Not only holidays but you’ll
also find that the Norman’s Remains, with assistance from the Wessex Ducks and
Normandie Vikings clubs are staging ‘The Not The World Meeting Meeting’ from
27th July to August 1st.
Finally but not least I have
been in electronic communication with Mike & Laurie Roeder in California.
While in the UK in the early nineties they were part of the Madhatters before
returning home. Mike, after I asked for a summary of what they’re doing now,
excelled himself by creating a web page with colour pictures. Look at
http://members.aol.com/citromike/mad3.htm
if you can.
Ham
Le Mans 13-16 May 1999
Bill went to ‘Retromobile’ in Paris and picked up
information about the event. It is in French but this is a simple translation :
Camping du Houx within the ‘Bugatti Circuit’. Water
points, electricity, shady areas etc. if you book in advance.
Programme so far :
Games 200 ‘sprint’, economy challenge, convoy on the
pathways of Sarthe. Demonstration of 2CV from Spa, 2CV cross, use of “la piste terre” (is this dustbineering ?).
Fête every evening (rock, country, disco).
Visit Le Mans. Reduced entry price to Car Museum and a
procession around the Bugatti circuit. Plus, of course, a tasting of regional
products - not to be missed.
This subject to change depending on sponsorship. We have
the pre-booking form, so come to the meeting to get one or phone 01784 453919
to ask for one.
Cost -
110 FF for adults and children over 12
-
50 FF extra for Citroën other than 2CV derivatives
-
150 FF extra for other vehicles.
-
80 FF for Saturday night meal.
GilL
An Easter Meeting in
France
Andrew Jack
has found information on the internet about a meeting in Calais over the Easter
weekend. Details were addressed to 2CVGB so look out for information in 2CVGB
News also.
To quote
some of the highlights :
The
week-end will take place on 3rd and 4th April, with an
opportunity for far coming 2CV fans to arrive on Friday 2nd evening.
We may have special rates for your crossing with transmanche operators
(Seafrance and/or Eurotunnel). For any further information, please give us a
call. (0033/321. 97.15.99 or 85.90.65 - English spoken on both lines)
Attractions
to include : Concours d’élégance, convoy through Calais, exhibition, Saturday
evening entertainment with food (must be pre-booked).
Costs - 100
FF per person (includes Saturday evening meal), Children under 12 free.
Reservations at 50 FF per person. We have copies of the booking form if you
want.
7 HOURS & 43 MINUTES
IN PARIS.
Detained by the havoc that habitually ensues from a
signal failure in the Channel Tunnel, David arrived chez-moi in the early hours
of Saturday morning. Not that his late appearance was of the slightest
consequence, since only the nagging insomnia of an anticipated early alarm call
was likely. True to form, sleep eluded me for those few brief hours.
Rousing ourselves at an uncommonly indecent hour,
David's Peugeot propelled us swiftly towards Waterloo International and our
rendezvous with the Surrey Madhatters.
Bill & Gill (together with a po-faced Lord
Chancellor) were already at the designated meeting place. Only Dick &
Yvette remained unaccounted-for, and so we expectantly awaited their arrival.
The minutes passed, and still the Roberts' contingent failed to materialise.
David & I hastily consumed a cheese croissant, but Dick & Yvette were
nowhere to be seen.
As our "window of opportunity" was, by this
time, drawing to a close, we abandoned our vigil in favour of a warm train
carriage. Expertly shepherded through the departure lounge by our very own
Eurostar representative, we were aboard within minutes. And who, in their
stead, should be expectantly awaiting our arrival? Dick & Yvette!
Pleasantries (and grievances) exchanged, we settled down for the outward
journey.
David disappeared forthwith (like all enthusiastic
trainspotters) in search of the train manager to request a seating upgrade, but
returned instead bearing breakfast Part II. Prompted by the smell of our
toasted sandwiches, Bill & Yvette sallied forth towards the buffet car,
only to reappear considerably later moaning about the inefficient service.
Naturally, David took the complaints personally!
The journey itself, however, could not be faulted. We
barrelled along, variously reading, appreciating the French scenery, conversing
on all manner of topics (2CVs and beauty creams to name but 2) and dozing.
Drawing into Paris, the city was bathed in sunshine. A
welcome change from the drizzly gloom of London. But on alighting at Gare du
Nord, it was immediately apparent that the winter sun comes at a price - the
bitter cold. Steeling ourselves against the elements, Gill assumed the role of
tour guide and led us skilfully into the metro. In her interpretative capacity,
she purchased the requisite carnet de billets and steered us towards ligne 4.
Emerging from the Cite in front of the Palais de
Justice, we ventured as far as a newspaper stand, for the first of several
postcard forages. A riverside cafe was to be our next destination, but not
before Bill had enthusiastically espied an immaculate ripple bonnet. Occupying
the premium rate pavement seats, Bill notched up further A series sightings
whilst we formulated a plan of campaign. Our thoughts coincided with those of
Bill & Gill, whereas Dick & Yvette decided to strike out along the
north bank on their own. Agreeing to meet up at Gare du Nord for a leisurely
supper, we went our separate ways.
En route to Notre Dame, we took in the vibrant colours
of Sainte Chapelle's stained glass windows - a striking contrast to the
gloominess of the cathedral. David & I had intended to visit the belfry, to
further our knowledge of the Parisian skyline, but once again were scuppered by
scaffolding! Instead, we joined the many other tourists ambling around Notre
Dame's shadowy aisles.
From the Cite we made our way to Montmartre's Abbesses
and, armed with a croissant, we clambered up the hill towards Place du Tertre.
Bill was in his element with so many postcards to investigate! Needless to say,
progress was slow, but eventually we reached Sacre Coeur and its stunning
panoramic view of the Paris basin.
Our itinerary allowed us to return on foot to Gare du
Nord. Descending Sacre Coeur's steps, we contemplated the street entertainers'
robust constitutions - especially those "performing" as human
statues! Further on we chanced upon Paris' textile area, and Bill was once
again preoccupied with ferreting out a print of 1920's Charleston dancers. Torn
away empty handed, we resumed our route.
Reaching Gare du Nord's bureau de change, only Dick
& Yvette remained unaccounted-for, and so we expectantly awaited their
arrival ... We each, in turn, consumed a warming drink, and still the Roberts'
contingent failed to materialise! David purchased several French motor
magazines, but Dick & Yvette were nowhere to be seen.
When Dick & Yvette at last emerged from the crowd,
we set out in search of supper. I forget just how many times we wandered
aimlessly along Rue de Dunkerque, but a decision was reached ... finally.
Entering the bistro, we were taken in hand by a patient waiter, sporting a
Tintin coiffure. Evidently eager to please, he delivered all manner of snacks
to our table prior to a delicious meal.
Back in the Eurostar terminal once again, Dick &
Yvette availed themselves of bottled pruneaux (amongst other gastronomic
delights), whilst David & I inhaled countless perfumes. Eventually cleared
for boarding, we located our seats and David retired to confer with the chef du
train. The evening's train crew was French so, needless to say, we stayed put!
Our return journey was relatively uneventful. We
barely caught a glimpse of the drinks trolley, which was the cause of some
consternation. Ugly scenes ensued, during which the French train crew displayed
an underwhelming understanding of the concept of "customer care".
Gill, Yvette & I fumed, Dick ruminated on Eurostar's sales potential, Bill
slept, and David took our complaints personally! Having honed Dick's marketing
plan so as to exploit Eurostar's captive audience to the optimum, Bill awoke to
preside over an impromptu brainstorming session on the future of British rail
travel.
Waterloo International loomed out of the darkness
several minutes earlier than expected. Exhausted, and yet gratified, by our
travels, we all went our separate ways.
A big vote of thanks to David for making the travel
arrangements - we had a most enjoyable day!
Louise.
