Hello
I have a friend who is moving back to the UK after 12 years living in France and is urgently needing packing boxes/cases

I said I would ask the question the forum as she does not have a computer and is in her 70's

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Many Thanks

Issie.

We have just received a letter from Soregies offering us 10% discount on our annual electricity bills.

You can also find out more here: https://www.soregies.fr/01022017br-soreg...38567.html

So far I haven't found a catch so we will be going for it.

If anyone else knows more please post.

Here's a handy official website where you can estimate what social benefits you are entitled to in France.

It's a simple question and answer and will tell you at the end what and how you can claim.

You do need to give your date of birth and post code, but don't have to give your name or actual address to try it.

https://mes-aides.gouv.fr/

New rules come into force on March 22nd 2017 making it compulsory for under 12s to wear a bike helmet.

The rule applies to riders and passengers. The helmet must be marked NF or ECE 22/04, 22/05. And fines will be €135

Ace night tonight for St Patrick`s night celebrations, at Brigueil le Chantre, with a talented live musician and singer.
Well worth a visit.

Friday night, 17th March, come to the newly opened bar at Brigueil le Chantre 86290 (just 15-20 mins drive from Montmorillon). There will be food available, Guinness (!!) and a talented Irish folk singer from 8.30pm.
Well worth a try!

Last year when we visited we brought our young dog, he's a Labrador and likes to play with other dogs - however all the dogs in our village are kept on their properties and those we did see out and about are not encouraged to socialise.
We generally just walked him on the country lanes but it would be good if we could meet other dogs when we're around.

Is there anywhere specific that people walk or go to socialise their dogs?

If anyone needs to tire out their dog let us know - we'd be happy to meet up if when we're next over!

We are considering taking a career break and staying in France for a few months, maybe longer and need some accommodation.
We do have a house near Montmorillon but it's not currently habitable so we're looking to rent something affordable in the area while we work on the house. We need somewhere for at least two adults, dog and baby friendly.

Thank you, but we don't want to rent a gite or other tourist accommodation as long term this is not an affordable option for us.

If you think you may have something suitable then please let us know.

Thanks

Now, this might sound like a strange request but we're after some regular updates on how much the grass has grown!
Yes, we're talking about a lawn, patch of grass, or field.
We don't live in France but make regular trips over to maintain our property. We've got a new baby and it's not so easy for us to get over this year for our usual trips, so we're employing someone to come and cut our field a few times a year. It's quite costly so we really want it done when it needs doing and when there's been a bit of a growth spurt!

If you notice your grass needs cutting or you get the mower out can you let us know please (if you remember).

Thank you!

If you ever have a dispute in France and need to write a letter,  L'Institut national de la consommation (INC) have 160 standard letters you can copy.

Letters for the following are available:

Insurance
Vehicles and transport
Banking
Trade and service
Rights and Justice
Energy and environment
Internet and media
Housing and property
Leisure and tourism
Health

https://www.conso.net/content/160-lettre...os-litiges

*Tip: It works in the "Google translator for Firefox" add-on.

just retired & part time consultant (nuclear industry) , still travelling abroad, I just landed in Montmorillon country coming from Atlanta GA, for a 6 months stay (so far but may extend ) and got sick at arrival ! I'm looking for any information about english speaking places (even though i speak pretty good french), and trying to get through the french administration (social security..residence permit,  driving licence). Helpful forum and site !

FYI !   

There is now a doctor / medecine generale (GP) in Civaux who speaks decent English !

There is a new dental department at the hospital in Poitiers which has just opened it's doors this month and yesterday I went to check it out as I was up there.

The new department is on the ground floor as you enter the main building on the right hand side. It has 8 rooms with the most up to date equipment and 26 dentist and students, and they aim to treat around 90 patients per day.

At the moment they are only treating emergencies (which is only fair) but after March they will be treating all patients.

So if you are in pain I suggest you give it a try, and from the end of march get yourself booked in for a check up. I'm sure they will have someone who speaks English if you French isn't up to it, I've always found it to be a great hospital.

If you don't know where the hospital is it's easy to find south of the city and well marked.

CHU de Poitiers
2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers

Or if you prefer you can phone the dental department direct on: 05 49 44 36 50

Good luck and if you do use it please report back in this thread.

Hello Everyone,

I am searching for an optometrist in 86 or adjacent department who won't make my husband and I wait three years for an appointment! Yes, that's what one Poitiers doctor's waiting list is like. We prefer to conduct this in France, not the UK. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
PastelPainter

Apologies if this has been asked before, and even bigger apologies if it's been asked before by me   

Just asking about electrical dishwashers. Is it best to bring one from the UK, or are they reasonably priced over there? Has anyone got any recommendations where they may have bought one from please?

I read in a couple of journals that the new Government White paper on Brexit contains no proposals on health care; either for EU nationals living in the UK or Brit ex-pats living in the EU.

Sooo....the question is really simple: does that mean the end of the Carte Vitale for Brits in France and, also possibly, the end of health benefits gained using the EHIC card?

Given that allowing reciprocal benefits to British ex-pats living in France, and vice versa, lies with the British government does this mean we are about to be cast adrift when it comes to health care?

This is not meant as a scare tactic but something I want a sensible answer to given that the outcome will have a massive influence on whether I and Madame Admiral remain in France or look for somewhere more accommodating to live.

Has your family GP, for instance, given you the inside track on this?  Do we trust politcians to look after our best interests?

No doubt this thread will get plenty of views and, sadly, very few sensible answers, but if you do have some grown-up knowledge please post.

Counselling

Welcome
 I’m Wendy Powell-Jones;
 I am a UK registered counsellor with the BACP (British association of Counsellors and Psychotherapist)  
 ID Registration No 091305  https://www.bacpregister.org.uk/check_re...ndy+Powell-
and registered in France: Autres Services Personnels .N.C.A. Siret number 8216189720001

About Me:
Prior to moving to France in 2015 I worked for the NHS based in GP Surgeries offering one to one therapy to clients that needed a professional approach. This also included working with people who suffered with long term physical health condition, helping them to better manage their conditions, health and wellbeing.
I have delivered training courses to Doctors, nurses and the public on improving mental and physical health problems.

What I can offer, Integrative therapy:
Integrative therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that combines different elements of specific therapies making it one of the most effective forms of counselling.
A central part of counselling is around building a relationship of trust; without the fear of being dismissed, judged, or rejected.
Counselling tends to focus on how we feel emotionally allowing us to reflect and validate our feelings.               
When we are going through difficult times we all need someone to be there; to listen with compassion and an understanding.
Depression and anxiety can be caused by many different life events and situations e.g. Loss of a loved one or even loss of identity, relationships, interpersonal difficulties and early life experiences

What I can help with:
Abuse, Addiction(s), Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Cultural issues, Depression, Eating disorders, General counselling, Health related issues, Identity problems, Infertility, Loss, Men’s Issues, Mental health issues, , OCD, Personal Development, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self Esteem, Service Veterans, Sex related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma, Women’s Issues, Work related issues and group sessions

First 30 Minutes introductory session is FREE

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and please feel free to contact me if you have any queries.

Wendy Powell-Jones
12 Rue De La Grande Blourde, Nerignac, 86150, Telephone 0549481610, Mobile 0044-7940152444, email
[email protected]

Does anyone know of a good cattery around M'rillon? The one we have been using for our lovely pet is just too long a drive (over an hour). Just not convenient if we need to pack up and leave for overseas emergencies.

Thanks so much...