[Anybody got a Gite for rent in JULY please, in the SW??]

Hi
Please contact [email protected]
Jackie

[English Speaking installer required]

Got Dish, got digibox, area is St Leon sur L'Isle near St Astier.
Any quotes for installation please? Also need video tuned to TV and the capability of video to video recording.

Using JackieB's log on, but replies to be addressed to Sue Sh please.

[Painting holidays]

Hi Rachel
I am also a Fine Arts graduate. This year we moved to the Dordogne to set up painting holidays as well as running gites. I was also hoping to have time for my own work. Unfortunately,I have been so busy I haven't touched a paint brush or a pencil since we arrived! Perhaps next year.
We bought a chambres d'hotes with a gite so we are able to offer en suite accommodation which is definitely an attraction.
Bookings for 2004 are healthy so it proves to be a popular option for painters.
It is too early to tell whether it will give me more time for my own work. The countryside is certainly inspirational and the quiet winter months in 2004 may give me space to paint. Tommorrow I paint the loo!
Regards
Jackie Berridge
http://www.frenchpaintingholidays.co.uk
http://www.jackieberridge.co.uk

[School for a 16yr old?]

Just an update. Charlie has started at the Lycee in Riberac. A few 'Kevin' moments to begin with, but she has made friends and has settled in better than we ever expected. The headmistress has warned us there is resentment amongst some of the teachers because the Brits have pushed up house prices, thus pricing locals out of the market. Charlotte had already identified these unhelpful teachers. She doesn't take it personally.
She will repeat a year next year rather than this, and Charlie is happy with this. For now, things are looking positive.
Jackie

[Flat bed ironing press]

I've just bought an Esken steam press from laredoute.fr and I love it. Its useless for ironing shirts but there is little requirement for us now, but ironing the sheets is almost a pleasure! This year is our first season so nothing prepared us for ironing acres of sheets in 40 degrees.
Jackie

[Easels, paints & brushes]

I am in the process of setting up painting holidays in Riberac, Dordogne. Does anyone know where I can find artists materials locally? Or does anyone know if there are any websites where I can I order materials online?
Jackie
http://www.frenchpaintingholidays.co.uk

[School for a 16yr old?]

We are moving to Riberac after our daughter has taken her GCSEs in the summer. Probably not the best time to start school in France, but we think she would benefit from repeating a year to learn the language and to make new friends. Are we being naive or could it work? She's easy going and quite prepared to try even if she gets things wrong.
I forgot to say she dropped french in yr10 to concentrate on German - a bit unfortunate.
Has anyone taken a teen across the channel at this age and could offer any advice?
Thanks
Jackie