DerekJ

Excellent... very clever.

I was on a cycle ride a few weeks ago and had just reached the mini roundabout in Vers.... another rider was coming into the roundabout from the opposite direction (from Cahors) and we met up and started chatting as we rode along the Lot as far as Conduche..  he was going straight on and I turned off towards Cabrerets. This Frenchman looked about 50... in fact it turned out he was 71.  

Calling Wooly to the house phone... urgent call for you.

A few weeks ago I made some uncomplimentary comments regarding Spanish sportsmanship.  I strongly exclude Seve from those remarks and feel very sad that a man I've often had the pleasure of watching  at nearby Wentworth and Sunningdale has lost his brave fight. A great character, and an amazing and exciting talent.  Farewell Seve.

I've no idea if that would work... I'm somewhat doubtful but without any real knowledge. I suggest giving Humm Busters a call. I found them very helpful.

[quote user="sweet 17"]Weedon and Derek, please go back and look at the link which I hadn't posted when you replied. When you have looked, tell me whether I am right or wrong?[;-)] [/quote] I see what you mean Sweet..... but Ken Dodd is better looking IMO.[6]

[quote user="sweet 17"]Ken Dodd![:-))] [/quote] Ah... now that would be an improvement. I like Ken Dodd.... can't stand McCartney. [:P]

Have a look here. We've got one but haven't fitted it yet. It's for the ventilation pipe.

I heard the sad news today that the distinguished military historian, Richard Holmes died on Saturday. I've posted this in French History as many of Richard's books and TV programmes were connected with France and the wars and battles in its territory. I had the pleasure to spend about 30 minutes with Richard a couple of years ago and found him a most modest, charming and self effacing man. I'll treasure that meeting and the autographed books that I have of his and also the memories of  his lecture I attended. I'd always planned to take one of the battlefield tours on which he sometimes attended as guest lecturer. Unfortunately that will now never happen.

Mum told me I wouldn't have to do this after we were married!

[quote user="Bugsy"]I don't know whether to laugh or scream [:D][:D] . [/quote] Although I made sure I missed seeing the wedding I'm glad I've seen the York duo... best laugh I've had in ages.

Bike ride or bicycle ride... weather allowing. Anything but watching the dreaded wedding.

They had it on HIGNFY last night.  Very good.

Laburnham I think.

[quote user="sweet 17"]So, they were really intent on winning, huh, Derek?[:D][/quote] You could say that Sweet... I might express my opinion of them slightly differently.

Kayak racing... I competed in northern Spain several times and the antics the Spaniards used to cheat and disrupt their opponents both before and during the races was really bad.... Coming round the foreign teams bedrooms late the night before the race and waking them up throughout the night. Changing the position of rocks and routes through the rapids after foreign teams had recce'd the course. Cheating at the take off points in sprint relays. Spanish crews entered with only one purpose... to ram foreign boats and push them the wrong way down rapids. Carrying their kayaks a few yards across an oxbow bend (that none of us knew was there) after hanging back and letting the foreign teams go on ahead and thereby saving themselves around half a mile of paddling. I could go on. Then there was the infamous Spanish paralympic basketball team of 2000.... 10 of the 12 team members weren't disabled.

[quote user="sweet 17"]sportsmanlike Spaniards.   [/quote] Well, it's good to know some are, but that hasn't been my experience of competing in Spain though. Quite the reverse.

If I went into a restaurant and was offered a table anywhere near a dog I'd find an alternative restaurant.

I think this explains it quite well.

It's all gone downhill since Geoff Hamilton.

Hi Lyn.  If you are going to post up routes you might want to consider using one of the mapping websites. I personally use MapmyRide. Very easy to use and share with others, plus it give elevation, gradient and climb classification (1 to 5).

We nearly always use SeaFrance. We get a discount though the CSMA for starters. We always book the cheapest non-flexible fare. For the outbound leg (from the UK) we always turn up for our booked crossing.  However, for the return leg we tend to turn up whenever we happen to arrive. This might be a day early. We have only ever been charged £10 for making this change. I understand P&O may charge considerably more than this if you there is a greater than 2 hour difference between the booked crossing. Perhaps we have been lucky. I agree the onboard service isn't great but other than the toilets and the seating areas we don't use anything... no meals, snacks etc.  I can't say we have any particular problems with lateness.

[quote user="busybee"] Do please get informed on this topic and make up your own minds. [/quote] That's absolutely my intention. I made the original post as I only heard about what was being proposed this week and was interested to know more and see what the local reaction is. As far as NIMBYs go....  I generally find that it better not to be over critical unless one is happy to have the perceived blight sitting in ones own back garden.

I found this link on our village website. It relates to the dangers of gaz de schiste and the planned exploration in various regions of France. You may be interested, especially if your region is potentially effected. There is also a petition associated with this.

That's good... wishing you well Rose.