Well we still have not had a garden meeting this year - never mind we have still enjoyed ourselves. Holidays are over - things are getting back to 'normal'. It was lovely to see Barry & Gloria & family with their friend George of 'Raid Australia' fame. George was passing through so he came for a visit.

Everyone seems to have had a good summer - photos of Walton and French visits were passed round. It all seems such a long time ago. When I was at Worcester (more later) I was told several times that Walton was great. Yes it was BRILLIANT !!

I will write about various events later but I will say that I have, at the request of the 2CVGB editor, written a letter to that illustrious publication. Bev had a conversation on the 'phone with "someone" who said he had heard that the Southern Clubs boycotted Worcester. Well every club was there .... so I wrote to assure 2CVGB that we were all one club with a love of the car etc.... I could be in print after all.

Lots of things are happening in the next few months, which we can be involved with, so let's get out and enjoy ourselves.

I have received the following 'dissertation on etymology' from Ron Pick of Tadley. Ron goes on to say that they often think of us and hope that sometime soon they will join us at The Anchor. Over to you Ron :

"Early this summer I was engaged in a favourite occupation - buying wine in a French cave. We were staying with some expat friends who had taken us to a domaine whose proprietor was well known to them. He had the well earned reputation of keeping the tasting going until he was convinced that the customer had found which particular wine was best suited to his taste.

Obviously at the end of this session we had found some excellent wine which we bought. Now we came to the second eccentricity - the wine was unlabelled. The cork was dated. Our friend said to the owner 'Vous avez les tickets - les etiquettes ?' Knowing his French to be a trifle rudimentary, I wondered - was 'ticket' genuine French ? Was 'etiquette' related ? What little faith I showed. However, the labels appeared forthwith for a DIY operation.

We know of ticket in a rather dated saying 'That's the ticket' showing approval. This, in fact, dates from the last century when it was customary for charities to give to the needy tickets which showed specified goods for which they could be used as currency. Hence 'That's the ticket' indicated the shop-keepers approval and acceptance. My further research proved that 'ticket' is good French and shares with 'etiquette' a common root. 'Etiquette' defines the right thing to do.

Two years old .... Happy Birthday Southern Clubs ! The weather was not looking very kind when we set out with our Teddies. mine was very sad. He is 65 years old and falling to bits. However he had a good day.

30+ cars arrived. The BBQ was alight - people ate, visited the pub and chatted etc. It was all laid back. When I reckoned everyone was back from the pub, I gathered everyone around the cake - had a few words, lit the candles and that was it. Thanks for the lovely cake Adrienne. It was perfect.

At this point Colin 'took the floor' and read out an advertisement for the local Citroën dealer from the local paper. We felt it was quite naughty and derogatory so we made a spontaneous decision to convoy to the garage to make a point. It was all in a good spirit and the manager allowed us to park and speak to him. He took it well .... The advert has not appeared again. (See local press cutting).

SHALFORD GREEN GARAGE
Citroën Specialist, especially 2CV's
Servicing Bodywork MOT's Clutches
Exhausts New & Secondhand Bits Etc.
GUILDFORD 01483 579350

Four Madhatters made it to Worcester. The weather was kind to us (and it was a Bank Holiday !) I travelled up on my own. I was thinking that the road signs were 'fuzzy' on theway so I took my glasses off - no real difference so I just left them on top of my head. When I got to the gate and had to write a cheque I put my glasses on and found a lens missing .... Well I emptied the car and put up the tent next to Tony, Shirley, Nikki & Trevor of Les Fils. The lens was on the floor under the seat. I then had to visit Worcester urgently and find an optician. I found one (and 5 charity shops - heaven) and everything was sorted.

I cooked my meal, Robyn and I drank a bottle of wine and listened to a good live band and the disco. I got to bed but had no hot water bottle so my feet were cold. At least Bill was spared cold feet.

I had the club shop so after breakfast and waiting for Bill I went to the trade area and set up next to "Matt's Soft Tops". I did very well over the whole meeting for not much effort really.

Saturday night was another live band and disco and a wonderful firework display. The road next to the site was filled with cars. Well done to the organisers for this spectacular. After this we went to the bar. We met lots of friends from everywhere. Bev Abbot made a point of having a great chat with me - even sounding me out about being up for the committee next year .....

Sunday was convoy day. We left for a beauty spot in the Malvern Hills - I guess 200+ cars left Worcester. Once we

were there picnics came out around a huge cake. It looked really great. Candles, singing, cutting & eating were the order of the day before returning to yet another evening of drinking, eating and live bands.

FOR SALE
1986 2CV6 Spécial. Cream.
MOT to August 1999. 81,000 miles.
Good condition including chassis.
Cossetted, driven only half-yearly.
£1,500. Tel. 01483 579350

Oct 10-11 Club Des Amis De La 2CV - Lempdes - more superb 50th Anniversary stuff. The Madhatters will be represented.

Oct 11 Fils de Vitesse - Duck Race at Farnham Maltings. Be there by 11 am. Followed by a 10th birthday convoy with the Puddleducks as below.

Oct 11 Puddleducks - Convoy to Farnham and after the Duck Race on to the Blackmoor Farm Apple Tasting Fair. Not only apple tasting but also a craft fair, Morris dancing and other country pursuits. Plenty of space for a picnic too.

Oct 13 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley.

Oct 24 Ducks - Real Ale Train - Mid Hants Railway. Departs Alton 7.12pm - £5

Oct 25 Tortoises - Treasure hunt.

Nov 7 Madhatters Fireworks - but we have yet to find a new venue ! Any suggestions ?

Nov 10 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley.

Dec 6 Tortoises - Booze cruise.

Dec 8 8.00 pm Christmas Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley.

May 13-16 Le Mans - 7th Rencntre des Amis de la 2CV.