The sight of the inside lane of the M20 filled with 2CVs as far as the eye could see was amazing. At times because of a 1952 325cc engine car we came to a halt but, of course, once we got to the A20 and LONDON we got broken up (some of us got a bit lost) but after braving the most awful traffic and crawling down Knightsbridge and Kensington High Street we got to Olympia. Thank heavens we had a picnic. The cars looked superb in the car park and photos were taken.

After this we were supposed to head for Oxford Street but we chickened out and headed for Hammersmith and home. I might add we were not the only ones ! (If you look on the web sight you’ll see some of Dick’s photos including some in Oxford Street – ed.)

For all this fun we got free tickets for the Vive La France Exhibition AND a day trip through the tunnel. I think it was worth it but it will be a long time before I go driving in London again.

            Gill

 

 

Vive La France Exhibition

Six of us from this area made use of Bill’s parking at Richmond to get the District Line to Olympia. We went in and immediately found that Eurotunnel were offering day trips for £5 to visitors. Bill & I thought about this and by the end of the day had booked our trip.

There were food & drink stalls, with samples, and tourist boards from everywhere. Ferry companies were publicising various offers and there was music and dancing from the regions. It was a good day out and Bill - as usual – gathered leaflets on everything. If you want to know about different areas – please ask !

            Gill

 

Provence 1^st – 4^th June

 

We have booked P&O Dover-Calais Sun 29^th June as the cheapest offer (£131 standard return book by Jan 26^th). I know there were cheaper offers but we missed them. So far four cars from Madhatters are braving the long trip so anyone out there ‘phone us for more details of the proposed route etc.

            Gill

 

 

Chat from the Chair

Well, well, wake up everyone !! The year 2000 is here and Madhatters are meeting at The Talbot in Ripley on the second Tuesday of the month. You might think you know this ... but only 5 of us arrived for the January meeting. Dave Shove bravely made his first outing to a pub but not many were there to see a very healthy, slimmer looking Dave - don’t miss it next time. I am sure that there were many reasons for not coming but we really would like to see you next time.

If we are doing something wrong (wrong place, wrong time etc.) please tell us. As I have said time and again: it’s your club, so have your say.

With spring and summer on their way we will be venturing out on convoys, camps and visits to places of interest and other clubs. So, shake off the winter blues and dust off the cars to meet your friends.

See you all in February,

                                    Gill

Southern Clubs News

A good meeting at Ripley. Everything was discussed about Walton-on-Thames. We seem to have a good programme but on March 15^th we meet again to firm up our plans.

 

 

James – The Rebuild – Part 1

Friday 14^th Jan was an exciting day (apart from being my birthday). James went down to Jeff Colmer for his resurrection. We borrowed the Southern Clubs car trailer for this. Now…. it has 2 wheels, but 4 are better – 2 are not illegal here, but may be abroad (I’m not sure). It has no ramps, but we had them and scaffolding planks so it was OK – well I say that but James’ wheels were bent so getting him on was difficult. The trailer was barely wide enough for the wheels but after a lot of pushing and shoving James was fixed. The back wheels only just rested on the trailer and the rest overhung in thin air. (How they got a Triumph Herald or Spitfire on there I don’t know)

Jeff and his friend Mike, whose Transit it was doing the towing, were very worried about the 70 mile trip However they got to Romsey. I think the trailer is fine for a car in bits eg a chassis or body shell (even they’d overhang the trailer – ed.) but I have serious doubts about long trips with a complete car.

Anyway, watch this space for the announcement of the relaunch with “Fizz & Balloons & BBQ at Totally 2CV.” Everyone is invited…..

            Gill