Chezstevens

RD's replies reinforce my views on British Builders in France.  He has boasted of £50 per hour rates - I don't mind paying an artisan the devis price (often we are surprised by a reduction), especially as the ones we choose are artisans (with a wealth of experience and recommendations the word implies).  I take exception to Brits that try to increase the facture above the quote - happened in our early days and they were sadly disappointed  Again I had an artisan, happened to be french, who accidentally damaged our gate. We did not witness the accident, there was no discussion about blame, and the gate was repaired in quick order. 

Looks like a line to the French Impot before making the decision to leave early ..... leaving at 55 does not give the same issues.  Hoo hum ... off to the sand for another month tomorrow.

And the female proximity alert.

Ron, VMT - so looks like a big hit on the second.  Will touch base with the link - very useful.  Both lump sums are taxfree (at present). Vern

At least his first post is not an advert for his business!!?

Hi folks, Here is one reference military pensions.  I am currently signed up to AFPS 2005 .... this allows, on leaving before age 55, to receive EDP (Early Departure Payment) non-index linked to age 55.  After 55 it is index linked to 65 then full pension for years served.  I understand under the dual-taxation agreement I pay in the UK.  I also understand 8% contribution for health. However, under APFS 2005, if you leave early you get 2 lump sums - one on leaving and the second at 65.  How are these lump sums treated by the french taxman?  Especially interested in lump sum at 65 - assume I would be resident in France from age of 51.  Both lump sums will be approx £100k each.  

Hi, Will try Poitiers BMW Moto in September for my annual service and change tyres.  SWBO will pick me up from there rather than the airport!  God bless her patience.

With 14 years experience of paying for renovation in France I can only say that I have had no serious problems with French Artisans.  One french artisan damaged our fireplace by accident and there was no discussion - he has just replaced it with freshly cut stone ... looks better than before. I have heard, and seen, countless occasions of poor building practice by non-french workers but , perhaps by luck, never had a problem with french artisans.  Judging by other peoples experiences then paying the extra works out in the end.  So ... if you are paying the same money why not use somebody who has always been taught, and used, sympathetic building techniques in keeping with your area.  Sorry Brits but I have seen too many cowboys -  yip, yip, yee a.   To temper my personal observations - if you have received recommendations for a builder, regardless of nationality, then perhaps that is the best route.  

My Canon MP160 works a treat.  Cheap, individual printer cartridges with the ability to have double size black ink.  Debs and Boys have another Canon multi-function as well - 3 years old with no probs.  

At least I have never struck a similar pose (!?).  Thankfully my 2 speeding fines, in 31 years riding, were in Spain so 'nul point' on the license.

The answer is no your car will not be legal for the UK - what you have done is the start of the process since the Prefecture have not issued you with a french matriculation number or carte grise.  Your car, on entering the UK, will be recognised as SORN'd or not taxed - depending what you did with DVLA on leaving UK.  Your best bet is to hire a car.

[quote user="pongo-fips"]hi. just wondering if there is anyone who would be interested in a little garden maintaining near clave in 79 please feel free to get in touch if you are interested [/quote] Another hijacked post.

We have been on 18kva EJP since 1993.  It will take a very good long term deal to get us to move.  Just have to smile at the 'ugly' grey box by the front door and remember how much we are saving!!

Just an update for those interested.... Received an e-mail from LD Lines reference multi-trip package - hurrah.  Sadly the package was firmly aimed at cars - it is a real shame that they did not read my e-mail properly.  Have explained that the car deal is no inducement for a motorcycle rider but will not hold my breath. It is a shame because I feel they are missing out on bikers that are happy to regularly commute by ferry but are forced by current pricing policies to use Ryanair for the following reasons: 1. Cheap 2. No parking fees for bikes at Stanstead 3. Cheap  Hopefully the Director of LD Lines still reads this Forum and understands the frustration of a potential loyal client. regards Vern

When we exported our french registered renault to Gibraltar we sent a registered letter to the Prefecture at Niort.  We then found on return to France that the re-registering of the car took 15 mins - they were delighted that they had been informed and had suspended our matriculation number.  They showed us the computer screen with the letter ack'd.  Not of interest in your case but somebody else may be doing the same.

I bought 10 for £190 to find that my planned motorcycle trip in May is cancelled.  They will not accept any more motorcycle bookings - since I bought the 10 singles for the bike I will wait to see how they wriggle out of this!!  March cancellations were a shambles but then you pay your price and ........ regards Vern Now a confirmed Ryanair user (Used to be just winter but ... see above)

Well it is a balmy 39C here at the moment with blue sky, gently sifting sand thru toes.  So I thought I would chill and read some e-mails .... opened one from Speedferries - ''Fight the Pirates''- to discover they have cancelled my 2 tickets for May and July 'cos they have had very expensive claims for bike damage so can no longer afford to carry bikes.  I have asked them for a refund of my unexpired season tickets since I only have the bike to visit the family with - awaiting refund. Sounds like a staff training issue but c'est la vie.  Looked at other options but will now stick with Ryanair to Poitiers for the year - other options being v.expensive.  Happy biking in France. regards Vern

Just Katie, No probs.  I feel that newbies should be given a balanced view.  I am sure there will now be an avalanche of geniune clients that have used british ex-pat contractors and have been delighted. regards Vern

[quote user="Just Katie "] I really would think it would be a shame for people to tar all builders with the same brush because they have been let down by someone of the same nationality.  I would certainly consider employing a british builder upon recommendation, should his quotes be competitive. [/quote] Just Katie, If you read my full account there was no tarring of all british builders.  However there are cowboys out there that new folk should be aware of. regards Vern  

During our complete renovation costing some £150k we spent £300 on some british builders, ex-car salesmen as we discovered later, who claimed as ''folks we knew'' they could be trusted to do some work - one of our shutters (Lapeyre) fell off the first time there was a reasonable breeze (yes they were registered).  It was embarrassing to debrief them on their incompetence - and they no longer live in our area.  I am sure that there are competent british builders in our region that charge a fair price for the standard of work we have come to expect from french builders.  We have used a fully registered british plumber to service our boiler - he does a very good job - unfortunately he is so popular that pinning him down is difficult!! regards Vern

I think we all dread the unexplained noises in our houses.  Whether it is the children noise coming through floors in a distorted manner or what.  I hope that your noise is easily explained by someone more knowledgeable and does not require a visit from the ''Insecticide folk''. best wishes Vern

Bob, Don't make me laugh - what air conditioning!!  The old girl is 40 and showing it - the guys try their best, and bloody marvellous effort it is in terrible working conditions, but I am 47 and I know where my aches, creaks and groans are.  I will dust off my sandals before climbing onto the flightdeck. regards Vern PS Are you travelling north to join the 16/17/79/86 crowd for a run in May or July?

SD, VMT for info.  Sadly to keep warranty alive I will have to use BMW dealer but have tucked away the independent for next year.  The independent mechanics trained by BMW always seem to have a good reputation. Hope to see y'all for a ride May or July.  Off to somewhere sandy tomorrow. regards Vern

GSDs for me - after 4 complete softies (2 white and 2 std) and only one bought from a breeder; the others came to us from Homes ranging in age from 6 months to 18 months.  Strong, gentle owners and a loving home - works every time.  Not like the manic inbred yard GSD next to us - apart from one other lapdog has not socialized and it shows!!  Our current 2 GSDs find it very exciting running around our land - no barking from them but you should hear him when they are in the front (not any more since it disturbs next doors GSD) - poor sod what a life ...... he is 7 and his back legs are going already. regards Vern

Agree with above post and:  ''When asked for the secret of their long and happy marriage the very elderly husband replied "long periods apart and increasing deafness" Having worked abroad for many years, frequently spending months apart, I can unequivocally vouch for the former, the deafness part I still have to fake though...!'' 19 years of which probably a quarter has been seperated by continents - still phonecalls are cheap nowadays.  If you are wrong, and can't pretend SWMBO was mistakened, then own up!! regards Vern 'Pardon? were you talking to me, Darling '