Domp80

Thanks Sunday Driver - you have confirmed my suspicions - at least it wont be a surprise when I have to pay extra. Clare.

Hi The small print on a new car purchase that I am about to make says this ..... "Le tarif du véhicule indiqué comprend le tarif H.T. du véhcule, la TVA en vigueur, notre commission (de 4 à 8% selon le modèle et la provenance) et tous frais en vue de l'obtention de la carte grise française. Ce prix ne comprend pas les frais de séquestre (a), la carte grise définitive, la vignette (pour les sociétés). Le solde devra se faire par chèque de banque (chèque émis au guichet)." Anyone know what the difference is between the two types of carte grise mentioned? I am particularly interested to know because I will need to pay some 'malus ecologique' and dont know whether that is included when they say tous frais en vue de l'obtention de la carte grise française. I have asked them the question by email but wonder if anyone has any wisdom on the matter :-) Clare.        

Can anyone recommend some good builders in the Hesdin area? We have various jobs building up and would rather follow a recommendation if possible. Thanks  Clare.

Hi Catherine I looked into this about 3 years ago when I needed broadband or similar for work but didn't have adsl in my area. I don't remember the finer details anymore but I did finally end up with one direction only. The cost was just far too great otherwise with too many restrictions. I used to look at ariase.com on a daily basis hoping I would get reADSL until I finally was able to receive it. I have SO never looked back! Sorry I can't help more but I sympathise with your predicament! Clare.  

Hi Patrick Yep - there are a few of us 'full timers' around Rue/St Valery (not being holiday home-ist, I promise) although not as many as around Hesdin methinks. I have stumbled across Brits mainly though my sports mad sons - on the football pitches, in sports halls etc. At their school in Rue we were the only English speaking family until this term when another one popped up. Generally speaking we are still a novelty in this region I think but the people are mostly very friendly and tend to warm to us more when they realise we live here. I hope you enjoy your new home and like the area as much as we do! All the best Clare.  

Cher M. Sarkozy As my eyesight weakens yet again as it always does this time of year from staring for hours on end at not one, but three school supply lists, I beg you to end this misery. I idly wonder in a moment of lapse away from 96 pages or 48 pages, red ones, blue ones, pink ones or orange ones how many man hours are wasted each year across France on this very task? How many hairs are turning grey? How many hospitalisations there are resulting from fistycuffs over the last classeur with 4 binders (strictly not 2)? Perhaps it is meant as a test of character, a test of the tenacity of the parents. Supply 24x32 instead of 21x29.7 and you are not worthy. Your child is not welcome in this here ecole. France does not need you - - allez. Surely there's a better way? Just because it has been done this way for years, is there no possibility of a teensy weensy change? Radical, but could the schools not supply the stationary and bill the parents ? Now where was I .... ? 2 pochettes de 50 feuillets mobiles seyes..... Domp80      

Does a French driving license show the date you passed your test ie a valid from date on it ? Only asking out of interest as I passed at 17 (one or two years ago now). When I went for French insurance, the software they use wouldn't allow them to put the 'valid from' date shown on my UK license because (presumeably) in France you have to be 18 to pass your test and so the software is programmed to see anything less as an error. Doesnt really matter, but if I run into that situation when I change to a French license, my actual test date would then be lost for ever presumeably .....    

Hi I have drafted a short letter about wanting to make my house into a gite ready to send to the tourisme people but am loathe to send it yet because I know it has errors in it. I am wondering if any kind soul would mind reading it through (its only short) and helping me with the mistakes before I send it. I haven't posted the letter here because I dont want to be accused of using this site as a free translation service. Anyone able to help ?

I am launching into a business venture in the Picardie/Nord Pas de Calais area and need an architect for help with an industriel building. Can anyone recommend anyone, English or French ?    

Well - thanks all for your help everyone. I wrote the invitations, with a tear off slip. My son gave them out in the playground before school and by the evening we had already had one slip back ! I dont expect everyone to reply but I hold out hope that I may get some idea of numbers ! I too am going for the radical this year - I am taking the kids to a play place which I think they will love ! My experience of parties given by the childrens' friends have been exactly as already described - nothing organised at all and no food as such, just lots of sweets. My 10 year old had a party earlier this year and I couldnt believe how easy it was - no sandwich preparations, sausage rolls etc - - I felt like a real fraud !!    

Another of many challenges on my hands - My son is going to have a seventh birthday party so I am in the process of scribing the invitations. I am ok with the first bit (I think) which will say something like (with the accents which I havent yet figured out on my keyboard!) *********** Jonty t'invite a feter son anniversaire ! Le xxxx de 14h30 a 17h00 Lieu : xxxxxxx  résponse souhaité avant le mercredi 25 octobre *********** BUT - its the next bit I am stuck with. What I want to do is provide a tear off slip at the bottom saying Yes I would like to come or No I am unable to make it (please indicate) and return to Jonty. Question is - does anyone ever do that in France (none of the party invites my children have received so far have asked for a response on them) and if its ok to do, what French equivalent should I use ? I would give my phone number on the invite but I absolutely hate the telephone and so can't bring myself to do it ! Thanks in advance for any help you can provide !      

Ok - apologies everyone. I am of course more than happy to hear other people's experiences and thoughts but I am hoping the Poolguy can help too. We have been looking after a salt pool for 18 months and have experienced many different problems.  This one is bugging us though ..... The pool hasn't been generating enough chlorine for some time. As a result we have (several times) given the chlorine cellule a thorough clean, after which the chlorine generation seems to pick up for several days but then slows or halts again after that. We have enough salt (have tested) so I am happy to make the assumption that we need a new cellule (well - not that happy because I gather they are expensive!). Now the problem - - I have rung Bio Pool who are the makers of the electrolyse de sel but they have advised me that I cannot buy direct from them (needs to go through a pool supplier). I have spoken to our local-ish Desjoyaux who are not helpful as whilst the piscine is Dejoyaux, the various elements (pump etc) are various makes. In addition, I am wondering once I get the cellule, how I fit it as there are of course various wires involved. Pleeeeeeease can you help ? For info we are in the North (80). Clare.            

Hi Is there anyone in the Hesdin or Rue area who loves dogs and is in the area from 10th - 28th August ? Basically, we are going away and were going to leave the dog with the in-laws. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law isnt very well so I am looking for a kind soul who can take the dog in their home during that period. The dog is an ageing, docile choc labrador who takes very little looking after - just one short walk every morning is all she wants these days. If anyone is interested, pleeease send me a message. Thank you ! Clare.  

Ok - the tax forms have finally defeated me ! Does anyone know of any reputable companies who can offer assistance with filling in the tax forms and advise on tax in general ? Ideally I am looking for a firm who have knowledge of both UK and French tax for advice and guidance. Please PM me if you know of anyone !   Many thanks

[:D]Thanks everyone. A couple of doses of hydrochloric acid did the trick