Hopalong

Try this site - everything you could possibly want to find out about peach varieties and every other fruiting tree etc. http://www.pommiers.com

You might regret Russian Vine!

Yes I grew them but then saw some in the shops - about twice the size!

Ummm, have a word with Ian Parrington in Poitou Charent first, he installs woodburners (lots of makes) everywhere and has a showroom you could go and look at and get advice before you buy.

Loved the bit about arsenic in the telegraph poles!

Our 'guests' are supposed to contact us during the week before they go to the gite. They didn't and I just couldn't get hold of them. Saturday arrived, then there was a call from the caretaker to say there was a call from a furious man who'd been sat in the front garden for over 2 hours waiting for someone to turn up! It was explained to him that there's a key entry box and he could just let himself in - don't think his wife was very happy with him.

Thanks both of you, must have been staring us in the face. Always thought it was easier to apply paint after sealing with something first but open to suggestions.

We have new, bare, plasterboard walls and need to seal them before undercoating and painting. Does anyone know the name of a product like Uni bond that would do the same thing? We've looked and can't identify anything Thanks