Thanks George and Joyce for getting back to me. Yes I have been thinking about Sabine Ernst as well Joyce and it may be that I will go that route. I suppose what swung the idea of Bordeaux, apart from their good reputation and recommendations was that I would stay there for a few days and if anything was missed it could be dealt with during the same period. I don't think that would happen in London (though to be fair I haven't thoroughly researched it). Though on the positive side Sabine Ernst seems to be highly regarded, it's not that far away and it's all conducted in english.
I have been learning french for about 40 years off and on. I can speak a fair bit of french but my problem is understanding what is being said to me - to be fair I think it's lack of practice. In your information George you mention a phone number and I'm beginning to realise that I am reluctant to ring up because of the language barrier - I know Ms Ernst has some english and that may be the reluctance on her part. I will just have to grasp the nettle and ring and if it doesn't work then there is always plan b.
Kevin.