Aitch
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Posts posted by Aitch
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Guess what! Finally, had a reply to my letter, so EDF are now asking for just over 4000euros to put new posts, overhead cables (approx 450mts) etc. to the edge of my property. If I want it, I am going to have to pay it! However, they made no mention of the fact, as regards to what the supply rating will be, so I am hoping that they will have taken this into account with their estimate. I have written to ask them what the rating will be, and when they can start, so it's probably another month before a reply. What happens if they haven't?
They aslo mention that I need to get another estimate from EDF(?), for the connection to the property but I was under the impression that my electrician would take care of this? Can anybody enlighten me if my understanding is wrong?
Thanks for the help
Aitch
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Just got back after 5 days at the house and the EDF gentleman turned up at the appointed time. Pleasant and helpful chap but with a sharp intake of breath tells me that it is not his department which would connect us, but that of the EDF-Rural @ Argenton. No, I didn't swear or lose my temper but having sent all the details and copies of the Plan Cadastral to Chateauroux before they would arrange the meeting, it did make me feel a little disgruntled at a supposedly waste of time for all concerned. Has anyone had experience like this or dealt with EDF-Rural? As the property has never had electricity, we are not on their database, are there any grants available for properties to be connected, the Mairie thinks not, or am i hoping for too much? I thought that there was new legislation in force for all properties to be connected. Anyone any ideas? Many thanks,Aitch
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Have been down this road over the last several months. I'm not disadvantaged when it comes to DIY, but this is a little beyond my capabilities. I had a carpenter who we have successfully used for our shutters etc. but his price seemed unnervingly high. Visited Lapeyre who offer a design and fit service including various styles/ woods/ 1/4 turn top and bottom etc who could do the same type for almost 1/3rd of the cost. However, you have to cut the the access hole to upstairs yourself.
Have decided for the moment not to go with either, but am hoping another carpenter I have arranged will come in with a better price. I would suggest your friends explore all possibilities and only if they are competent to go ahead with self installation. There is some satisfaction in having other people swear and curse when it goes awry, even if you do have to pay for it.
Aitch
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I have arranged a visit from EDF in 2 weeks time to look at how I can get electricity to our house. (We currently have a small generator) Any help or advice as how best to deal with their inspection so that I can get the supply type I want, as well as the siting of any posts (we are about 400metres from the nearest take-off point)? How amenable are they to requests for the position/ installation? I am also expecting some high prices but has anybody got any ball park figures/ length of time to completion etc? I have an electrician organised as I realise that it is more of a joint effort to get the installation completed but background info would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Aitch
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Try www.charnwood.com. English made with a good range but their website does have a French page and stockists throughout france. From my conversations with them they can supply and arrange fitting. I haven't purchased yet, but they offer an alternative to the 'Godin's etc'
Regards, Aitch
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I am due out PO/LH overnight on this Sunday going down to Argenton(36) using A13/A10 Orleans then A71/A20 Chateauroux, does anybody have a projected weather for Sunday/ Monday and next week? www.traficinfo seems to be locked up and I can't access it. La Meteo is also playing up. Any help much appreciated, Thanks,
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Apparently the Queen has been quite magnaminous about the whole thing but has objected to the tour around Wales and Cornwall. Instead she has offered them a honeymoon weekend in Paris, staying at the Ritz with a chauffeur thrown in for good measure
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Have just received a letter from P & O this morning, in respect of the loyalty Schemes including 'Homeowners'. It now appears that this is finally being done away with, and points must be used before 5th September 2005 or they will be lost. Bookings must be made by 11th April for this.
Apparently they want to develop a "new, simpler, low cost airline style pricing policy for implementation during 2005.Price will vary according to demand so they say."
Further info from the P & O website. I wonder how their pricing structure will compete against BF if they continue to run the Portsmouth/ Le Havre route after this?
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We are about 20K from Le Blanc (36). The carpenter who has fitted our kitchen and made new shutters is in Argenton and although we have mentioned the idea of a staircase to him in the past, we haven't asked him for a definitive quote as of yet. We hope to be out at the property towards the end of Feb/ Beginning March but judging by the sharp intake of breath when we mooted the subject, I'm inclined to think that we will aslo visit Lapeyre and get their ideas/ prices. Basically, I do not feel confident about cutting and framing the hole to accept the staircase otherwise I would consider having a go at it myself. I know Lapeyre will supply and fit and we don't dislike some of their styles. C'est la vie!
Aitch
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Thanks for the replies and info. Probably go down the Lapeyre track. I think our carpenter would be at least twice if not three times as much for a made to measure staircase. I don't know if I can justify that sort of price range even if it is a one off!
Regards,
Aitch
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Just caught up with your post, but can thoroughly recommend Corsica. Several years ago we had a week there, stayed in a hotel in Portovechio, with a hire car thrown in so we were able to get around and see the sites. We were in the south of the isand and had flown into Figari with a very bumpy landing through air turbulence. Hotel was good, even if a bit basic and food was not too bad (Our daughter, 6 at the time, struggled a bit with the menu choices). It was nice to be up in the mountains in the morning and in the sea in the afternoon. Offers a lot, its quite unspoilt in places, but be aware that there are differences between the French and the Corsicans. (I say that without any bias whatsoever before the PC brigade start complaining).They really do want their independance. Do a bit of research for your area, get a hire car, go and enjoy. It's one of the med's best kept secrets.
Aitch.
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We are thinking of a new staircase and are uncertain as to what to go for. We have had a look at the Lapeyre/ GME for their stlyes. Lapeyre will supply and fit but will not cut the access hole into the ceiling.We have been wondering, does anybody have an idea of what price range I would be looking at for an 'Oak 1/4 turn Staircase, rising, floor to ceiling 8-9 ft?' I have a carpenter who has done previous excellent work for us and is capable of making the staircase, but as he is very busy at the moment, I would rather have some 'monetary ammunition' before I approach him. Any guidance much appreciated.
Aitch
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Having just made a booking for end of Feb. Portsmouth/ Le Havre, I also enquired about the PO viability over the next few months. Apparently, they are taking bookings for Portsmouth /Le Havre right up to October 2005. Whether this is due to the court action I'm not sure, but it does give some respite for the time being as there is no sign yet of another company stepping in.
Aitch
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Further to the previous threads and the news that P & O are pulling out of Cross Channel operations, has anyone any info regarding P & O Property Owner Club memebers, as to what is going to happen with their accumulated points. I doubt, if and when the changes happen in the New Year, that they will re-imburse their monetary value. Would they be transferable if BF take over the routes?
Aitch.
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Does anyone know what, if any protection is offered to bats in France? Are they as protected a species as in the UK. My gardener thinks I might have a nest above the front door but we wont find out until we visit mid-october. I know my wife will go 'ape' at the thought of one. Can anybody offer any solutions or ideas for removal if the report is correct? By the way, I don't want to upset any LF animal lovers (bats don't bother me) so please do not take offence at my question.
Regards,
Aitch
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Velux windows are almost universal but although the same name, Velux in the Uk is different from Velux in France. If you are thinking of purchasing your Velux windows in the UK to bring over to France, ensure that the sizes are the same. The model numbers and references for the two are the same but can vary a small amount. Both the Velux UK and the Velux FR will let you download the fitting instructions if you want to have ago yourselves. Also, the customer services in the UK were excellent with my queries so no language barriers there! However, if during the summer months you would like to have fly/ insect screens fitted, I was unable to get them in France but had them from the UK (with the proviso that they would take them back if they did not fit) As it happens they did and within the first 2 days we reckon they had paid for themselves. It worth looking at the sites both UK and France.
Regards,Aitch
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Not sure about the capacities and their registration but if your, 'little 'erbert' is becoming interested, then purchase the following which will give him all the info about tests etc.
Code Rousseau (moto) ISBN 2-7095-0777-3 @ 13.00EUROS
Test Rousseau de la Route ISBN 2-7095-0795-0743 @ 12.20EUROS
also try http://www.codesrousseau.fr
Hope this helps,
Aitch
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The VAT rate of 5.5% for renovations was due to be ended on 31st december 2005. It would then revert to the normal rate of VAT for building and renovations regardless. However, I have spoken to a few builders and Artisans who now say that there is so much pressure being put on the French Governement by the various artisan trades to keep this rate mainly becauses it does guarantee more work and prolonged employment for the said Artisans. Brussels are not happy with this, and the French will always do ther own thing anyway. I have seen nothing in writing to confirm these views so it could also be a bit of wishfull thinking on their part. It's worth monitoring the situation so take nothing for granted.
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Going past the Newbury roadworks towards Portsmouth on the 23rd (sun) traffic had a queue of 2-3 miles heading back towards the M4 interchange. Felt sorry for them and realising I was coming back on the 27th (thurs)after the 2100 arrival in Portsmouth, I thought that traffic around the Interchange would have eased by 2200 hrs. No chance, apart from the 40mph and the cameras, the lane was resticted from 2 to 1 whilst the resurfacing was carried out. Took half an hour to get on the M4 but their organisation certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Going out again August so I hope its done by then!!
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If I understand your directions correctly, then if you will be coming from the Le mans direction you have a number of choices of routes. Come down the D31 for Ambiose and turn right over the river bridge for Tours D751(the road runs parallel to the river) and there are several caves/ co-operatives and established places selling wines (avec degustation)as you travel along. There is a good co-operative just outside Montlouis which again has a good selection. You will be spoilt for choice but try Montlouis (White-2001-2002) Chinon (red), Touraine(red), and also Vouvray(white). You can also pick up a nice Saumur.There are so many good wines at reasonable prices I suggest if you are that serious about the wine take a 7.5 ton truck.
If you are heading down to Le Blanc, then try Domaine de Ris(white and red) at Bossay sur Claise (D106-10Kms, East of La Roche-Possay D725).
If you are visiting Azay, there is an excellent viticulteur in Panzoult, D757 17kms from Azay, then take the white road D21 to the right. I have forgotten the name but just hic-cup and ask.
Hope that helps,Enjoy yourself
Aitch -
Currently we have a petrol generator providing the electricty for our house. I would like to get connected to EDF but we are about 400mts from what I can see as the nearest supply. I raised the issue with my builder and he said he would send someone around....Still waiting! I called into the EDF office in Le Blanc (36) but because my house has never had electricity, I am not on their records. Can anyone offer some advice as to the best way to achieve connection, or perhaps get an estimate as to what this sort of work would cost? Thanks,
Aitch -
We have a well in our garden and the water is from the spring. It is crystal clear but to be on the safe side we tried the local pharmarcies in Le Blanc (36) but they were unable to test it for us. They directed us to the 'Laboratoired'Analyses de Biologie Medicale', thankfully about 1km away next to the local hospital. We had to take 4 x 1-ltr bottles and they posted the results to us within the week as we had returned home by then. Our water had a full analysis report but was 'Eau chimiquement non potable'. The cost for this test was 22euros. We have since had mains water put in from a distance of about 500 mtrs with trenches being dug, connections,water meter etc, for 1250 euros. A reasonable price we thought although it was a cost we had not originally budgeted for. Our builder did some of the work. The Syndicat de L'eau, did the remainder but unknown to us one of our neighbour let the water board use his digger to complete the trench through his field to get to our property. We have yet to meet him to say thank you. A good builder should be able to give you all the details and an estimate. Good Luck
Aitch
Wht will it be after September ?
in Travelling to/from France
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After checking in @ Portsmouth a few weeks ago at the start of our holidays, I discovered a problem with my booking. I tried to get the problem resolved at the PO desk in the main terminal building and in the course of the conversation we discussed what will happen after September. I was told that (1) Brittany Ferries are extremely interested in the route (PO/ LH). (2) Norfolk Lines were also very interested in it. (3) Another mediterranean firm, 'Grimaldi Ferries' had also expressed a strong interest. Apparently, they (all 3) are waiting to see what last minute deals can be done so that whoever takes over (if at all) can sift through the personnel and pick the best to transfer across for jobs in the new operators company. I had no reason to doubt what was being said as being genuine, but I still took it with a pinch of salt.
On our return and whilst waiting at Le havre, we were given leaflets as well as information via the electronic notice board of the impending closure. Surely this action was a bit late in the day as most of us have known about this withdrawal for some time?
Aitch