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 31st July 2010
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 Loire gite owners' helping handsGreat way found to benefit property
By chance, Stu and Syb Bradley discovered a unique way that benefited their property near Saumur and also enabled other people to stay in this wonderful part of the country for nothing. Stu told their story. 'We had an e-mail from a young man called Harry recently. He was hitchhiking through France to Spain. He wanted a quiet spot to rest up for a few days or up to a week, and wanted to know the costs. So, I mailed him back with a proposition. Given that the cost of a tent per night in low season isn't very much, why not give us some of his time each day to help out here with some chores in exchange for a pitch and a few meals? He readily agreed, and when the time came, we picked him up from Saumur and brought him to Le Chant. His degree course dictated that he made his way from Ambleside in the English Lake District (a place we know well) to the area of Bilbao in Northern Spain, for a fortnight of related coursework. It's a degree course in 'Outdoor Philosophy'. I know, you're thinking the same as I initially did when Harry told me all about it. ‘What kind of an idiot course is that then?’ Simply put, Harry's ambition is to teach kids about their surroundings in as natural a way as possible. This gives the youngsters an insight into how nature works, how it should have our respect, and how we should be protecting it. Harry’s stay was enjoyable and we thought the experience was worth repeating. We then heard of a website created to provide a link between travellers and hosts to facilitate a similar arrangement. The idea is that people like us register as 'hosts'. We provide the traveller with food and shelter in return for help around the place. Some helpers have very unique skills like carpentry, plumbing or electrics. Others just bring a unique perspective and boundless enthusiasm. We've had a few people wanting to help us here, but the timing wasn't right for us or for them. Obviously, people love to be here in France in the summer, but for us that time is nigh on impossible to provide accommodation. But, after Harry left, Syb and I decided that we needed yet more help around here and were contacted by Mareike (pronounced Ma-ry-e-keh), a young German girl who was in Paris, but longed for some peace and quiet in rural France. Mareike took to this place (and us to her, it has to be said) like a duck to water! She gave us some much needed impetus to get on and get things done that had been festering for months. Mareike was later joined by her boyfriend Manuel, who drove down from Germany to see her. They spent some days working with us and on others we suggested they take off and explore the area. We so enjoyed having Mareike with us that we seriously considered adopting her! Great company, great worker and a lovely girl all round.' This article was adapted from Stu Bradley’s blog in Spring 2008. Stu and Syb Bradley own Le Chant d’Oiseau, a gites, camping and B&B business in Mouliherne. Visit their site for more details.  Sarthe superstar Vendee 'sat nav' rebel Nice and friendly Gendarmerie in the Pays de la Loire Vendee English bar boss takes taxi from London  http://www.loire-gites.com Pays de la Loire Real Lives Home Page |
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