it.

Well that's good news;  bad news - means I've not finished diying up all the dead stuff !!

Thank you - Chessie

[Wild red poppies in garden]

We had quite a few of the wild red poppies growing in our garden this summer - large numbers by side of rockery and ruined old stone building - far more plentiful last summer than in previous years.

I've been out recently in the garden 'tidying up' and pulling out all the old weeds, the 'dead stuff'.

Started pulling up all the long leggy stalks of what I believe are left of the wild poppies and had a thought - should I really be pulling them out - will they flower again next year ?

Or do they only grow from seeds sown naturally during this summer ?

These are the true, red, wild poppies - not domesticated.

Don't want to do any harm !! 

Chessie

[Joint bank a/c - TIP problems with second signatory]

Always intrigues me the way a thread on one subject goes off on a tangent into another subject - which can be more interesting than the the original post.

One of the things I love about this forum.

As the OP I appreciate all the helpful advice, and stories of personal experiences, from everyone.

Amazing when people really open up, and write about the awful times they've had.

Life isn't a 'bowl of cherries' for many of us, is it ?

I accept that I will need help - and I'm impressed at how much emphasis has been placed on this  aspect of Alzy, the carer,

 that gets overlooked.

There is a centre some miles away where I will be able to visit and get help, advice - and shoulders to cry on - I know it's there, and I will use it if it becomes necessary in the future.

At the moment it's early stages, and I'm keeping careful watch out....

Just that I seem to encounter silly little 'snags' - as in the problems in my first post, which led to this side-track about Alzy.   Bit of a shame because Alzy is an important subject, and won't be found by many because of the original title of the post.

Some of you have had tough times - but got through them - well done.   The advice about 'reaching out' is also good - and I do appreciate people's comments.

Please don't let's spoil this by a little bit of argy-bargy between some on here - life's too short....

Thank you everyone - Chessie

[Joint bank a/c - TIP problems with second signatory]

Cathar - thank you for taking the time and trouble to provide info on help provided here in France;  I'll print out and keep for future reference.  I'm sorry you have found it necessary to know so much about Alzy.

As for GP's advice - yes, I'm already thinking about that, but how to get him to GP is the problem !!

We don't have local SAUR office that could deal with payment hiccups.

But I have a plan - rather than deal with computer centre - writing to Head Office to complain.

Think it's very wrong of organisation to continue sending reminders, even after TIP has been sent - without any explanation from them as to why original payment not accepted - it is that which I find rather immoral and irresponsible of them.   So will take this further.

In the meantime I'll send another TIP, plus a RIB, plus a cheque - and demand an explanation for the way this has been handled.

Do find it very 'odd'; reject payments - but no explanation, just add on further 'late payment' charges - grossly unfair.

Thanks everyone; lovely words of advice, help and support - sometimes it can feel very difficult, and I'm always grateful for this forum and lovely people on here.

Thank you again

Chessie

[Joint bank a/c - TIP problems with second signatory]

Thanks for lovely, helpful replies.

Sue - think you may have spotted the problem - but what the h---.  Joint account, joint money, either of us can sign cheques - so why can't SAUR accept a TIP signed by me ?   That's so wrong - in these days of eu regs, diktats, equal rights - what's going on here ?

Had also enclosed a note to SAUR explaining we were late paying bill because OH had mislaid/lost/forgotten bill for a while until I had discovered it and realised it had not been paid.

As for 'paying on line' - can't because unable to get bank's computer system to recognise new password;  have had look at SAUR's website, and rather worried that I might, by mistake, sign us up for d/d rather than make payment - ..... I'll have to visit bank to sort out this problem as well.  

Judith - your answer about  'why use TIP' - snap - same problems here.  OH doesn't use computer, not keen on the d/d method (had same attitude in UK).   Yes, some bills are paid by d/d - and some not.   And sadly this is one that isn't.   Because of his attitude I'm reluctant to make any changes.

Today, we've received a third bill from SAUR - with yet another fine added.

Now here's where I'm becoming very cross;  if there was a problem with the first TIP which they wouldn't accept, am I wrong in thinking it would have been a requirement that SAUR write and explain why they couldn't accept the TIP.

Oh no, they carry on, merrily sending another reminder, with another fine.

Well - I'm not accepting this.   Fortunately I insisted some time back, that any bill we pay, which is paid using a TIP - or cheque, he was to hand to me so that I could photocopy cheque/TIP as proof, and record, of what had been paid, and I've also done the same for any payments I made.

So I've got the proof that SAUR have had 2 TIPs from me.... and now they're going to receive a strongly worded letter.

Doesn't this silly little episode highlight a problem for married women out here - particularly when faced with a partner who is showing signs of early Alzy.   We all know the problems with our maiden name/surname on driving licences;  this might be another one to highlight and remember.

I can't talk to him about any of this;  he's always been short-tempered, now he is very volatile, and is becoming agressive at times.   I've had the sneering comments about 'well you seem to be taking over all the finances....' - said with great resentment and agression.   (I've been shoved recently, so hard that I tripped and could have fallen - so I'm very, very wary and am trying to sort this problem out on my own because I can't talk to him about it).

Now to write a letter to SAUR; if I enclose a RIB from bank with my signature, will that mean that SAUR will in future only accept any TIP signed by me - or will their system accept that a TIP could be signed by either one of us?   Surely such a company is not so backward that it will accept a TIP from only one person on a joint bank account ?  

Thanks everyone - wish me luck

Chessie

[Joint bank a/c - TIP problems with second signatory]

Here's something that's really causing me problems.

OH has become very forgetful;  step by step I'm having to take over more of the payments for water, lecky etc.   (I've always completed the tax returns).

I recently signed one of the TIPs for our water bill; normally signed by him, but I picked up the bill (he'd tucked it to one side and 'forgot' it).

So I sorted it.  (Can't talk to him any more about things he's forgotten, because he has become extremely short-tempered and aggressive over such matters...).

But it seems as though either SAUR, or our bank, does not/will not recognise my signature on a TIP.

No problems with cheques - can be signed by either of us.

But this water bill/TIP is driving me nuts.

Sent signed TIP for original bill;  have now received second 'reminder' demanding payment, and adding a 'late payment' charge !!

Our local bank is now one of those that is closed most of the time;  can't check on-line because on-line needs new password - and every time I try the system doesn't 'recognise' new password.

Have sent e-mail to manager of local bank explaining problem, and asking them to confirm payment to SAUR has been made.

Not yet heard anything.  (My french really isn't adequte to cope with complicated phone calls).

But wondering if it's because I'm now signing TIP which means either the water company, or the bank, are not accepting TIP signed by me rather than by husband.

Is that a possibility ?   Anyone else experienced this  (And it's not due to 'insufficient funds' - there's solid amount in a/c because neither of us wants problems with being accidently over-drawn with french bank, thank you very much !!).

Comments anyone - a very puzzled Chessie

[No 'as you were' in Spain and Europe?]

Idun - totally agree with you.   Why is that African countries who do not want immigration, who control their own borders, who stand up for their independence are praised;  and yet the poor old UK, which has accepted without too much strife huge waves of immigration from the 1950s onwards (about  which the |British people were never consulted), right through to the huge numbers of eu immigration - and now wishes to be free of the eu, gets kicked, and kicked and kicked by the loony ill--liberal leftists.  

Of all the new homes that are 'needed' in the UK it is estimated that 75% plus are down simply to immigration.   Then the NIMBYS are out in force protesting, rightly; but those very same NIMBYS will have supported political parties which have allolwed all the immigration, and believe in the eu.

There is no 'joined up' common-sense thinking any more in government - or voters; and the people at the lower end of the social scale have really borne the brunt of uncontrolled immigration

.

Now I'll probably get shot down, but why are the 'bleeding hearts' allowed to get away with being 'bleeding hearts' for anyone - but their own fellow ethnic group.

Chessie (hiding in the bunker !!)

[New sat box - how easy to tune for UK stations]

Cajal - that's exactly what we need - aren't you clever.   Thank you so much for taking the time to find this connector for me - that's really so good of you, and I do appreciate your help.   Now I know what to look for.

Couldn't find it before - didn't know how to describe it...which would have helped !!

Have checked the Humax - there's very little on the box - except the word 'Foxsat-hd'....but nothing more. 

But you've been an amazing help - and seems as though you may have saved me from buying a new satbox.   So double thanks from me.  (Should be a bottle but there isn't one listed !!)

And to everyone who replied with help - thanks so much - it's always appreciated.

Chessie

[New sat box - how easy to tune for UK stations]

I'm sorry everyone - I wasn't very clear was I.

Yes, we live here in France, and have done so for quite a while.

When we first came out, we had a couple of Sky boxes, which we had indeed 'set up' for local area in the UK; we were able to continue using those for quite a while, with UK subs paid from UK address - but then there were questions. and we had to stop the subs !!

So we bought a Humax from a UK ex-Pat who lived locally, and it's worked fine.  But when it was installed the metal fitting on the co-axial satellite cable didn't match the fitting at the back of the box - and there was a Heath Robinson connection 'adaptation' which worked - but it's become loose and the decoder can't be connected up any more.   And he's 'lost' the metal fixture component that was on the co-axial cable. 

Having looked at the fittings available from Amazon I can't see any that match this old Humax box. This is why I thought if I bought a brand new box, with brand new cables that all fitted together properly, easily and simply, which I could cope with myself, unaided, then that might save a lot of aggro and difficult behaviour from OH who has problems. 

Love your attitude YCCMB - I feel really out of touch with modern techno but I'lll say if YCCMB can do it, then so can I !

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice;  I'll check out the recommendations given me;  presumably all these boxes come with the right cables - need the satellite cable fixture from the satellite box in the wall to the decoder - or do I have to have that as separate item ?

And thanks also for reassurance about the sound-bar - hope that one will be simple to instal.

As always, extremely grateful for help and advice - thank you.

Chessie

[New sat box - how easy to tune for UK stations]

OK - I'll admit it - I haven't a clue about modern techno - have real problems.

We need a new satellite decoder box - and we need it for UK tv.   Please don't give me a hard time about this;  OH is in early stages of Alzy and watches a lot of UK tv......

I know I will be the one who has to buy a new box, sort out all the leads etc etc.

Can anyone give me advice as to what I should be looking for in a new box - just want simple, fairly basic box.

And how easy will I find it to tune into the UK channels ?  That's my biggest concern.

The tv itself is a reasonably new 45" flat screen thingy - and the sound level is horrible.

Am thinking of also buying a soundbar. 

Would sound-bar have to be connected to the decoder box? - or will that simply fit into back of tv - which seems to have lots of sockets and scart outlets.   I'm totally confused by them all, but I'm assuming that there's a socket for a soundbar, but does the sound bar also need to be connected to decoder....- which would mean, presumably, that the decoder will need a socket for a soundbar - or am I totally confused ?

Oh dear;  sounds a bit muddled but I'm sure all you extremely clever people on here will be able to give me clear, simple advice.    I'm really on my own here, feeling out of my depth and would welcome any help.

Thank you.

Chessie

[Hearing test - where to start]

My OH (in early stages of Alzy) is becoming increasingly deaf.

It has reached the stage where he only half hears what I say; he then puts his own 'spin' on what I've said, gets things totally wrong, and he insists that I'm 'always criticising' or 'always swearing' at him - none of which I have done.    (I know it's just paranoia from his Alzy but it's psychologically causing me huge distress).

He's at the stage where he just seems to want to provoke arguments, and when I try to laugh off his comments, or explain that he's misunderstood what I've said,  I'm at the receiving end of a lot of abuse, aggression, and sulking.

We should be enjoying life and our freedom;  it's become a miserable existence for me... not sure where to turn.

I know that if he could hear clearly we would have fewer rows;  the only trouble is he won't admit that his hearing is as bad as it is.  He accuses me of either 'mumbling' at him, or 'shouting' - well of course I'm b---y shouting because I'm having to repeat myself for the third or fourth time.

I'm beginning to feel I can't cope much longer, and want to take the next flight out of the nearest airport.  

I want him to have a hearing test;  he won't admit he needs one.

A friend suggested I make an appointment with our doctor, explain to Doctor the problem's OH is having with loss of hearing.   I then ask our Doctor to write to OH requesting him just to come in for a check-up and chat following his recent 'all-clear' for bowel cancer, and for Doctor to assess OH's hearing loss at the same time.

Would our Doctor do this for me ?    It's subterfuge but if our Doctor suggests OH would be wise to have a hearing test, OH might take on board Doctor's suggestion/instruction.

He won't take my advice;  and I'm feeling so depressed and unhappy at all the continual rows we are having.   I just can't take much more.

Just a bit down and sorry for myself at the moment;  but constructive advice would be so much appreciated.

Chessie

[Insure a car before I've bought it ?]

Just quick update for those who were so helpful about this question of mine.

Was able to have scanned copies of all docs e-mailed to me, except the little square that sits on the windscreen.

E-mailed all docs to our insurance broker.

Then asked the seller to e-mail me scanned image of windowscreen doc - which I received and e-mailed on to brokers.

Result - am now covered - for the next two months - and in the meantime need to let brokers see copies of driving licences etc etc.

But I was covered from the day BEFORE I bought the car;  the date I'd given to brokers was the date transaction should have taken place - but was delayed by 24 hours.

Only one problem - and this affects us married women.

At the garage, linked into the new ANTS system where we were completing the official french 'cessation of ownership' and 'new owner' docs -

along comes the requests for proof of ID -

OK passport;

and proof of address - utility bill  - now how many married women receive electricity, telephone, internet, water, tax d'hab - IN THEIR OWN NAMES - ONLY addressed to themselves ....

I still don't get this.  For some strange reason the only bill that is addressed to me is the electricity bill - no idea how that happened - but has worked in my favour this time.

And the other BIG problem - which nearly caused transaction to halt -

again for MARRIED WOMEN -

PROOF of NAME at birth.....Not married name, not any other name - but AT BIRTH.

Which is where the French driving licence saved the day - as that one document shows my maiden name.

But oh my - did cause a slight panic.

Anyway, all sorted, done and dusted.

I am now the happy owner of a classic (aka old) Convertible car  -  (Here Comes Summer, almost June, the sun is bright...- remember anyone ? - dates me but what the ----),

and is owned by me, and insured in my name.

Finally.........whoopeeee

Chessie

[Insure a car before I've bought it ?]

Thanks for all the advice - very interesting.

I was still panicking though;  seemed to me like a Catch 22 when I need the owner's carte gris to insure the car, but I won't get sight of it until the owner has done his necessary part of the paper-work, then I'm handed one copy to complete everything I need to as new owner.

It was 'how to have the carte grise details' to give to insurance company before I got my little hands on the CG which was baffling to me.

Couldn't understand it;  but last 2 posters have clarified matters.  

Do have quote from our insurance brokers for cover (they have already had info about car, make, model, year of original reg, year of reg in France, value etc) - so presumably this is all the basic info they would need to provide me with cover for 1 month, during which time I can then hand them copy of former owner's CG.

That was the bit I couldn't get my head around.

Very useful info as well that some insurance brokers(?) - or companies - are now able to do this CG transfer - now that has to be useful - and thanks for sharing that info.

Think I'll get there in the end - fingers crossed for me - and thanks for advice.

As always, there are 'people who know' and willing to help - which is lovely.

Merci - Chessie

[Insure a car before I've bought it ?]

Oh dear - here's a conundrum for you all.

I'm in the process, hopefully, of buying a second-hand car being sold privately.

The seller lives locally.

The car is RHD, has been reg in France for at least last 10 years, and has a current CT.

It is being proposed that the seller and I meet up at the local garage where the car has been regularly maintained.  The garage is one of those linked into the new computer system for the ANTS change of ownership/carte gris etc.

The seller plans to transfer the car ownership to me, at the garage.

But I'm then expected to turn up with all the docs necessary, so that the car can then be registered in my name, with all fees paid - AND with new insurance covering the car from the moment the change of ownership is registered on ANTS via the garage.

This is planned to take place in THREE DAYS TIME.........gulp

I'm getting a bit confused.  

How can I insure a car I do not yet own ?

Can the sale of the car, and registration of new owner take place, in sequence, in half-an-hour ?

I'm insured to drive our two cars, but as an add-on driver (policies in OH's name - see previous post of mine about this problem !!).

Presumably I'll need to contact our insurance brokers to get cover, one way or another, to drive this car away once the keys have been handed to me by the present owner (ie the morning of the transaction).

Is that possible ?

Or am I, as it feels, in a Catch 22 ?

Also confused as to what I'll need to bring in the way of docs - can anyone be kind enough to give definite, clear list of all the bumpf necessary (checked on website but can't work out if garage is regarded as 3rd party or not) - and that's making me even more confused.

My head hurts - can anyone please help me ?

Thanks - Chessie

[Early stage alzeiheimers - future help ?]

A big 'thank you' to everyone who took the time and trouble to respond to my OP and for all the very helpful advice and comments given.

Seems as though whatever one ends up paying, the French system might actually 'work' better than the UK one (as in Betty's posts which was a horror story, and so sad).

I'm just trying to obtain as much info as possible at the moment, to try to weigh up options before situation deteriorates and decisions have to be made.

We have a house in the UK, and we have family in the UK - as a support for me if nothing else.

We have friends out here - but it's not quite the same is it ?

OH's french isn't very fluent, but with Alzy (or VascDem) - as it's language that seems to be the first to fade then it's more likely the french language memory would vanish, before the english ? 

But I'm extremely grateful for all the helpful comments;  certainly pointed me in several directions to get further advice.

Thank you everyone - and for the kind wishes - that was nice.

Chessie

[Need own car; never had insurance in own name - problem ?]

Thanks for helpful replies;  yes, probably best to visit our own insurance broker in first place, as they'll have all the info on us.

Just had horrible feelings that I would be treated as 'new' driver, with heavy insurance costs; fingers crossed that won't happen.

But must be an issue faced by some women from time to time here in France.

Thank you - Chessie

[Need own car; never had insurance in own name - problem ?]

Yet another silly question from me....

Like many women who drive both here and the UK, I've never had car insurance in my own name.

I'm now faced with having to buy my own car, in my name, and to have it insured in my name.

Our present french car insurance covers both OH and myself, to drive both our cars.

Both cars are registered in his name.

Insurance is in his name.

Here's the problem.

When I buy a car, I'm presuming I have to have had car insurance put in place first, with date of commencement to be the date I buy the car - yes ?

As a 'new' driver, am I going to be penalised;  or will the years and years of no-claim insurance as 'named driver' count towards lessening cost of taking out new insurance as a new driver be of any help ?  I have thought of the Axa plan, with limited kilometres of 8,000 per year to help reduce cost of insurance - as a first step.  But wondered whether this is the best course ?

Must be a problem faced by some women out here, should they suddenly become widowed;  what happens in such cases ?

Oh dear, the problems of becoming 'less young'....!!

Wise words appreciated - thank you.

Chessie

[Swallows - or no swallows - slaughtered in Africa]

British and french farmers have been blamed, wrongly for drop in swallow numbers (as well as other birds) - due to loss of habitat.

I've long known about the cruelty of bird trapping in Cyprus and Malta, and knew there also problems in Africa.

Now the truth is being publicised.

Anyone read this - ?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6993621/Where-swallows-gone.html

In your part of France have the swallows arrived ? In usual numbers ?

Any thoughts, anyone ?

Heart breaking to read.....

Chessie

[Early stage alzeiheimers - future help ?]

My OH is, sadly, showing clear signs of early Alzy - and it's already causing problems for me - which is wrong, but there we are.

Do have the UK Lasting Power of Attorney, signed several years ago, so that's one hurdle not to worry about.

Thinking long-term - if we remain here in France, both pensioners, what help would the French health/social be kind enough to offer us ?

Care home fees - anyone any idea ?

Or should we be thinking about returning to UK earlier than planned ?  What would be the financial implications.

Personal experiences/practical advice anyone ?

Would be very welcome.

Thanks - Chessie

[No Tax Paid Yet]

DD-  sorry to interupt (still struggling with this tax idea...) -

but you wrote -

'......applied a 14.4% composite tax rate, but only to my NHS pension income (which is wholly taxed in France).'

Uhhmmm - can I just whisper - do you really mean your NHS pension is 'taxed' in France - or just 'taken into account' - because NHS pensions, like local government, shouldn't actually be taxed in France, should they ?

Or have I got myself completely mixed up ?

Chessie

[French Gov't Order of Feb 6 re Hard Brexit]

BinB - yes, I know it's the Telegraph  !!

I had a little bet with myself that, if anyone responded to my little contribution, that one of the first posts would refer to 'the paper'... rather than what was reported !!

You won !!

Chessie

[French Gov't Order of Feb 6 re Hard Brexit]

CT - you've been reassured that your father will be treated fairly because the UK and France have a totally separate, floating above, health treaty agreement;  this will continue after Brexit.

For those who have moaned about the UK using exPats as 'bargaining chips' etc etc remember this;   the UK has guaranteed continuing rights to all eu citizens already resident in the UK - no change.

However, the eu, it appears, is making life difficult for UK exPats - NOT the UK.

Here's a link some might find of interest.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/10/brussels-refusing-guarantee-healthcare-expats-no-deal-brexit/

Thankfully the UK and France already have separate, existing agreement - but doesn't seem that the eu is being helpful for our fellow exPats resident in other eu countries does it ?

I'm just sitting tight;  France is a civilised country and if we're all here, paying our taxes, etc - we'll be fine.

CT - on a separate note please reassure your father he has nothing to worry about;  and please don't misunderstand me, but is he of an age to start becoming a bit confused about things, and maybe too obsessed about one situation....?

Chessie

[Discount stores - removal of old appliance]

Here's yet another one of my stupid questions.

When we moved into current property all kitchen appliances were brand new.   You've guessed it - they're now all deciding to stop heating, twirling, spinning, and chilling at the same time.

Sure there must be some sort of contagious 'appliance hari-kari' programmed into them.

You get the picture - lots of big appliances needing to be replaced over coming months.

Question - discount stores.   I've visited the big supermarkets and furniture stores to 'have a good look' at one specific item needed soon - a new upright american type fridge freezer.

There's one I like, available online, from a discount store.

But looking online I see reference to removal/take way old appliance' but this reference is not included in all the item descriptions - only for some of the large american f/f.

What's the usual policy on this ?   Obviously expect a charge for removal/disposal of old item, but just puzzled that such service is only indicated for some of the f/f's I've been looking at.

Thought such a service was essential, and offered by every supplier of the large electrical white goods; so why only specifically mentioned on certain models of f/f.

I'm stupid, and puzzled - anyone have any info on this for me please ?

Thanks - Chessie

[Sky box or TV dead?]

What was the outcome ?

Just wondering because we now have similar problem.

Two tv's; one satellite receiver, two separate cable feeds from dish to two different tv's.  One feed through Humax box (to main new tv;  one old Sky box to second tv) - and both tuned to UK tv stations (sorry !!).

One works fine - main one in lounge.

Second tv in study/snug no longer works.   Given up the ghost over Christmas.  The tv will show the first pages of 'Choose all channels' etc - but then screen display reads 'Searching for listings' - and then no change - won't change - won't progress any further.

The Sky box shows green light - so it's on...but nothing.

As the main tv and Humax box is working then there's obviously no problem with dish or cable into the house.

Anyone any ideas ?   Or has Sky box finally 'fallen off its perch' and we need a Humax box instead ?

Happy New Year everyone -

Chessie

[SFR and Orange - 2 separate bills]

OK everyone - thanks for your guidance.

More info - we started with Orange for both landline and internet - and we've stayed with them.  Absolutely no change there.

We pay monthly for the Internet/Live box and then bi-monthly for the landline.

The phone doesn't go through the LiveBox;  we have a phone socket, with a 'filter' adapter - with 2 sockets - one cable for the land-line phone, and the other socket takes the cable for the LiveBox.   Been like this for years, possibly 10 when we got ADSL in this area.   Have I made a mistake ?

The SFR involvement comes about, I think (?) because at one time there was another company around - Tele2 - offering cheaper phone calls to UK using a 4044 number - rather than phoning UK through the Orange telephone system.

Think that's clear, so far - I hope.

So maybe the SFR bit comes about because Tele2 'disappeared/was taken over' by SFR - but the bills we get from SFR cover only the cost of phone calls - nothing more.

Yeah, I know - it's weird - but that's how our life seems to work out here - I get confused.

And with an OH who is becoming forgetful, but gets cross when asked about money matters and bills, I do worry about things.

Can't work out the SFR site - keeps asking for password - which I haven't got.   And can't sign on as new customer in order to get a password because none of the screen options cover my problem - and it's out of hours time anyway.

Did an on-line computer/live box test with Orange.  Guess what - oh dear, we've got a problem, but they can send a tech around at a cost of 69 euros.   Surprise !!   Don't have internet problem;  just can't make phone calls.

And because we can receive phone calls makes me think that there's no problem with the landline, no problem with our telephone - but for some reason (late payment ? - but we've just paid last bill) we've been blocked from making calls out.

But that just doesn't make sense because we don't owe anyone any money.

Feel it's the old Catch 22.

Can't phone the Orange english speaking line - I get the 'service unavailable' bit.

SFR - no English help-line.   Lovely American lady answers the phone, then it promptly moves over to French.... aaarrrgh.

Actually - that's strange.   Can get response from SFR;  but when dialling the Orange help line I get the 'service unavailable' bit;  weirder and weirder.

So yes, it does look as though we're going to have a bit of a drive to the nearest Orange shop.   And good advice, thanks - to take bills and payment/bank statements with us - and hope to get it sorted.

Was just so hoping that it might be some simple answer - like unplug phone, give it a shake, leave for half an hour, and connect up again, but seems not. 

Oh well - thanks for help -

Happy New Year everyone

Chessie