In Steve's previous occupation, he worked as a Quality and IT Manager, specialising in electronics. He was with the same company for over 25 years and felt the need for a change of direction and a new challenge. Audrey was a nurse for 33 years, and had enjoyed her job very much, however, she was also ready for a challenge of a different nature, feeling that if we didn’t make the break for a new life now; maybe we never would, and perhaps would forever regret that decision.

Therefore we both decided that after such a long period of time in the same jobs that we would fulfil our long standing ambition of owning and running a campsite. This was always our dream and we tried for many years to achieve that particular goal. Eventually we managed to locate this campsite “Le Ch’ti Franoi” and are now proud to live and work here in the Ardèche.

We are very happy with our new life and totally different lifestyle in this very beautiful setting. Whilst things haven’t been plain sailing we have so far overcome all obstacles, and look forward to meeting new people as each season begins.

We continue to make small improvements to the campsite to enable us to make your stay with us more memorable, and we are looking forward to a successful and prosperous 2010.

Since we bought the campsite mid 2006, our younger daughter Rachael and her husband Ross spent 3 seasons working alongside us, and 2008 saw them become parents to Bailey who was born in March. They decided that since Bailey’s arrival they would like to resettle back in England as priorities for them have obviously changed, however they will still be here at various times enjoying a holiday and helping out where they can.  Last May saw the birth of Arabella to Rachael and Ross and Bailey.

The Picture on the left is Great-Grandad 'Eric' with Bailey

Last year we introduced you to some English French ‘A’ level students who spent July and August working along side us. They are anxious to practice their conversation French language skills, and will appreciate any help you can give them to improve. This year we plan to do the same again.

We also hope to introduce our elder daughter Stephanie and her partner Martin, who also became parents in 2008 to Imogen who was born in October 2008. They will be here for several holidays, and helping out where they can to continue to make this a family-run campsite.

Our elder daughter Stephanie married Martin last September, and we have included a couple of photographs in our scrapbook, along with updates of our grandchildren.

The Picture on the right is Stephanie with Imogen

The Original Families of Mr & Mrs Cutting (Mum & Dad) and Mr & Mrs Woodage (Son in Law & Daughter) came together – hence the company name “SARL WoodCutting” to form a family determined to make the campsite a success and for all to enjoy its many pleasures and facilities.

Of course, being English we will have no problems with English enquiries via the telephone. However whilst we are learning French and are getting better by the day, the telephone is much harder to master. In this case we ask you to be patient with us and speak slowly and clearly. Better still, if possible, please send us an e-mail as this is much easier for us to deal with.