I'm looking for advice on internet connection. At the moment I'm stuck with dial-up, but we are looking at moving to where it is available.

So what can you tell me about about getting connected?

I would like:

• Fast internet connection.
  
• WIFI so I can use internet without cables in the house.
  
• Phone preferably keep same number.
  
• Be able to use phone and internet at the same time.
  
• Use two computers at the same time.
  
• Unlimited connection time.
  
• Unlimited upload/download.
  
• Occasional phone calls to France land line & mobiles.
  
• About 1 hour a week phone call to the UK.
  

I hear with alarm and trepidation that the French government has signed-up to a 24 country European directive that will penalise foreign motorists - in their home country.

The foreign driver caught at the roadside for an offence with still be hit with an on-the-spot fine - and even helpfully escorted to the nearest bank machine should he/she plead poverty.

The difference now is that foreigners caught on camera - speeding, jumping a red light etc - will receive a letter at home in his/her language demanding payment etc. The French gov reckon this will bring them in an extra €100million a year. Happy hols motoring in France.

Talk about persecution of motorists...

As of now, only the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark have refused to sign up.

Anyone any idea of a decent bitter-style beer with some oomph to it available in France?

I admit to liking the odd glass of something satisfying like Old Speckled Hen or Spitfire but I am NOT going to pay over inflated supermarket prices for them. Why do they charge so much anyway?

Call me an old skinflint if you must, but there must be a drinkable beer widely available here that isn't colourless, fizzy, luke warm and completely tasteless with no kick to it.

Over to you. And I'll have a pint of Marston's Pedigree since you're not offerring.

Anyone have any idea what sort of driving lessons our French chums have to go through?

And, more importantly, what does their driving "test" consist of?

I only ask because I am sick to death of continually being cut-up in supermarket car parks by drivers coming at me from oblique angles or more commonly, driving in through the out door - or the out lane - and heading straight for me.

Are they taught that all cars, vans etc have indicators?

And how long do they have to display those "A" stickers?

Just thought I'd ask because some of the idiotic driving encountered here is going to end in tears and sick one day.

Just been reading some bad news. The world is heading for a global wine shortage

Quote:

---

Research by America's Morgan Stanley financial services firm says demand for wine "exceeded supply by 300m cases in 2012".

It describes this as "the deepest shortfall in over 40 years of records".

Last year, production also dropped to its lowest levels in more than four decades.

Global production has been steadily declining since its peak in 2004, when supply outweighed demand by about 600m cases.

Demand for wine is 3bn cases per year, but production is down to 2.8bn cases each year.

Total production across the continent fell by about 10% last year, and by 25% since its peak in 2004.

Following on from my mention of the Post Office calendar scam here: https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=142

There is now another one doing the rounds. This time they are saying they are selling calendars for the Refuse Collection Crew but be careful because they are fake.

As far as I know the refuse crew don't sell calendars, so if you want to give them something just pop out and see them on their collection day.

• Cafe at Leclerc, you can also get a signal by sitting just outside the Cafe on the bench.
  
• Outside the tourist office.
  

• Place du Maréchal-Leclerc
  
• Place Charles-de-Gaulle
  
• La médiathèque
  
• La place du Jardin des Droits de l'Homme
  
• La gare SNCF
  

Most disappointed on return to France last weekend to find that someone had dug up and stolen my Ceanothus plant!

I remember that one of the shops in town had also had some plants stolen from their window over the summer.

Has anybody else suffered?!

Green wood chip for sale by the truck load (approximately 1 ton, 3 cubic metres) 25€ (delivery free within 15k of St Leomer, small fee otherwise)

Great for suppressing weeds or leave for 8 weeks to use as a garden mulch.

If interested please either call 05 49 91 63 60 & leave a message or

email [email protected]

Deliveries will normally be made evenings or possibly weekends. Require hard standing or firm area to tip.

Brocante Chauvigny

Sunday 13 October

07:00 - 17:00

Place du marché.

Two building merchants have been burgled in Montmorillon over the weekend Chausson Matériaux lost about 30 power tools and equipment valued at around €12,000. And Ardibus Bigmat lost about 15 power tools valued at around €5,000.

The Restos du Cœur will be collecting in Leclerc Montmorillon Friday, Saturday, & Sunday morning. All donations of food will be very welcome especially canned foods, sugar and oil, also the Montmorillon branch are looking for new volunteers.

Last year they helped 161 families in the Montmorillon area put food on their tables through the winter months, and all the people are vetted so you know your donations are going to the needy.

The Restaurants du Cœur (literally Restaurants of the Heart but meaning Restaurants of Love), commonly and familiarly known as the Restos du Cœur, is a French charity, the main activity of which is to distribute food packages and hot meals to the needy. It was founded by the comedian Coluche in 1985.

Time to get out your hiking boots, your mountain bike, or brush down your trusty steed and get yourself some fresh air wondering around the fabulous countryside near Lathus.

Organised by the CPA Lathus and last year attracted over 850 people, this is becoming a popular event. There are various marked out routes, long ones, short ones, easy ones, & tough ones, it's free and you can take part on foot, bicycle, or horse.

Or you can just be lazy beside the river, up at the farm, or in the centre enjoying the food and entertainment whilst watching all the others do the work.

The CPA is easy to find from Lathus and it's usually well signed.

Sunday 6 October

I can't find much more information and even though I have sent an Email to tourist information asking them to join us and let us know about what's on, I have had no answer.

So I will give as much as I know.

Montmorillon

Sunday 06/10/13

09:00 - 18:00

De-stocking of books and antiques.

I take it that it's the small shops, though it could be in a tent on the market square for all I know.

Big Vide grenier / Brocante (Car Boot / Antiques)

Lussac-les-Châteaux

Sunday 06/10/13 - 09:00 -19:00

More than 150 exhibitors, professionals and individuals.

I've still got loads of various size rocks from the walls of an old barn near Lathus if anyone wants some, you will have to collect and load it yourself, but it's free for the taking.

No. I'm not thinking of dying just yet but, our English lawyer has strongly recommend we make a French will. In case you're wondering why, it was because after chatting to him he said he had a lot of clients trying to get money and assets out of France back to the UK and without a will it appears the situation becomes hideously difficult. Especially money from your own bank accounts.

Sooo.... Has anyone had experience of making a will in France?

Where do you start and with whom?

What do they want to know?

How many documents do I have unearth from dusty places? We do live in a bureaucrats heaven after all.

Aargh....head hurts.....

Mrs Fred after 9 years has finally decided it's time she got herself a new pair of glasses. She got the last pair from the UK, but she doesn't want the hassle of returning just for glasses.

So does anyone know the drill?

Do you just walk into an Optician and make an appointment?

Can you recommend an Optician? (Would help if they spoke a little English).

What's the going rate for a pair of glasses these days in France?

Thank you.