TheVicar

Sounds like a tricky problem. Sounds like possibly a combination of ferrous and galvanized panels.Red oxide primer is not usually suitable for non-ferrous metals, and other metal primers are not recommended for ferrous metals. Before I left the UK I worked for Sigma Kalon, the UK's largest manufacturer of paint, and in my capacity often had to ring the help-line for advice. I would suggest you do the same and explain your problem. They will of course only recommend their own products, so I would suggest you contact maybe Kalon, International Paints and Zinsser. If you're looking to buy in France and your French is up to it, do the same, but you may not find good advice at shop floor level.Best to speak to a manufacturer's help-line as they know their stuff. One thought that occurred to me (although I don't know much about them) is perhaps using car spray primers and top-coats.

"After my (also Stihl) chainsaws, my strimmer is my favourite toy!"??? Don't go there, people!! It should also be pointed out that not only do garages sell a ready mix petrol/oil for two stroke engines (albeit more expensive), there is an even more expensive ready mixed fuel which my local Bricomarche recommended. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it 'alkalyte'? Cost me about 18 euros for 5 litres but works well. Didn't buy it again at that price though.

There are several Kitchen & Bathroom paints around but I haven't seen silk paint here, only satin, easily identifies by 'Cuisines/Salles de bain-satine' Exterior undercoat is sous-couche/exterieur,making sure it's either wood,metal or generalpurpose. Gloss is termed as Glycero-brillant As they all come under the general heading of  'expensive cr*p', my advice would be to get some English paint.

I already do, thanks, but I prefer to change into different clothes when I'm working in the garden!

I only have a small one (go to town,people!) as money was an object for me, but be warned that the small versions without a handle/strap may well burn your arm due to the position of the motor. Do try to feel one before buying. (I can see where this is going, too!)

I've just discovered, while adding a contact number, that you can just dial 221. Much quicker as long as you remember the number. My friend, who gave me the (no longer wanted) mobile already on the Virgin France network, had it in his contacts.

For mine, I go to Services +/Services/Suivi conso. You should get a text back within a minute.

That's always struck me as a curiosity with French people. They never seem to give the odd cents when the situation arises. I used to put all mine in the stamp machine at La Poste, but then they put a sticker over the 1c and 2c 'coins accepted' to suggest the machine no longer accepted them (but I know it does[:$]). Perhaps that's what the French were doing with all theirs as well and filling the machine to the brim with copper.

Most of the text has been lifted from Wikipedia (but fails to mention that! Wikipedia will be pleased!!).

Sounds a-peeling.

Thank you both for your helpful replies. I've never had such quick replies to a posting before. Just goes to show the old adage about our concern for animals. Reminds me of my eldest learning about Pompeii. The class were told about charred bodies found, even babies, but when the teacher mentioned the burnt remains of a dog the whole class went "aaaaaaaahh".

That's an excellent response, thanks, Christine. I should have also asked, does the micro-chip carry vaccination (or any other) information? It's the first time I've had a micro-chipped dog, and it may well help the vet if he can gather any other info that I don't know.

Could somebody outline what vaccinations are either compulsory or recommended for dogs in France? If you know their French names, all the better. The query concerns one dog who has come from Spain where she used to have regular jabs, and another dog who was acquired here but her vaccination record is unknown. Thanks

Try http://www.businessesforsale.com/

Probably an obvious first reply, but it sounds like a virus. Have you run a full virus check? Had any strange e-mails lately, particularly with attachments? Is it happening with all replies or only this particular sender?

In our area the supermarkets that are open are only open until mid-day. We do, however, have one supermarket that opens every Sunday morning, and an Intermarche which is now open Sunday mornings during July/August. Might be why they have chosen a half-day for Saturday.

We're selling our mobile home in the Loire Valley if it's of any use. PM me if it is. (If I can figure out how to turn on the PM feature!!!)

Did it have it's ups and downs?[:D]

I can't say that we have a lot of knowledge on this subject, being the only (English) family that I know of in our area (mostly retired/second home owners). Quite welcome to share our experiences if you wish to contact us, but from previous posts on the subject it seems that British children in French schools is very much a hit and miss affair. We have 3 girls who entered 3 different schools, and all 3 schools were very sympathetic to our cause and were a great help. Other parents seem to have found themselves in a town where the school doesn't really want to know. You're quite right to put finding a suitable school on your agenda. PS I don't even know where Saintes is, so probably nowhere near us!

Well said! As much as I sympathise with the sentiment of the original post, there is no need to drag it down to personal levels. (car driver)

There's one thing about running a bar I have not yet established (probably several really!), perhaps Tebee can help with this one. Does a bar owner need to go on any courses, such as for running a bar / hygiene,etc,? And are these qualifications the same for a bar owner / leaseholder / employee?

We too had considered buying a pub. What we do know so far is that:- Some bars do have contracts with breweries. Our own local recently tied themselves to the Fischer brewery, and in return have so far received a new coffee machine, electric canopy, terrace and tables/chairs and name banner. On the other hand you can simply buy your booze at the cash and carry stores. If you are buying a bar ask if they already have a contract with a brewery. Not sure what time a regular bar can open in the morning, may be as early as 6.30, but I understand normal closing times to be no later than midnight during the week and 2.00am Friday/Saturday nights, 8.00 pm Sundays. As you probably know, most bars in smaller towns shut around 8.00pm. You would have a free choice on your own hours within the law, and would largely depend on where it is. In a tourist town it would probably be wise to stay open later, whereas in a small community it would probably be wiser to open early for the coffee drinkers. As for equipment, as long as you're buying an existing bar it's likely to be left there. Just make sure you get an inventory of what is included in the price. English beer? Probably not worth the hassle. The French are unlikely to touch it, and unless you acquire a regular flow of English clients it'll probably die a death. The pumps are harder to clean than with lager, and you may also run the risk of alienating the French regulars if they feel you're trying to turn it into an English pub. We've still got an eye open after we were beaten to it on the bar we liked. Let us know how you progress.

Sorry, I should have been more specific. We have a French Maestro card which I have used in unmanned petrol pumps and never had a problem. Sorry if I've drifted off the main issue a bit.

We have a Maestro card and it's never been a problem at petrol stations (but not at the toll machines on autoroutes[:$])

Be careful here! I was warned by my first insurer in France to ask for written confirmation of No Claims Bonus mentioning the percentage ONLY, as the French system is different. I leave myself open to be corrected but I believe the French have to go 13 years to get the full NCB. If your UK insurer quotes the years as well as the percentage a French insurer will take the years so that they get more money. My UK insurer at the time was fully understanding of this at the time.