cossie

We have a number of large trees needing some attention and cutting back - does anybody know of a tree surgeon in Dept 17?  We are between St Jean D'Angely and Saintes. Thanks Debs

 Hi Does anybody have any experience or knowledge of Discovery week in France where the children go away for a week with the school? Mine are due to go away next month, they are 5 and 7 and have never been away from home before.  Whilst we keep telling ourselves it will be a great experience for them we are obviously still concerned about it - will they settle, will they be upset, what happens if they are? If anyone can shed any light from experience that would be great.  Also are the staff here put through the equivalent of the CRB in the UK?  If they are parent helpers how do you know if everything is in order with them?  Don't wish to sound paranoid but obviously their safety is paramount to us. We have a meeting at school on Tues so maybe we will get some answers there but in the meantime any help would be great.

Hi Just wondering if anybody knows of anywhere that measures and fits childrens shoes?  Having been used to the luxury of Clarks in the UK where they take the time to measure length and width I'm struggling to find something of an equivalent. We don't mind travelling so any suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks

Hi All Firstly apologies for entering this on twice!  I entered it on the Western France one initially only to be told by hubby it should have gone on the renovations one! Anyway, many thanks to all the help and advice you have all offered.  It certainly needs a good something to get it smelly nice!  I popped to Brico today to see if I could work out sugar soap but didn't see any in there but was pushed for time so unable to ask.  Also the drops of oil are a good suggestion too - I guess it could be cleaned over with oil scented water before even the paint goes on too. Thanks again and sorry for any confusion with the double thread.

Many thanks - do you know if it's available in France?  And the name?

Hi We've just got the keys to our new place and are busy cleaning and painiting so it's habitable!  Previous owners were very heavy smokers and the ceilings etc are a very yucky yellowy/brown.  Does anybody have any suggestions as to what could be used to clean this off properly before repainting? In the UK it may have been sugar soap, is that available here and if so does anybody know what it is called?  Also can you buy 'stain block paint' here in France - also what's that called? Many thanks in advance of any help offered.

Hi Having just got the keys to our new house on Saturday we are busy cleaning and giving it a lick of paint so it's fit to move into!  The previous owners were very heavy smokers and the ceilings are covered in yellowy/brown nictotine stains. Does anybody know what the French would use to remove this?  Would it be sugar soap as in UK and if so does anybody know what it is called please?  Also does anybody know if 'stain block paint' is available in France and what that would be called? Thanks in advance if anybody can help

Thanks - feels great to finally own a house again!  Felt a bit in limbo whilst renting as you can't really call it home - onwards and upwards though - paint brushes at the ready!!

Thankyou - why don't I have the PM icon on my postings?!  Apologies - I'm new to all this!

Hi How do I PM?! Deb

Hi Thank you all - we shall have to get a phone book!  We are more than happy to meet as many French people as we can too - just that the language is not up to it at the moment!  Fingers crossed that will all come with time.

Hi Thanks for your posting - where on the Charente border are you moving to?  Comforting to know that children bounce back and settle in AND learn the language at an alarming rate! You go through a period of feeling like the worlds worst parent for up-rooting them from everything and everyone they knew in school there, but we consider it well worth it in the long run.  We are moving  at the end of Feb when the house has had a lick of paint and tidy up.    Travelling isn't a problem to us to meet people - roads are very easy to drive on! Deb

Hi Thanks for your posting - you sound nice and settled!  Although it's only been 3 months I do feel already it's the best thing we ever did, even though there have been a few hard days with tears at the school gate!  Getting into our own house will certainly help and we can then feel part of that community and get to know some neighbours and possibly improve our French! Deb

Hi We moved to France 3 months ago and are currently renting just outside St Jean D'Angely.  Fingers crossed we finalise things on our own house on Saturday and then move end of Feb when it's had a lick of paint!  Anyway we are looking to meet new people from all around the area as our two boys, 7 and 5 are always happy to have new play mates!  If anybody  would like to meet up or drop us a line please do. Deb Dept 17