Vinstock/Grapestock France dates....

[Nicos]

Yup...dates fixed...looking forward to seeing everyone!!

[binley100]

Ferry's booked.........

[Nicos]

woo hoo...end of May then!!..looking forward to meeting peeps!!

[Patchninja]

It's all very exciting!!! Bob, can you suggest some hotels in the area?

[bobleponge]

Hmmm, I live probably 20 minutes from the nearest hotel, and half an hour from the nearest decent sized town.
Still abroadsville at the moment, dont get home till after Christmas (boohoo sob sob). Once I'm back I will have a scout about, get a list of hotels and prices etc.
Will be done and posted by the second week in January.
As far as I'm concerned, its happening, chez moi, end of May. Have warned off Mme Pastis that there will be hordes(?) of Brits descending on the front garden, the liquer de vieux garcon will be ready for a tasting, along with the rhubarb schnapps and other "stuff" I'm sure.
Marquee has been sourced as a central point in case its a bit rubbish weatherwise. Small but robust wood burning stove will be installed somehow (you coming Snadge?), huge bbq will be moved from the back to the front garden if its remotely not properly cold and wet, and should be a great big ging gang gooly.

ETA: And get practising your Frog you people, Mme P doesnt speak England much at all.

[Patchninja]

Oh, I'm so sorry you won't be home for christmas. You'll have to make up for it when you get back!

[Incy]

Not sure whether I will be able to make it as my brother has just announced he's getting married in July so it will very much depend on whether I have found a job or not by then.
For anyone in the north west who's thinking of flying, I thought you might like to know that flybe have recently started running a direct route from Manchester to Nantes. Nicely priced too. I was just quoted a little over £80 return for mid-week flights in late July. They also fly there from Gatwick I believe although the ferry/car is probably more practical for southern grapes.

[binley100]

Hey Boble we could hold a belated Christmas for you ..........at Whitsun

[binley100]

Just bumping this for people who don't know..........

[Nicos]

Hey Boble we could hold a belated Christmas for you ..........at Whitsun

I could bring a spare bit of Crimble cake!!!

[Nicos]

It's actually a perfect time of year for a plant/seed swap too.
Most plants can be imported/exported between France and the UK.
I'll make a list of the ones which can't nearer the time if peeps are interested

[binley100]

I could bring a spare bit of Crimble cake!!!

I made a huge one and it's not even come out of the tin yet........mind you once it does.....

It's actually a perfect time of year for a plant/seed swap too.
Most plants can be imported/exported between France and the UK.
I'll make a list of the ones which can't nearer the time if peeps are interested

That would be useful.......also p'haps the engleeeesh could take over a few goodies not available in France......

[BarleySugar]

We are hoping to cross via Calais, and bring the tent on the Friday night. It's the beginning of the half term holiday, so how long could we stay around for? We were looking to perhaps travel back on the Tues, but PLEASE say if say if an extra night will be a problem so we can find a camp site for any extra nights. I am planting chillies at the moment, so if I need plants to bring, I could get them in soon. I am de pending on Kissykit and son no2 coming; we cannot put the tent up on our own , so it depends a bit on exam dates :?(

[binley100]

I'm sure we can all pitch in to help put up tents ............

[Nicos]

I think Boble is offering the 3 nights Fri/Sat/Sun and packing everything up on the Monday ( loos etc).
Best to look for alternative camping for any other nights

Help with putting up tents shouldn't be a problem- looks like many hands will be available!