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The highlight (or one of them) was
a trip to Lempdes to see Pierre Boulanger's family home. We hadn't
a clue where to look but as we were photographing a floral 2CV
at the entry to the town another 2CV went past. It came back and
the owner Bernhard was a real enthusiast and took us to the Mairie
which was in fact THE house. Here was another floral 2CV so we took
photographs again. Bernhard is organising - or part of the organisation
- for the celebrations in October. He introduced us to the ‘Manager'
of the department which is making the new official plaque to go on
the Mairie. We even have the only photocopy of the design in England.
(until I copied it for the Newsletter - ed.)
They are all looking forward to welcoming people in October - so
book your place now.
See you next meeting,
Gill.
THE THE Camp at Walton-on-Thames
It really seems quite a long time ago now but here are just a few
of my jottings about Walton.
First of all I was worried sick that things would not go according
to plan - however vague that plan might be - but putting that aside
I was really glad to get to the site at about 4 o'clock on Thursday.
I did not have to wait long before 4 ripple bonnets with French
plates arrived. They had been travelling since Sunday from Marseilles,
Avignon and Le Mans. It was wonderful.... I showed them where to
pitch (I had to ask them to move a bit later because I had not worked
out exactly where the hallowed First Team pitch was). I too had to
move my tent for this reason.
People began to come and help to get ready. We had a wonderful team
ready for action. Tim and Pongo turned up from Alsace at about 10
ish so that made for a cosy beginning. Friday again saw the team
in action marking out camping areas so that there was access for
emergency vehicles etc. The gate volunteers soon had work to do and
by lunchtime things were beginning to roll.
I was waiting for the refreshment van to arrive at about 5 "ish".
What I hadn't bargained for was a red double decker bus. However
the shock was not too great and food was available. The disco too
had begun to set up - not many people danced but it did create a
friendly atmosphere. By that night we had 70 cars camping including
2 Belgian cars and a Dutch H-van.
On Saturday more people poured in, day visitors arrived and joined
in the games. The children's activities were a great success - so
thanks Lynne & Ham.
At about 11:30 the Granada ‘Men & Motors' team arrived, as did
the local press. I did not realise how long one photo for the paper
would take. I will not be a model as a second career !
The TV people got us talking and got a circle of 2CVs round their "wagon" for
the opening scenes and then followed us to Brooklands. When you lead
a convoy you do not get the reaction of crowds, so I can only guess
at the looks on people's faces as forty-one 2CVs left the campsite.
It was wonderful to see them arrive outside the museum clubhouse.
It was a wonderful afternoon. The climax for me was when John Rooney,
Dave Shove, a Dyane owner (I've forgotten his name) and I went up
on the famous banking for an interview. It was a dream experience.
Bill was sick with envy as he was working. The film will be out on
a Thursday in September or early October at about 11 pm on Granada
Plus Cable or Satellite. I will buy a magazine and try to find out
the date.
Saturday evening had our big Disco/Live Band and BBQ. Everyone enjoyed
this and danced the evening away. Well done ‘The Jumpleads' for this
superb experience. The raffle was drawn. It was lovely to see so
many prizes. There was plenty to eat and drink. The bar staff were
most accommodating and friendly.
Sunday saw John Rooney's team cooking a full English breakfast.
This really was appreciated. People then went off to trade stands
and to judge various categories of cars to vote for the ‘concours'.
Many thanks to the voters and counters for a great job.
I looked at the weather and decided to bring the prize-giving forward.
Me and my megaphone got everyone organised. Wine was given as prizes,
so well done the winners. We then got to the serious business of
singing ‘Happy Birthday' and cutting the cake. Everyone had a slice.
While I had a captive audience I got volunteers for cleaning the
loos and clubroom and just before the rain came tents were put away
and people started to leave. What was I worried about - 86 cars camped
overnight - 51 cars visited for a day and everyone had a good time.
On Monday morning the last few finished clearing up. The French
began their journey back to the South after a lovely camp. Tim was
staying with us and visiting his Dad, so I had told our neighbours
about a red H-van outside the house. However I did not know we would
also have a blue Danish H-van there for the night. Erlich, Mia and
their daughter ‘did London' on Monday and slept in their van at home
before going back on Tuesday. I had to assure the worried neighbours
that Bill had not bought it ... it was only visiting !
Thanks a million to everyone who helped. It would have been nothing
without you all. Maybe in a couple of years to celebrate 2000 we
might try again ....
Gill
Bastille Day Picnic
The Macdonalds convoyed with Bill & Gill from Guildford to Bolney.
We took the scenic route through the countryside in the sunshine.
A pleasant and uneventful journey was enlivened by a bumble bee which
decided to fly through the window and sit in Ham's lap !! Apologies
to Bill & Gill for the unscheduled (and very hasty) stop !!
What a good turn out for this event from the Escargots, Club Clouseau,
French Ticklers and the Madhatters ! The pub garden was full and
we were all made very welcome by the landlord. The weather was wonderful.
After the barbecue and a few drinks everyone felt too mellow to do
anything more energetic than buy raffle tickets ! In keeping with
tradition someone always has a snooze at this picnic and we usually
have the photo to prove it !
Matt & Rita deserved the prize for making the most effort with
their fancy dress ! They looked brilliant and Rita's moustache was
particularly attractive ! Thanks to Maurice & Sue and the Escargots
for inviting us.
Ham
Dates for Your Diary
Sep 6 Ducks - Annual Treasure Hunt & Barbecue
Sep 6 Puddleducks - Visit Amberley Working Museum. £8 per
car convoy starts at 11.00 am (Roy Brinkman 01489 891839)
Sep 8 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley. Bring all your
International and holiday photos.
Sep 13 11 am until late Teddy Bears Picnic - Oakhanger - Southern
Clubs 2nd Birthday.
Sep 20 Basingstoke Canal Centre - See Editorial for details.
Sep 20 Ducks - Bovington Classic Car Show
Sep 26 2CVGB AGM at Lutterworth - meet the National committee and
do all the AGM stuff.
Sep 27 Tortoises - Day trip to France.
Sep 27 Puddleducks - convoy to Alresford for a picnic in the grounds
of Royce Grey's house. Who ? - you'll have to go to find out ! (Roy
Brinkman 01489 891839)
Oct 7 THE Birthday - dinner at Cafe Rouge - more details in Editorial
or phone Ham.
Oct 10-11 Club Des Amis De La 2CV - Lempdes - more superb 50th Anniversary
stuff. The Wessex Ducks are known to be organising a ‘Raid' - more
details at meeting.
Oct 13 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley.
Oct 25 Tortoises - Treasure hunt.
Nov 10 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley. |
