L’atelier du bois opened its doors at the end of May this year to display a selection of hand- made furniture in solid wood. And orders have been rolling in ever since.

The workshop, at Neuvic sur l’Isle in the Dordogne, is the venture of Anne Cummings and Patrick Macaisne. Anne, a former journalist, left London 19 years ago with her baby daughter in search of the Good Life in France – and met Patrick, who had left Paris after training as a carpenter-furniture maker. Patrick has worked in carpentry, has constructed houses in wood, he has even farmed. But creating furniture, his passion, has never been his main occupation … until now.

‘What is important to me,’ says Patrick, ‘is not only to create quality, solid furniture that will last, but also to make it at prices that people can afford.’

‘We had orders from day one,’ says Anne, ‘which took us by surprise, to be honest, as we had done very little publicity. But customers were impressed by the quality, the prices, and the fact that we make to measure. Some of our first customers have even come back to place second orders.’

‘With time – and there’s never enough of it - we will have more household and garden furniture on display, and plan to have a range of cheese platters, chopping boards, candle holders, bedside lights, bowls … all sorts of original items for the home or to offer as gifts.’ ‘Patrick says he has never been happier in his work,’ adds Anne. ‘And the customers are happy, too. What more can we ask for …’

You can contact L’atelier du bois via their website :

http://www.atelierdubois-france.com

Are you looking for satellite TV in France? Whether you are moving to France or already living here, and you'd like to keep an eye on your favourite series or the next premiership match, Orbit Direct can help. They can offer you all the usual channels, either Free to Air or Sky subscription packages.
To receive UK TV in France you will need a PAL format TV, a satellite dish, a digital satellite receiver and cabling. British channels can be received with any Free to Air digital satellite receiver, regardless of whether it is bought in France or the UK. Channels include the BBC radio and TV channels, ITV and news channels such as CNN, Sky News and Euronews.

Using a standard Sky Digibox without a card, you can receive exactly the same channels. To receive channel 4 and 5, which are encrypted, you will require a FreeSat channel 4 & 5 card. This is a one-off payment card, not a subscription card.

Sky+ and Sky HD are both now available in France. All you need is a twin output LNB fitted to you dish and twin cables from the dish to the Digibox. Both these receivers allow you to watch one programme whilst recording another at the same time.

Orbit Direct can talk you through what you are trying to achieve and then recommend practical, cost effective solutions, either for British or French television. They can either supply a complete set of equipment to install your own Satellite TV System or any parts that are missing or need replacing.

The company is growing and plans to expand across France in the next five years. If you are looking for work in France, with English speaking customers, why not contact them.

France

Sybille Gibson is married to English horse trainer Richard Gibson based in Chantilly. She is now bringing a unique English flavour to France as she becomes the leading Fireplace Fender supplier in the country.

"I realised on holiday, when visiting my in-laws and English friends, that many of their sitting rooms looked so cosy with a beautifully made fender around the fireplace. I subsequently bought one for home... thereafter I had so many admirers that I have started working with Norfolk Fenders directly who match both quality and good value to their product."

"Since then I haven’t really looked back and have fitted fenders all over the country. It’s so satisfying to see the room before and after and to see the difference a fender can make to the atmosphere of your room".

Once Sybille has measured your fireplace she sends you a digital photo image of the fender matching your very own fireplace...so you know exactly what's its going to look like before you order.

So if you are looking for that English traditional touch to your home, don't hesitate to call Sybille who will help you with your own unique design.

Sybille Gibson - exclusive agent in France for NFS.
Telephone: 06.09.35.16.99
Click here to email

To contact Sybille and find more info please visit her website:
http://www.norfolkfenderseats.co.uk

Don't get me wrong, I think its great living in France and I enjoy the culture and all it has to offer. But occasionally, I must admit, I do miss browsing around my local shops, back home.

Well now I can, well nearly! Littlewoods have opened an online store just for us!

• Offer: 10% off when you spend €20 or more
• Code: XV998
• End Date: 30th September 2010

• Offer: Free Delivery
• Code: XV262
• End Date: 30th September 2010

 

All I can say is it is well worth a look:

Littlewoods Europe - Bringing affordable UK fashion direct to your door

]]> http://www.britsinfrance.info/?feed=rss2&p=18