Le_Jars

Ha! an excellent thread (sauf the 'earplugs' bit, ugh)

When we first moved here we had no end of 'friends' who suddenly wanted to come and visit (not that we'd seen hide nor hair of them for several years, some of them!). Now we have a second home (just up the road), we suggest that they go and stay there rather than stay with us. When we mention the fee they suddenly don't need to come so desperately. The 'real' freinds realise we're trying to make  some money from it and still come (and pay happily). Those that were never really proper friends don't come at all. Our close relatives stay with us still, but even they relish the novelty of staying in the other house, so we're all happy!

Thanks Christine :).......and er.....thanks  Le Petomane for your constructive advice ....:(

If so, is it any more difficult than keeping a dog or other pet? We're not thinking of house-training it, just not keeping it for meat. Any info would be great and any recommendations as to which breeds etc.

We're not exactly on the coast, but we're in the South West proper! http://www.holidaysouthwestfrance.com

Hello, I've pm-ed you :)

Yes, thank you.

"In France, continuous insurance cover is compulsory" - if that's the case, what is the point of a renewal notice? Don't you think I've been on to them about this before then? If insurance companies were reasonable and vaguely responsible I wouldn't be on here with a question like this would I?

No, I do mean 2005! I'm waiting to hear what they suggest next as I can only think that what you've said re the V5 will hopefully do the trick otherwise. Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes, in hindsight I would have thought to be more thorough (them being an insurance company), but I foolishly assumed they'd just do as they promised and cancel it after a month. It was UK camper, bought in the UK that I'd had for about 5 years by the way, not an french one.

In September 2005 I wanted to take my camper to the UK to sell it (it had already been 'sold' theoretically) and I asked my insurance company how best to do this. It wasn't insured with this company (or any other as it was off the road) at the time, so they suggested insuring it for a month, then cancelling it after a month when it was no longer mine. This sounded reasonable to me so that's what happened. A while ago I noticed they were still taking money from my account for this insurance and I queried it (obviously). They then said the person that had suggested I insure it for a month had no right to do this.This person has since left (annoyingly). Now they are saying that if I can't prove that I actually sold it, they will carry on insuring it! I just can't believe this! I could get a signed letter from the people who bought it, but would they really take that as evidence? I could stop them taking out any more money from my account, or close it, yes, but then wouldn't they pursue me for 'monies owed' If anyone has any bright suggestions please help.[:(]

Anyone see this money programme edition?: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pr.../12/banks.shtml There's a site to take you through a claim step by step too: http://www.penaltycharges.co.uk/guide/page4.html I know what I'll be doing this week :)

I've helped put two dormers (lucarnes) into a freind's roof and I've recenlty put two windows into exterior walls in our other house. What do you need to know? Partial lintel? I've never seen one.

Is there anyone on here who could help me fill in my 'notice' to join the Maison des Artistes? Please p.m. me if you are able. Thanks.

Hello all, does anyone know where I can get a particular type of wooden fencing? It's made up of what looks like small trees sliced down the middle, so that one side is flat, the other curved as if it were a bare trunk (without the bark). They are usually laid in two rows alternately fixed above and below onto each vertical post. Does that make sense? Many thanks!

I finally got my forms through from the Maison des Artistes. I make that about ten weeks waiting for a reply. I wonder whether they don't mind waiting that long for cotisations etc?  :(

We have a large river on our doorstep and a friend and myself would like to possibly buy a kayak between us. We watched a couple in an inflatable one the other day and thought this would be a good solution, not having or wanting to buy a trailer/huge roofrack. We'd be using it mainly to explore the river (the Gave d'Oloron) and stop off for picnics/fishing etc, not great white water expeditions. Does anyone have any experience or tips? Thanks.

Thanks JR, I think I'm going to have to take it in and convince him I may know what the problem is. Thanks again.

I can't honestly see a split or hole, but it's a complete sod to get at, so maybe I just can't see it. Any other ideas before I give in and take to the garage?

I think I've located the turbocharger part and now I need to check the pipes to and from it if possible, when it stops raining!!

"turbocharger wastegate actuator."....er is this for real? sorry but it sounds like something out of Thunderbirds! I don't mean to be disbelieving, but could you explain it in even more simple terms? I know an aircooled VW engine well, but anything else is just beyond me. Thank you.

Hi all. A week ago my engine (1.6 Renault Kangoo diesel) decided to suddenly not drive well up hills. Along with a lack of power there is a distinct 'hissing' from the front of the car (it's like the air con is coming on stronger as I accelerate). Does anyone have any idea what this might be so I can go to the garage fore-armed with some knowledge?

Thanks Ian, but yes, that does far more than I need (and is just a tad more than I was going to pay!), but thanks anyway.

So I can go fishing and measure the height of buildings! Fab! I love France, don't you?  [:D]

See! I'm not mad! Many thanks for that - I'll see if my local peche/chasse shop has something like those. Thanks again.