Le Manoir is sporting a cheerful new look

Posted on 30 June, 2015 by Crafty Getaways

Years of lichen had taken the sparkle off the exterior of the house but following a special treatment, a wash down and a couple of coats of paint the house is now looking more cheerful.

Scaffolding had to be used to reach the top level and also to remove the upstairs shutters which were rotten and in need of replacement… that’s still a job that needs to be done. The downstairs shutters were fine, though, and after a sand and coat of paint were put back.

The front door is the next job… I just can’t decide on a colour! SCH

A lazy lunch for charity

Posted on 21 June, 2015 by Crafty Getaways

In mid-June I attended Cancer Support France’s annual fundraising lunch (Haute-Vienne chapter) in the Salle des Fêtes in Videix.

The event is normally held at the side of the lake at La Chassagne but given the continuing rains it was moved indoors. CSF volunteers served up a veritable feast: pommes boulangère (Baker’s potatoes); BBQ-ed meat; cheese and tarte aux fraises (strawberry tarts). There was a good mix of English and French locals which made for interesting conversation! There is still a real sense of community in France.

I was tasked with making the flower arrangements for the centres of the long tables. I chose soft pink climbing roses, honeysuckle and lavender and placed them in coloured, ceramic yoghurt pots. The flowers were freshly-cut from the garden at Le Manoir Saint Gervais – so pretty! SCH