Volunteers and Helpers
Firstly, thank you for feeling you would like to come and help us. This is a bit of a long read, sorry but you really DO need to read it if you intend to stay with us. You will find most other good hosts will ask the same as below. Thank you again and happy reading............
Also please do take the time to go to our facebook page which is designed for helpers and friends of Le Chataignier.
Le Chataignier is a very big project and we are fully aware that with out help it would never move forward in the way it has and will. Le Chataignier is 400 years old and in parts falling down, so it is a building site there is a lot of mess, dust and general grime. It is not a palace and in the area WE live and work and you will get dirty, if coming to help. This is a farm / building site. Coming to Le Chataignier you need to be flexible, self motivated, able to listen to instructions and take a task on and complete it with in a reasonable time. You must have a good knowledge / command of English or French. We do not sadly have the time to use a mobile translator / tablet or phone when in the middle of a difficult task, I am sorry.
If you have any skills please let us now in advance what you are able to do. Such as brick laying, chainsaw use etc. If you do not have any as yet, that's fine to. If you are keen to learn new skills we are happy to teach you. There is always something you can do. We have taught people a range of skills from laying tiles to rebuilding walls and roofs. We are happy for you to ask questions and to give further instruction. We would rather you did, we don't want your or our time wasted, having to go back and do something again. You may even feel that you are unhappy to do a particular task and we are always able to find something else that you will prefer. But we do ask that things are done the way we would like as we have to live with your work after you have gone. You need to bring working clothes ( not your favourite jeans ) Good footwear (wellingtons or boots ) In winter you need a waterproof coat and something to keep you warm. We are outside a lot of the time. In summer it will be a good idea to bring sun cream and a hat it gets very hot here at times. You should also provide your own toiletries, sweets etc or alike.
We are happy to collect you from the local train station which is Evron. But request that you let us know the day and time of your arrival in advance. We also ask that you call when you arrive at the station ( we are only 15 mins away) as sad to say some people have missed their train or have been delayed. If you do not have a mobile with you there is a pay phone box outside of the station.
Things you may want to, or need to know.
Couples should note that it is not always possible to work together during there four hours. Not all tasks sadly require two people.
We also do not take helpers for more than two weeks to start with. After this probationary period we will be more than happy to consider a longer stay.
We are also non smokers, we don't have a problem with you smoking just not in our home or cars.
Also we are not big drinkers and will not tolerate anyone onsite feeling it is OK to get drunk as this has been a problem in the past.
As well as drugs unless these are prescription drugs please think again as I will not think twice about calling the police.
I am sorry to have to write some of the above but sad to say after being hosts for some years we have seen just about everything and it is best that people are aware before they think of coming to us.
Last but not least John has bipolar and some people may find this challenging.
If after reading the above you still feel you would like to stay GREAT we will try our very best for you to have a really great time with us and take some wonderful memories home with you.
You can also find us on facebook the link is below. Whare you can see what we have achieved so far with some fantastic helpers and friends.
https://www.facebook.com/LeChataignier.france/
https://hippohelp.com/host/large-small-holding-with-rental-cottages
Work Work at Le Chataignier is wide and varied. You could be lambing one day and building a wall the next. Most people that arrive at Le Chataignier will start a project and carry on with it. This allows helpers to leave with a sense of achievement. Although at times getting involved in something that might interest them. This could be milking a goat to learning about bees. Helpers in the past that have stayed with us have even gone on to have there own project in life. We are happy to teach you new skills whilst you are with us. We ask for 4 hours ish a day with Sunday being a day off. We would however in an emergence such as animals escaping or in difficulty expect you to also assist, and house hold chores such as washing up, cleaning is everyone's responsibility. We also like people to stay for at least two weeks. Staying longer is something that would have to be disused whilst you are with us as not every one fits in with the work we are doing etc and you should try to provide some kind of reference . ( This is not essential ) The four hours in a morning normally runs from 8 / 9 am and will finish at lunch time 12 noon 1 pm. which is about the time we stop for lunch. But it's not all about work there are some wonderful places to visit around us. We are more than happy to make sure you get to see all that is available in the area. |
Meals Today's was Breakfast : - cereal, toast and homemade marmalade and jam which we have most mornings Lunch :- Today being winter was homemade pumpkin soup, bread rolls. As well as apples and pears from the garden. In summer it is often a home made quiche with salad. Dinner :- Tonight was home made turkey meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta and chocolate mousse for desert. We do cater for vegetarians and are happy to do so but please let us know before you arrive. Also if you have an allergy or a dislike to something it's not a problem but it helps to know in advance. Tea and coffee are available at all times. If you would like to have other treats such as chocolate etc it is for you to provide these for yourself. We eat allot of our own food and please be aware you may see animals go from the farm and arrive back on the table in the time you stay with us. Some people may find this very difficult. |
Accommodation We have two caravans that are for the use of helpers and volunteers. In high summer we also use large tents. It is hoped in time to come that there will be a separate accommodation building for helpers with bathroom facilities. As well as a recreation area. We have two washing machines and are happy for you to use them, on request. Wifi is also available for free but you should be aware that at times this can be temperamental and should not be used for major down loads such as films etc. We are in the country side and not in the city so your mobile signal may not be as good at times as you would like, a walk to our top field works well as we are in a bit of a valley. The wifi is for your own device only and the house hold computer is not for general use. This also includes the household phone. It is not permitted for you to make calls. In an emergency we quite understand, but as most people have mobiles these days it should not be necessary for you to use the phone or computer. |