Hi Guys, New to France and New to SFN so I inevitably have a lot of questions. In due time I'm sure I'll have built up the experience to "put something back" but, for now, any answers will be appreciated.
1) I have a general strategy for dealing with the French Health Service, Pensions, my UK businesses, living in France vs Working in France etc based on advice from my English Accountant. What I need is someone to talk to (in English) who really knows how these things actually work so we can, for a reasonable fee, work out what our actual strategy should be. Specifically someone I can have a proper commercial relationship with. Do such companies/individuals exit?
2) Despite working in France on a number of occasions my command of the French language is a disaster. And, mostly, the few people I know in France always want to speak English either as it's their first language or as practice. I don't need any more lessons but I do need people to talk to in French who are prepared to put up with / correct my poor conversation skills. Is there anyone in the Jonzac area with this "saintly nature" who could withstand my linguistic "butchery"?
3) Does anyone have any experience of the Golf Club de Montendre? My golf isn't good but I do enjoy it and my wife (that Woman) is even worse than I am! But this looks like a good short course.
Regards and Many Thanks,
MJS
Hi! I’ve got the contact details but pls accept my friend request so I can PM them. Thanks!
Hi Val, I'd like this info too, if you wouldn't mind? I'm also in the area. Thanks.
Hi Martin,
Yes, he is, as am I. cheers, Rob
...or I will if you accept my friend request. :)
Hello Martin. We must be neighbours as we too are in the Jonzac/Montendre area. A friend is taking French lessons with a French lady in Jonzac who is very good. I’ll get contact details if you like.
Hi Rob, Is Brian Furzer of Spectrum IFA?
Looks a good source, thank you.
Hi Denise, All good advice, I think, thank you. There are a lot of second homes/holiday lets in the area we now live in so I think our neighbours may be waiting to see if we go "home" for the winter! We did get a visit from the mayor who was most interested to see if we were "permanent". Fortunately, there is a bar in the village, although it's not immediately obvious if it's ever open.
Hi Martin,
Have a word with Brian Furzer. I'm sure he'll be able to help you. He is an SFN member.
Martin, I'm sending you a message.
Firstly, welcome to France. I am sure you will find SFN will give you loads of helpful tips and information. My only addition is to say enjoy yourself and make friends with your neighbours. We have a lot of English speaking friends in our area of Haute Vienne but they all say how lucky we are to be in a small hamlet where nearly all of the neighbours are French who don't speak any English so we just have to mingle in their own language. My French was pretty much schoolgirl/holiday stuff but in the 12 years since we have arrived, we are now accepted as members of the family of our nearest neighbours and share lots of get togethers with all residents of the six houses here - even to them all coming to our Jubilee party! Show you want to integrate and you'll be fine.