Jks

I guess I'll have to get out of the journalistic habit of drinking too much red wine before writing!

Surely not, I'm sure there are worst things that you could be stuck with. Aren't there?!!!

Just testing the water really and wondering whether those who have businessess in France or are planning to set ones up would ever consider the "benefits" of employing an english speaking press/public relations officer/ journalist? Recognise there may be advantages, but also wonder what the general view is towards employing someone who is "qualified" for the above - is it an advantage or would it be regarded as an "additional extra"!? Having worked as both a journalist and press officer, I would value all opinions - however negative! Cheers JKS

Hi there Can anyone advice which satellite tv channel would be best for watching the Tour live. We will be in England, but working and want to record it on on eparticular day. Any advice greatly appreciated Cheers JKS

Hi Sabina Have left contact number in your PM box Regards JKS

Hopefully a straightforward question - what have people moving permanently done about their medical records held by their GP in England? Have they asked for them and then taken to France? Thanks

Ah thank you for that Angela! It is rural Vendee where we live and your post sounds very familiar. We too have experienced the same with family mentioned at the beginning of this posting who invited us to a barbecue at 6pm and put the first sausages on it at midnight! Having not eaten before hand we were ravenous! Contrary to what others on this posting may believe I never intended to give the impression that we don't welcome our new friends merely that we didn't think it too unreasonable that guests return home before 4am on a school night. I can't speak for others but we have found people in the Vendee to be warm, funny and very welcoming (rather similar to our friends in Manchester - not Surrey!) Julie

The recent posting on guest repellant got me thinking - has anyone experienced something similar with French friends. Having made efforts to integrate in our village we are genuinely delighted to have made several French friends especially as my daughter really enjoys playing with the children of one particular family. However our expectation of the French being reserved has been turned on its head. This one family (very lovely and helpful in many respects) don't ever seem to leave. They show up at any time of the day, often stay into the early hours (despite my husband or I making apologies and going to bed!) and are happy to sit for hours and hours making little or no conversation. We really aren't anti-social and love meeting new people, but wonder whether this family is taking the p***? Have tried using stock phrases (in French) that one would use in England in similar situations - but they don't seem to get it. Have also tried making arrangements to see them eg: will meet for coffee on Thursday (they still show up on Tuesday and Wednesday!). It's getting so I feel under seige and feel like hiding when there's a knock at the door. I really don't want the situation to deteriorate nor to lose their friendship but am at a loss as to what I can say or do. The family in question have few friends in the village, although their children are popular and very well behaved. Has anyone experienced something similar, any suggestions for dealing with this or any French phrases that would "politely" hit the mark? Many thanks Julie

Hi Skintagain It's because in France you can't get child benefit if you only have one child - which rather contradicts the idea of any recipricol agreement! That's why I want to continue my claim (if it is at all legally possible - which thanks to Kaf I think it now is) in England. Either that or we'll have to start thinking about having another baby!! Regards Julie

Why within a year?  

In August my daughter and I will be moving permanently to our home in France while my husband continues to work in the UK for at least another year. As we won't be entitled to child benefit in France as I only have one child - is it possible to put the Child Benefit claim in my husband's name and continue to receive it in the UK. Failing that I understand there's some clause about getting a child educated abroad but not necessarily being resident - as Ellie will be starting school in France - does anyone know if this would cover us? Many thanks 

We've been planning to make a permanent move as a family to our home in France this summer. However, my husband has now got an opportunity to work an extra year (rather than the planned early retirement he was due to take this autumn) which makes long-term financial sense. After much discussion we've decided that it would be best to continue with our original plans to go out this year (minus hubbie!). As such my daughter and I will go out this Autumn and my daughter (aged seven) will start at the village school in September. My concern is - I currently work in England but will not be working in France and will rely on money going into our joint account from my husbands job - can someone please advise as what status I'll have in France, should I apply for  a residence permit as my daughter will be in full-time education in France, how can we can sort out health insurance, will my husband be liable to french tax? Any advice or support on these (or other issues that I may not have considered) would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

Please don't think we're being lazy! We've done extensive research and are planning to move permanently to our home in the Vendee in July next year. As you can imagine we have a long (and ever changing) list of things to do for both before and after we arrive. We already have the usual things in place such as utilities, insurance, schooling, language lessons, bank account, pet passport, school jabs, pension, contact with DSS in Washington etc.. However just wondering if anyone has any tips on what we, or others, may have overlooked. Are there things that weren't on your list? Hindsight's a great thing - did you miss something, however thoroughly you prepared? Obviously I understand that every case is individual but any tips or advice would be welcome. Many thanks

My family and I already have a home in France and are planning to move out permanently next year. I understand that when my husband takes early retirement with a teachers pension in October next year (he will be 55) that he will be covered for two years health insurance but after that will have to make his own arrangements. Does anyone know whether this two year cover will apply to me (35) and our daughter (7)or would we be wise to take separate insurance from him? Any advice on this would be great as would advice (health, finance or otherwise) from others with a similar age-gap relationship. Many thanks

There is an Emmaus reclamation yard about 5kms from Fontenay in the village of St Michael le Clerq (not sure of spelling). It's accessible from either Fontenay or Pissotte and is open about three days a week. Not sure of the times but think its Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat after 2.30pm.