Candc

Thanks for the tip , we will give this a try . C & C

We have ordered an above the ground pool kit and need to find a contractor to level and compact the site . We have tried some local artisans , but the job is either too small for them or they are booked up .......... up to a years wait ! We live close to St Savinien . Has any one any suggestions to help get round this ?     Thanks C & C

I rejoined weight watchers after Christmas ..........sadly Im a lapsed gold member who let the weight creep back on . I assume the frequent visits to france , eating wonderful cheeses , bread , moules frites and too much wine ( is that a valid concept ?? ) . Im pleased with my progress and weight is coming off slowly . I think the main problem is lack of excercise. Our home in france is currently a second home and hence still stuck in an office most of the time !! Everyone who has the luxury of time  and the health to enjoy it should savour every day!! I really look forward to retiring and joining you whatever the weather . Diet tips .........Ive found the new WW No point switch programme works for me and although I havent reached my goal yet , Im determined to get there by summer. Everyone is different , so when you have found what suits you stick at it , weight stays off if it is lost slowly and steadily , crash diets never really work .    

We have a ban in place from 1st April - 15th April , in Charente Maritime . We did wonder if this was an elaborate April Fools day joke , but it was confirmed on our local notice board . Weather has been mixed and ground and plants do look quite dry .

Thanks to everyone for the advice , we are in 17 , close to St Jean D'Angely . We shall try the suggestions. Carol

Can anyone suggest a source of hedge plants in france. We would like bare rooted and need 100 plus plants .........Thanks Carol

Every time I have used this service it has been full , so I cant undrstand why it would finish! I do hope this is wrong because it is the best direct service from a Northern airport. Carol

We are interested in using an inflatable RIB on river charente . Does any one have advice on public launching and also permits etc. We are new to this and hence any advice welcome. Thanks Carol

My son and girl friend are visiting and want to rent small studio , cottage or similar with access to pool. Region anywhere south of Charente Maritime . First week Sept . Please could you point me at some good sites for booking on line. Thanks Carol

Depot Vente shops are in most major towns for example , St Jean D'Angely , Matha ,outskirts of Royan (direction Rochefort) and we have tried the one in Saintes , N150 coming into the town from the north. Good hunting. Carol

I recommend looking in shops called Depot Vente. You can often see "big furniture" which wouldnt suit smaller homes but would be grand in the place you are describing. The system is that folks bring second hand furniture to sell . The shop takes a percentage of the sale , but you get the stuff out of your home. Great system ...........some tat , but can be good for traditional bedroom furniture or large tables and chairs. We have bought some really nice new pieces from Carrefour Meubles in Saint Jean D'Angely , traditional french construction , good quality , but reasonable prices. We are also in (17) and love hunting down nice furniture , so please keep us posted! Chris and Carol

We bought a 4 m round pool , hors sol , with steel sides and have used it for the last two years. Tips Level and make a base of sand Need three people to get the steel sides connected and clipped into the retaining grooves Make sure liner has even over hang before filling , it moves when you fill it! I used clothes pegs to make sure the liner was held in place evenly as the water filled up. Put a small amount of water in and smooth the base ( checking for stones Too late if it is uneven , fill and enjoy. Not sure if yours is the same make , but assume they are all similar.Great value for big volume which can be stored away in winter.

I used the search facility today and found this simple and liked the listed answers by forum. Serendipity also struck and I found a posting on chimney sweeping which was informative even though I was looking for travel insurance. Cheers Carol

I have a passion for gardening and my dream in retirement would be to take a couse in france to boost my knowledge and really get stuck into gardening. I would like to find out about education programmes in france , but cant find anything on the net. Can anyone help? Thanks Carol

I need to make furniture purchases in France and wondered about using my a credit card . Does anyone have advice on the best rates from different companies. I assume some use daily exchange rates others exchange rate plus fees . Thanks Carol(17)