Maggiemay

We are in a very tricky situation, and have been advised our case is stands every chance of winning, but am extremely reluctant to go along this path. I would be most grateful for advice and/or similar experiences. Basically Jan 2003 we engaged an architect to draw up plans and oversee work on our house. It was verbally agreed to be finished by April 2003 and a estimated budget of 58 000 euros was agreed and included in the contract duly signed. We moved out in April, and had to use the tiny flat to live in while waiting for the main part to be finished. We were - verbally - promised, next month, by September, by Christmas, by February and still it wasnt finished, and I did some addition and found out if we continued with the work we would have to pay at least 98 000 euros. I said stop this current tranche of work, and we'll have to sell. That was agreed verbally. The roof walls and floor are 'done' but nothing else. Meanwhile my husband has to stay in UK working as he cant afford to risk living with us. The original plan of moving out last April was renting out the small flat over the summer until we had arranged work for him, or my career could pick up. The quality of work and finish was very poor, and I suspected that the chappe liquide cement floor was not reinforced and many things already paid for were not finished. I paid for a constat etat de lieux and apparantly there are many dangerous mistakes, including the whole floor is resting on the original un-reinforced beams. The floor shakes already. I have found a lawyer who seems efficient, and the plan is to 'persuade' the architect's insurance to make good the work already paid for, and if possible to reimburse the big loss we are making (we have to sell at a loss). No this is not an advert to buy it. I would not recommend our house to a friend. But we cannot touch the house while waiting for the legal process to resolve itself. But I feel so angry with him for letting us down, all of us, I dont want him to get away with it and do the same to someone else. I would be most grateful for constructive advice. Thank you! MaggieMay

Please recommend somewhere I can camp out with the kids, preferably in/near mountains, for Ascension. I have never camped in France and only once in UK, so it would have to be somewhere idiot proof, where the kids can run wild, and that accepts dogs. We are in Agde near Beziers, so anywhere within an hours drive is fine! I know its a bit last minute, but I like acting on impulse!! Thanks! MaggieMay

Help! Is there school tomorrow as its a ferie? Its not on the list of their primary school's samedi liberes, but then neither was the 1st of May. Please reply asap so I can set the alarms!! Thanks! MaggieMay xxxx

Many thanks to those you came to see the opera! And thanks to your enthusiasm! I was also on TF1 and interviewed for 3 papers, so feeling a little starstruck. I found no hostilility to an english singer with a french company - to the contrary, they were most welcoming and friendly and it was wonderful to be so wholeheartedly welcomed into their homes. I am singing the solo soprano in Nimes on 14 and 15 May, Faure's Requiem with the Conservatoire choir and a pro orchestra. Please send a message in my inbox if anyone is interested in coming. Best wishes to you all from a very tired but happy MaggieMay

I've also posted this on the Culture site, but as this is my home ground (I live in Agde) I hoped to reach as many locals as possible! Also the performance in Vauvert on 25th might be more convenient. Anyway here goes: Le Pays du Sourire" -Land of Smiles - by Lehar is on in the theatre in Castres 17 18 and 20th of April, if anyone is interested in going. I am singing Lisa in it - it's jolly hard work singing and speaking in french supposedly without an accent but it's great fun and a steep learning curve! It is funny, but very sad too. The director is inspirational and it has been amazing to work french style very intense and a diffent sensibility to working in the UK. This is my first opera in France. The theatre is in Place de la Republique, and tickets are available from their box office on 05.63.71.59.94. If you come, please say hello, and dont criticise tooo much my pronunciation! I'll do my best! MaggieMay, real name Caroline, alias Lisa!

"Le Pays du Sourire" -Land of Smiles - by Lehar is on in the theatre in Castres 17 18 and 20th of April, if anyone is interested in going. Also in Vauvert on the 25th. I am singing Lisa in it - it's jolly hard work singing and speaking in french supposedly without an accent but it's great fun and a steep learning curve! It is funny, but very sad too. The director is inspirational and it has been amazing to work french style very intense and a diffent sensibility to working in the UK. This is my first opera in France. The theatre is in Place de la Republique, and tickets are available from their box office on 05.63.71.59.94. If you come, please say hello, and dont criticise tooo much my pronunciation! I'll do my best! MaggieMay, real name Caroline, alias Lisa!

After one term my son, 8, was offered an hour 4 times a week of individual help. I've found a lovely retired primary school teacher who will give him extra help with his homework, on a private basis. With me, it takes 3 hours to learn his spellings and read his text book. We dont manage to do all his homework. The school have been very supportive, and organise twice termly meetings with me to discuss his progress. He is still struggling, and will most probably redouble CE2. My daughter, 10, wasnt offered any help and is managing very well. In my experience, the school responded well to the kids different needs. But only now after 9 months here, are they happy to have extra classes. Best wishes, MaggieMay

Thanks Dyson! This is very informative. For me tho I dont have - yet - enough contracts to be registered. So I just get contracts for each performance, and sort it out with an accountant soon.... Hopefully by next year I'll be able to register.

Although not strictly education.... Apparantly kids are free tho not adults until April, for anyone interested who has money left after Christmas and classe de neige! http://www.disneylandparis.com/uk/promotion/index.htm MaggieMay xxx

Hello there! My 10 year old is off on snow school too, and have been heartily recommended Decathalon by one and all. A big, french sports shop with loads of branches, and very reasonably priced - and no I dont work for them, nor do I get a commision, unless one's going........ I'll be there when the sales start to get her clothes. By the way is it just our school, or is it common practice for the kids not to be allowed direct contact with parents while away? MaggieMay

My son aged 8 gets a list of words to learn, 5 a night then 20 before Dictee day which ironically is play day, jeu-di. Firstly we have to work out what all the words mean. Then he reads through the words a few times, writes them out once, 3 times if I'm lucky, and that takes most of the evening. Any other homework goes out of the window. At the end of it - if we get there - we are both frazzled. I think he gets one or two right out of the 20, which is discouraging. Maths however he gets regularly dix sur dix and is very proud. It would be great to hear about other ways to help prepare them for this ordeal, it is not going to get easier! My daughter, aged 10, does her homework by herself, and has sorted out her own method, and is quietly confident. Just as well as I dont have time in the evening for the both of them!

All are welcome! There is to be a carol service in the Collegiate Church of St Jean in Pezenas 6.30pm. Carols sung in english, german french and catalan, with mince pies and mulled wine - hic - afterwards. Several contributors to La Mairie will be there. It should be a jolly festive occassion and an opportunity to make more friends. More details on: http://www.southerntimes.net/pezenas_carol_service_breve3.html See you there!