Surrey Madhatters

November 97

Number 71

Chat from the Chair

Well, what an exciting evening, a 2CV drive. Those of you who missed it don’t know what a cultural event you missed. Basically those of you who go back to youth clubs/village halls of the 50s & 60s may remember Beetle drives - you know throwing dice and getting 6 for a body etc.... Well this was with 2CV parts. It was fun. Barry suggested an inter-club challenge. Book a fairly central village hall for a Sat. night - charge an entry fee - bring some booze and a plate of food - et voila - a great fun evening. Other clubs who get this letter - how about letting us know your feelings. I got this game from Trevor, Fils de Vitesse ages ago but we never had a room to try it. (Thanks Trev)

We hope to see as many as possible at the fireworks on 8th Nov. I have bought a big box of display fireworks, so I need to recoup the expenditure. (see later for more details)

I hear from Sandie that John has found some of his relatives in Estonia and that people are very friendly. Life is very much still pre-glasnost. You can get anything in a supermarket if you have enough money. Maybe John will be home for the fireworks - we will have to see.

Tim & Annie have a new baby - a boy, Dimitri Bruno - born on 1st October at 4.45 am. Congratulations to the Gentle family from all of us.

Gill.

Southern Clubs News

We have got on with many things. Merrist Wood is on its way. Various people have offered their services for various aspects of the weekend. It should be a great weekend camp - so keep it in your diary - 24,25 & 26 July. If you are not a camper you can come every day and go back to your comfortable bed.... Will anyone help Lynne & Ham with the children’s games ?

We will need other helpers but if you know any local business that would pay for advertising in the camp booklet let me know NOW - we need to work on our budgets.

Fireworks

November 8th - 6.30 p.m. Map provided. If you are worried about finding the venue meet Angus at the Guildford BR station short stay car park at 6.00 p.m. for a convoy. For your entrance money we will provide soup and jacket potatoes with beans or cheese. We will light a BBQ for those who want to cook something else. Please come along - bring your friends. There is plenty of room for cars and bonfires etc. Bring your own sparklers !

If enough people bring a guy we’ll award a prize for the best design.

Apple Tasting

I did not believe you could taste so many different English Apples ! I am sure we tasted about 25 varieties at Blackmore Farm. We had a convoy of 3 cars from Guildford. It was not until we got caught in a long line of cars near the farm that we realised what a big event it was. There was a huge car park . We had a tiny corner and were soon found by the Puddleduck convoy. It was a lovely sunny day (what a surprise after the Saturday). We tasted apples, went to the shop to buy them, visited the craft barn and had a good picnic. Thanks Colin for bringing this to our attention.

N.B. you could get cider on one of the stalls but it was made at another farm.

The farm shop was excellent with home baked cakes, dishes in the freezer and lots of lovely goodies.

Dates for Your Diary

Nov 8 Bonfire Celebration - as last year at Angus’ place (his Mum’s actually) 6.30 ish for fireworks & bonfire & BBQ. Entry £2 adults, £1 children. Map enclosed.

Getting there from Guildford : Take the A281 towards Horsham, continue through Shalford until you reach BRAMLEY. Turn right at the mini-roundabout (by the garage) into SNOWDENHAM LANE. Continue up the lane for approx. 2¼ miles until you see a ‘phone box on your RIGHT. After the ‘phone box take the SECOND RIGHT. (Not the first or you’ll end up in Godalming !) Drive on for 0.1 miles until you see two entrances on the right. Take the RIGHT HAND one and make your way across the field and you’re there.

Nov 11 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley. We will not have a room to ourselves so just a good natter.

Dec 9 8.00 pm Club Meeting - The Anchor, Ripley. We WILL have our own room - any ideas for anything special ? Gill suggests a Christmas raffle- all gifts in pretty paper please. If you’re organised enough distribute your Christmas cards & pressies.

1998

May 3 London to Brighton run.

May 21-24 6th French National 2CV Meeting, St Quentin en Yvelines Leisure Park, Paris. Be there and fill the Champs-Elysées with 2CVs !

Jul 24-26 Southern Clubs "50th Birthday Bash" - Merrist Wood Agricultural College, Guildford (Venue subsequently changed)