This is an archive of reports and photos for club events which took place in 2015 or earlier. For our active website please visit www.charentemgowners.com
2015
Christmas lunch - 10th December 2015
Thirty three members and one guest enjoyed a great Christmas Lunch at the splendidly decorated La Cassotte. Our seasonally attired hard working organisers, Brian and Mary, treated us to a super raffle and a short quiz with questions from the era of Teddy Boys and pony tails. The quiz was a close run thing, going through several tie-break rounds before Karen and Andy were declared winners. La Cassotte treated us to a seasonal meal which everyone appeared to enjoy. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable lunch and a great way to end the club's events for 2016. Photos of the festivities: (click for full photo - and to see Brian's head!)
quiz night: 19th November 2015
The Club's inaugural quiz night took place and a wet and not very nice November evening. 19 members attended and the quiz was ably conducted by excellent but firm question master Trevor "Hughie" Green. Subjects ranged from Pacific Ocean islands to Dingbats and welsh film stars. Trevor generously contributed a large polypin of "Sneck Lifter" winter warmer beer which relaxed the participants, and at the mid point of the evening, La Cassotte provided (in a change of plan) a four course meal accompanied by Beaujolais Nouveaux. The eventual winners were Jennifer and John and Helen and Richard who came from behind in a late run. A great evening and thanks to Trevor for all his hard work!
Photo album follows (as usual click on a photo to view full size and to start a slide show):
Photo album follows (as usual click on a photo to view full size and to start a slide show):
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Sample questions available here:
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MGCC Holland, European event of the year
This prestigious annual event was held this year from 11th to 15th June near Hilvarenbeek, Holland, to celebrate MGCC Holland's 60th anniversary. Mike and Angela attended in their 1939 TB and their report and photos are below. The routes they describe are, in themselves interesting and, I'm sure, helpful to anyone travelling from France to the Low Countries. (A reminder to CMGOC members that the 2016 event will be held in Le Touquet Paris-Plage from 8th to the 12th June - so far we have at least 4 members signed up - information at http://mgevent2016.agorasphere.fr/index.php/en)
Mike and Angela's report:
Mike and Angela's report:
We have been to the MG European event of the year in France, Germany, Scotland and this year in Holland, all of them in our 1939 MG TB. This year we set off from our home near Teyjat on Tuesday morning 9th June, to drive to Mennecy just south of Paris to stay the night with friends. Initially we drove cross country to join the A20 north of Limoges, then up to Orleans where we left the A20 for the smaller roads passing through picturesque little villages and passing some magnificent chateaus. We arrived in Mennecy around 7.00pm and after aperitifs were taken to a lovely restaurant beside a lake.
Tuesday morning after breakfast we set off around 09.30 for Ghent in Belgium stopping in Laon for lunch, after missing a turning we ended up driving round Kortrijk for a while until we found the right road. Arriving in Ghent we thought we were doing well getting near to the hotel very quickly but finding our way round the one way streets around the hotel proved a bit more difficult. We finally arrived at the Charme Hotel Hancelot and were welcomed with a glass of Chardonay while we checked in, the car was parked in a private garage round the corner owned by the hotel. Built in 1840 as a town house for a Baron, the hotel has a wonderful olde worlde charm. After freshening up a short walk through a bustling park took us into Ghent and a street with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Tuesday morning after breakfast we set off around 09.30 for Ghent in Belgium stopping in Laon for lunch, after missing a turning we ended up driving round Kortrijk for a while until we found the right road. Arriving in Ghent we thought we were doing well getting near to the hotel very quickly but finding our way round the one way streets around the hotel proved a bit more difficult. We finally arrived at the Charme Hotel Hancelot and were welcomed with a glass of Chardonay while we checked in, the car was parked in a private garage round the corner owned by the hotel. Built in 1840 as a town house for a Baron, the hotel has a wonderful olde worlde charm. After freshening up a short walk through a bustling park took us into Ghent and a street with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
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The next morning there was a good spread of cooked and cold choices on the breakfast buffet which prepared us well for the day ahead. I had looked at different routes from Ghent to our destination of Beekse Bergen where the event was being held, but after considering the leisurely cross country routes we decided to take the direct motorway route and get to the event and check into our hotel. It was an easy route taking us round the outskirts of Antwerp, but being the main route to the Europort at Rotterdam there were lots of very large wagons wizzing past and we felt quite vulnerable in our little open car.
We arrived at the Beekse Bergen Safari park around lunchtime, checked in and collected our entry pack. We decided to go and find our hotel and check in there before looking round, our hotel the Van der Valk Hotel Gilze-Tilburg was about 10 mins away just off the motorway 2 junctions back.
After checking in we returned to the car to find someone looking it, he introduced himself as Michael who was with his partner Mary. Michael had a TD and was restoring a J2 but they were in Mary’s MGA, Mary also had a TA, an MGB roadster and an Austin 7 2 seater special! We got to know them quite well at breakfast over the next few days. There was a run on that evening (Thursday) but we decided to relax and have a nice meal on the terrace of the hotel instead.
On Friday morning we arrived at the Safari park and bumped into old friends Mike and Viv from the East Sussex MG club, in the past they had been with us at the Le Mans 24 hr, the European event in Germany and the Le Mans Classic, we had last seen them at the European Event in Scotland 2 years earlier. The run with tulip diagrams to guide us took us through lovely little villages over little canal bridges and past old windmills, ending at lunchtime beside a lake for an alfresco lunch. Unfortunately when we arrived the van doing the fries had had an electrical problem with the fryer and had just got some gas cylinders to use a different fryer, we just had a Dutch speciality similar to a long doughnut then decided not to wait for the fries but to get off and find somewhere to eat along the way. Shortly after leaving we turned a corner and found an old windmill with a restaurant, the road was lined with MGs of all ages so we parked at the end of the line and joined with all the others sat outside having some lunch. As we sat there more and more MGs stopped including Michael and Mary who joined us.
We arrived at the Beekse Bergen Safari park around lunchtime, checked in and collected our entry pack. We decided to go and find our hotel and check in there before looking round, our hotel the Van der Valk Hotel Gilze-Tilburg was about 10 mins away just off the motorway 2 junctions back.
After checking in we returned to the car to find someone looking it, he introduced himself as Michael who was with his partner Mary. Michael had a TD and was restoring a J2 but they were in Mary’s MGA, Mary also had a TA, an MGB roadster and an Austin 7 2 seater special! We got to know them quite well at breakfast over the next few days. There was a run on that evening (Thursday) but we decided to relax and have a nice meal on the terrace of the hotel instead.
On Friday morning we arrived at the Safari park and bumped into old friends Mike and Viv from the East Sussex MG club, in the past they had been with us at the Le Mans 24 hr, the European event in Germany and the Le Mans Classic, we had last seen them at the European Event in Scotland 2 years earlier. The run with tulip diagrams to guide us took us through lovely little villages over little canal bridges and past old windmills, ending at lunchtime beside a lake for an alfresco lunch. Unfortunately when we arrived the van doing the fries had had an electrical problem with the fryer and had just got some gas cylinders to use a different fryer, we just had a Dutch speciality similar to a long doughnut then decided not to wait for the fries but to get off and find somewhere to eat along the way. Shortly after leaving we turned a corner and found an old windmill with a restaurant, the road was lined with MGs of all ages so we parked at the end of the line and joined with all the others sat outside having some lunch. As we sat there more and more MGs stopped including Michael and Mary who joined us.
After Lunch we continued through picturesque countryside and villages and ended back at the Safari park late afternoon. We returned to the hotel and got ready for the evening Bar-B-Q, unfortunately we missed the coach and had to drive, at the park where we joined with other friends from East Sussex and some from the Essex club who had met when they came to the East Sussex Country Weekender events that I had been involved in organising in the past. The food was excellent and well cooked and a very pleasant evening was had by all, we left around 11.00pm with plenty of people remaining behind.
On Saturday there was a special figure of 8 run with everyone split into 4 groups one group starting northbound clockwise, one northbound anticlockwise, the other two southbound clockwise and anticlockwise. There were a number of checkpoints round the route where you had to get a card stamped; it was quite a long route and there was an award for those who got all the stamps. We decided to give the run a miss and spoke to the organisers who gave us details of some little villages and old windmills along with nice places to stop for lunch. We had a very pleasant relaxing day and returned in the afternoon to the hotel sitting out on the terrace with a drink. In the evening we made it in time for the coach to the safari park for the Gala dinner where we again joined some of our friends from the East Sussex club, the Essex club and also a German couple with a YA. There were tables in different rooms at the Safari park buildings all interconnected but not one large room holding everyone as at past events. There were a number of speeches and awards given out and the traditional "batton" handed over to the MG Club de France who will hold the 2016 event. The dinner was again excellent and another very pleasant sociable evening.
Sunday was our last day at the event so after breakfast we packed up loaded the car, checked out of the hotel and arrived at the Safari park late morning. All the cars were parked in their respective categories, there was a gymkhana fun event being held, but with the car fully loaded we decided not to enter. We wandered round looking at all the different cars, talking with their owners and with friends old and new. Just after 2.00pm there was a cream tea which we had with friends from the MG Octagon Club before saying our goodbyes and setting off on our return journey.
We made our way on Sunday afternoon to northern Luxemburg where we stayed at the Chateau d’Urspelt near Clervaux. During dinner at the Chateau an English couple at the next table asked if it was our MG in the car park, they had arrived on the previous Thursday in a TC for a round table classic car event but one of the half shaft had broken, I said I had 2 spare half shafts amongst the spares I carried in the car but by then their car was already on its way back to the UK. They were from Cumbria, their car had been in the family since the early 60s when the ladies father bought it and rebuilt it, and she had even learnt to drive in it.
On Saturday there was a special figure of 8 run with everyone split into 4 groups one group starting northbound clockwise, one northbound anticlockwise, the other two southbound clockwise and anticlockwise. There were a number of checkpoints round the route where you had to get a card stamped; it was quite a long route and there was an award for those who got all the stamps. We decided to give the run a miss and spoke to the organisers who gave us details of some little villages and old windmills along with nice places to stop for lunch. We had a very pleasant relaxing day and returned in the afternoon to the hotel sitting out on the terrace with a drink. In the evening we made it in time for the coach to the safari park for the Gala dinner where we again joined some of our friends from the East Sussex club, the Essex club and also a German couple with a YA. There were tables in different rooms at the Safari park buildings all interconnected but not one large room holding everyone as at past events. There were a number of speeches and awards given out and the traditional "batton" handed over to the MG Club de France who will hold the 2016 event. The dinner was again excellent and another very pleasant sociable evening.
Sunday was our last day at the event so after breakfast we packed up loaded the car, checked out of the hotel and arrived at the Safari park late morning. All the cars were parked in their respective categories, there was a gymkhana fun event being held, but with the car fully loaded we decided not to enter. We wandered round looking at all the different cars, talking with their owners and with friends old and new. Just after 2.00pm there was a cream tea which we had with friends from the MG Octagon Club before saying our goodbyes and setting off on our return journey.
We made our way on Sunday afternoon to northern Luxemburg where we stayed at the Chateau d’Urspelt near Clervaux. During dinner at the Chateau an English couple at the next table asked if it was our MG in the car park, they had arrived on the previous Thursday in a TC for a round table classic car event but one of the half shaft had broken, I said I had 2 spare half shafts amongst the spares I carried in the car but by then their car was already on its way back to the UK. They were from Cumbria, their car had been in the family since the early 60s when the ladies father bought it and rebuilt it, and she had even learnt to drive in it.
Monday was a fairly long day travelling through Luxembourg down past Dijon and on to the Chateau de villars at Vileneuve Sur Allier just north of Moulins. This is a small chamber d’hôte run by a lovely elderly couple whose family have owned it for generations. On Tuesday we had breakfast then the owners insisted on taking photos of us and the car in front of the chateau before we left on our final leg down to the E62 and on through Montlucon, Gueret, Bellac, St Junian and on back home arriving home mid afternoon.
The Dutch event was not as well organised as other European events we have attended but the Dutch people were all very friendly and helpful, we had a wonderful week away meeting old friends and making new ones, with great scenery and good Food. We can certainly recommend the MG European Event of the year to anyone and we look forward to the 2016 Event in Le Touquet (see http://mg-event-2016.blogspot.fr/)
Mike & Angela Inglehearn
The Dutch event was not as well organised as other European events we have attended but the Dutch people were all very friendly and helpful, we had a wonderful week away meeting old friends and making new ones, with great scenery and good Food. We can certainly recommend the MG European Event of the year to anyone and we look forward to the 2016 Event in Le Touquet (see http://mg-event-2016.blogspot.fr/)
Mike & Angela Inglehearn
fete de la cAgouille, St. Claud, 3rd october
A good turn out but certainly not good weather, intrepid club members and guests braved the elements to attend the fête. The heavens opened as we arrived in the morning and it was a dash from the cars to the shelter of the coffee marquee. After coffee it was still pouring down when we departed on the run organised by Andy and Karen, to the source of the Charente. Fortunately it "faired up" en route, wipers were switched off and we were able to wander around the source in the sun and without umbrellas. Returning to St. Claud, we found that gloom still prevailed there, although rain held off. However it was certainly not warm! We hadn't met Bernard the organiser when we arrived but he now had the time to come and see us and give us our goody bags and rallye plaques. He had a quick look at the cars and invited us to the lunch marquee where we enjoyed our lunch. During our meal Bernard thanked us for attending and awarded the Cagouille Cup to hippies Andy and Karen. We were musically entertained whilst eating, but the musicians didn't know "Hi Ho Silver Lining" and, perhaps understandably, stuck to the Joe Dassin songbook. Photos follow - as usual click for full photo and to start a slide show
remparts weekend, September 19th and 20th, 2015
The organisers, Graham and Terri report:
Hi to all you 2015 Remparters,
We're now over this year's edition and hopefully we've all made it back home, wherever that may be.
15 MG's from the Club took part in the Rallye, with varying degrees of success. The Midget contingent suffered the heaviest casualties, with Jim and Lesley breaking down with total electrical failure, about two hundred metres from the assembly point at Mr Bricolage, early on Saturday morning, but thankfully following repairs, Jim & Lesley joined us at the rest stop.
Rex arrived in his 1938 VA Special, with an improvised fuel tank which thankfully made it all the way around.
During the afternoon, our Midget then suffered an accelerator cable break which brought myself and my young navigator to a standstill for a while. After jury rigged repairs, we then had 1200 revs, or full throttle, depending on where the cable decided to stick.
The Podium duly arrived and we parked up in one of the multistorey car parks, to meetup at the designated watering hole, where we were joined by Andy & Karen, Howard & Beverly , Howard & Sue and last but not least Adrian & Tammy who were on holiday nearby.
Our thanks must go to Liz, who at short notice became "Lead Car" and kept us on track for the Rallye, as our eight year old grandaughter Lola, decided she couldn't navigate after all.
On Sunday, those of us who exhibited their cars met at the Railway Station, along with the Midget & Sprite Club (Kent Branch) and were treated to cabaret by a lady who arrived from the Station area. We were the first to arrive at the parking, so made it into our area easily, which was right at the top of the pedestrianised street, to save us the walking. Then it was coffees and breakfast and get to know the MASC members.
Thank you to all of you who took part, as it's you that make the Remparts weekend such a memorable occasion and one that I will continue to treasure.
It's what our MG's were made for.....USING ON THE ROAD !
Best regards and hope to see you all at the next edition of the Circuit des Remparts Sept 16 / 17 / 18th 2016.
So far six cars are booked in with us for 2016.
Graham & Terri
Hi to all you 2015 Remparters,
We're now over this year's edition and hopefully we've all made it back home, wherever that may be.
15 MG's from the Club took part in the Rallye, with varying degrees of success. The Midget contingent suffered the heaviest casualties, with Jim and Lesley breaking down with total electrical failure, about two hundred metres from the assembly point at Mr Bricolage, early on Saturday morning, but thankfully following repairs, Jim & Lesley joined us at the rest stop.
Rex arrived in his 1938 VA Special, with an improvised fuel tank which thankfully made it all the way around.
During the afternoon, our Midget then suffered an accelerator cable break which brought myself and my young navigator to a standstill for a while. After jury rigged repairs, we then had 1200 revs, or full throttle, depending on where the cable decided to stick.
The Podium duly arrived and we parked up in one of the multistorey car parks, to meetup at the designated watering hole, where we were joined by Andy & Karen, Howard & Beverly , Howard & Sue and last but not least Adrian & Tammy who were on holiday nearby.
Our thanks must go to Liz, who at short notice became "Lead Car" and kept us on track for the Rallye, as our eight year old grandaughter Lola, decided she couldn't navigate after all.
On Sunday, those of us who exhibited their cars met at the Railway Station, along with the Midget & Sprite Club (Kent Branch) and were treated to cabaret by a lady who arrived from the Station area. We were the first to arrive at the parking, so made it into our area easily, which was right at the top of the pedestrianised street, to save us the walking. Then it was coffees and breakfast and get to know the MASC members.
Thank you to all of you who took part, as it's you that make the Remparts weekend such a memorable occasion and one that I will continue to treasure.
It's what our MG's were made for.....USING ON THE ROAD !
Best regards and hope to see you all at the next edition of the Circuit des Remparts Sept 16 / 17 / 18th 2016.
So far six cars are booked in with us for 2016.
Graham & Terri
Sunday photos, along with the Kent Midget and Sprite Club:
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On the Saturday we had a good turn out, as usual, for the Rallye Des Clubs De Charente (Photo gallery follows, as usual click on one photo for the full picture and to start a slideshow):
Remparts 2015 preparation
Submission from Graham Brunt "en pré-grille"; is that a Midget I can see???
Thursday 3rd September, beach meeting at meschers
Twenty members, but only two in an MG, turned up "on the beach" for the CMGOC annual beach meeting. The weather was good, although not 35C as per the last two months (or so it seems). Picnics were consumed by some members, some visited the Oasis restaurant for a meal or a bière pression or two. Several members thought about a paddle but the tide was out (far out!) and the shore was muddy and randomly scattered with dead jelly fish. The beach and the location however looked beautiful. Here are some photos (as usual click on photo for the full sized version)
Thursday 20th August, Montemboeuf to Dirac
The organisers (Howard and Beverly) report as follows:
Meeting at Montemboeuf at 10.45 the organisers were two of the last to arrive - often the way when you live two minutes away! A few sampled Mamies coffee but she had “pas du lait!”, black it was then! She has run her bar there for 42 years and is in her late eighties.
The local Charente Libre reporter turned up and Liz used her best French to help him write a report and take some pictures - look out for it in a copy near you soon!
Off we set at 11am to explore the South Charente twisty lanes. Through Le Lindois, Roussines, Varaignes (home of the famous Turkey Fair), Marthon, Grassac and onto Villebois-Lavalette, dominated by its stunning castle, originally Roman.
Keeping 10 cars together was a challenge at times especially when a member had to answer a call of nature!
After 90 minutes we all successfully arrived at Cafe Fransons in Dirac. 25 in total enjoyed delicious fish and chips (and a burger) outside.
We were delighted to welcome six new members, Paul and Amanda with their MGB, Colin and Deborah who will be importing their MG soon, and, at Fransons, Garry and Anna in their Primrose MGB.
Howard and I really enjoyed planning our first balade and would like to thank everyone for supporting us to ensure that a good time was had by all!
Photo gallery follows - as usual click on one for full photo and hover over centre of one side to go to the next picture (not sure this works on Tablet.. as Moses once said..)
Meeting at Montemboeuf at 10.45 the organisers were two of the last to arrive - often the way when you live two minutes away! A few sampled Mamies coffee but she had “pas du lait!”, black it was then! She has run her bar there for 42 years and is in her late eighties.
The local Charente Libre reporter turned up and Liz used her best French to help him write a report and take some pictures - look out for it in a copy near you soon!
Off we set at 11am to explore the South Charente twisty lanes. Through Le Lindois, Roussines, Varaignes (home of the famous Turkey Fair), Marthon, Grassac and onto Villebois-Lavalette, dominated by its stunning castle, originally Roman.
Keeping 10 cars together was a challenge at times especially when a member had to answer a call of nature!
After 90 minutes we all successfully arrived at Cafe Fransons in Dirac. 25 in total enjoyed delicious fish and chips (and a burger) outside.
We were delighted to welcome six new members, Paul and Amanda with their MGB, Colin and Deborah who will be importing their MG soon, and, at Fransons, Garry and Anna in their Primrose MGB.
Howard and I really enjoyed planning our first balade and would like to thank everyone for supporting us to ensure that a good time was had by all!
Photo gallery follows - as usual click on one for full photo and hover over centre of one side to go to the next picture (not sure this works on Tablet.. as Moses once said..)
Wednesday 12th august - steam train outing
Eight intrepid CMGOC members, (only two of whom, Tony and Bev, arrived in an MG) met up at Limoges Bénédictins on the Wednesday morning. Summoned to the platform by a steam train whistle and accordion music we boarded our very comfortable but not air conditioned train for Eymountiers. The train departed in clouds of smoke and took the main Paris line north for a short distance then branched onto the Limoges-Ussel-Clermont Ferrand line. From the announcements we were surprised to discover that the 125 tonne locomotive pulling us, 140-C-38, was made in the UK in 1919 by the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows (near St. Helens). We were told it was part of an order placed by the French Government during World War One and was designed to pull mixed trains of troops, goods and munitions. It is now owned and operated by l’association Chemin de Fer Touristique Limousin-Périgord, who seemed to us to be a bit like CMGOC as their members clearly enjoyed restoring, polishing and messing about with outdated pieces of machinery. More information about the locomotive can be found at www.trainvapeur.com/les-locomotives .
Two of our group (no names) had "misplaced" their tickets but, no problem, after having been threatened with 10 days of washing up, the good-humoured ticket collector (or someone dressed up like one) stamped their biscuit box instead. The accordion playing continued (and continued) and, from the windows, we were treated to some nice views of the wooded Vienne gorges, the sight of a rhd Renault 4CV convertible and also to lots of smoke and soot, especially in the tunnels. We crossed the Bussy-Varache viaduct blown up in 1943 by Georges Guingouin's maquis unit and not repaired until after the war. After two hours or so we reached Eymoutiers, found our restaurant and were treated to a nice but slightly over priced meal. Returning to the station we saw the train coming back from it's second trip of the day, farther up the line to Châteauneuf-Bujaleuf and then to the locomotive taking on a huge quantity of water for the return trip to Limoges. This was largely downhill, quicker, but extremely hot in our carriage, but not as hot as the reported 60C on the footplate.
All in all a good, different, interesting and I suppose nostalgic day out enjoyed by all. See also Beverly Adams Facebook post. Photo gallery follows (click on one for full photo, captions and to start a slide show):
Two of our group (no names) had "misplaced" their tickets but, no problem, after having been threatened with 10 days of washing up, the good-humoured ticket collector (or someone dressed up like one) stamped their biscuit box instead. The accordion playing continued (and continued) and, from the windows, we were treated to some nice views of the wooded Vienne gorges, the sight of a rhd Renault 4CV convertible and also to lots of smoke and soot, especially in the tunnels. We crossed the Bussy-Varache viaduct blown up in 1943 by Georges Guingouin's maquis unit and not repaired until after the war. After two hours or so we reached Eymoutiers, found our restaurant and were treated to a nice but slightly over priced meal. Returning to the station we saw the train coming back from it's second trip of the day, farther up the line to Châteauneuf-Bujaleuf and then to the locomotive taking on a huge quantity of water for the return trip to Limoges. This was largely downhill, quicker, but extremely hot in our carriage, but not as hot as the reported 60C on the footplate.
All in all a good, different, interesting and I suppose nostalgic day out enjoyed by all. See also Beverly Adams Facebook post. Photo gallery follows (click on one for full photo, captions and to start a slide show):
Wednesday 15th july - visit to coulon (venise vert)
George and Pat organised a successful trip to Venise Verte at Coulon. A good time was had by all - as can be seen from the following photo gallery (click on one for full photo and to start a slide show):
thursday 2nd july, run and monthly meeting
Earlier in the year the Club had decided that the July meeting would not be held at La Cassotte, but instead would take place au sauvage. Accordingly Trevor had organised a run and had arranged for the meeting to be held at a suitable location. Members plus one guest duly assembled at café in St. Claud and proceed on a run which took in Saint-Laurent-de-Céris and wiggled its way through Ambernac, Alloue, Épenède and on to Saint-Germain-de-Confolens to a delightful picnic spot on the banks of the Vienne, where the participants enjoyed their lunch. There, in the shadow of Château de Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, Trevor conducted a very short meeting, possibly the shortest ever!
After the picnic and lunch the run went North in Vienne to Availles-Limouzine, Pressac, Pleuville and then to Charroux to visit the ruined Abbaye Saint-Sauveur de Charroux. The run returned to St. Claud via Asnois, Surin, Nanteuill-en-Valle, Saint-Georges, Saint-Gourson and Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette. Sounds like a super day out and an interesting run - thanks Trevor. Photos follow - as usual click on one to enlarge and to begin a slide show.
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After the picnic and lunch the run went North in Vienne to Availles-Limouzine, Pressac, Pleuville and then to Charroux to visit the ruined Abbaye Saint-Sauveur de Charroux. The run returned to St. Claud via Asnois, Surin, Nanteuill-en-Valle, Saint-Georges, Saint-Gourson and Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette. Sounds like a super day out and an interesting run - thanks Trevor. Photos follow - as usual click on one to enlarge and to begin a slide show.
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john and Julie's 28th june
Eleven MGs, (plus one Triumph and a Morgan) assembled at John and Julie's along with their owners on a sunny Sunday lunchtime. Jack assisted those unsure of the location of Nicholas Towers by leading them to the estate, situated near Queaux (86). MG's present included a guest 1930s TA Midget. Visitors were treated to apéros by the hosts and we all tucked into lunch. During lunch a raffle, organised by John and Julie, was drawn. Afterwards several bathers made good use of the impressive pool facilities and Brad and Jack then treated us to some wonderful music. A great day out! Photos follow - once again click on one photo to enlarge and you can then start a slide show:
MELLE SILVER MINES 19TH JUNE
Forward: It was one of those dank, dark, February afternoons in Charente. Jack wiped the mist off the window pane with his sleeve and peered out into the gloom; down the street all the shutters were closed, there was simply no one to be seen. "Nothing for it but to watch a video - but which one?" Jack muttered to himself. Scratching his head he thought "James Mason - now he was a proper actor...where's that one with him and that handsome pop star.. what's his name damn it ... "love letters in the sand..." yes of course, Pat Boone. But what was that film called?? Yes, JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH..that was it!" Jack soon located the video and inserted the VHS into his player. For over two hours Jack's eyes were glued to the screen as he watched M. Jules Verne's tale unfold in glorious CinemaScope. Much later he mused "I really envy that Professor Lindenbrook (aka James Mason) - the way he led those intrepid adventurers - but where the hell can I find a dormant Icelandic volcano near Champagne Mouton?" Then it dawned, of course: he could organise a trip to MELLE SILVER MINES!!! Now read on:-
No less than 12 cars (one MGA, two MGBs, three MGB GTs, one MGB GT V8, one MG RV8, two MG Fs and two MG TFs) joined this run at the three pick up points skilfully arranged by Jack. The weather was very good and everyone arrived safely at the picnic area in front of the "Mines d' Argent des Rois Francs" for lunch. At 2.30pm the mines opened, we paid our €6 and met our English guide. We were firstly treated to a 3D presentation of the history of the mines and the mining process, which involved excavating 20km of tunnels by lighting fires to crack the stone. The mines had operated from the 7th to the 10th century. Then, contrary to the expectations of some, we were led into the tunnels. It was apparent that miners, probably slaves, worked in extremely cramped conditions and enjoyed even less working space than MGF owners do when working on their engines. We were escorted through several galleries and eventually emerged back into the daylight. After viewing the smelting processes we completed the excellent tour in the 3D cinema, this time to learn about the minting of the coins. A great day out and thanks to Jack for the impeccable organisation. Photos follow (as usual click on one for full image and for a slide show)
22nd may President's Fish 'N' chip ruN
On a sunny but not really tropical afternoon, two MGBs, one MGB GT V8, two MGFs, one MGTF 80th Anniversary LE (making it's CMGCO debut) and one...Mazda CX5.... assembled at Confolens for this run. The ballade was to take us into the North East nether regions of the CMGOC area, and beyond. We visited a pretty bridge over the Issoire River, paused at the 10th century abbey at Lesterp, and after passing the highest point in Charente we entered Haute-Vienne and stopped for refreshment in the beautiful village of Mortemart. Besides the humans, three well behaved canines graced us with their presence - we hope they enjoyed the run. We continued to Montrol-Sénard where we visited the very well preserved and presented 1930's school classroom plus an interesting emporium full of memorabilia and two and one half MGBs (see photos). The tour then departed Monts de Blond, Bellac and onto Le Dorat for a well deserved drink and a fish and chips supper at La Petite Fontaine restaurant, where we were made very welcome. Thanks to Lesley, Andy and Jack for contributing to the following photos (click on photo to enlarge and for slide show):
25th april rouillac
The Club had been invited to attend the Anna Seale British Film Festival in Rouillac, which also featured a "line up" of British Classic Cars organised by the Club Charentais de Belles Voitures. Tony had kindly volunteered to organise a run prior to the "line up." Seven cars (an MGA, 3 MGBs, 1 MGB GT, 1 MGB GT V8 and an RV8) met up in Valence at midday. Some of us left home in the pouring rain but miraculously the weather changed, the sun came out and Howard didn't need his side screens after all. The original plan was to have coffee in a café near the start point but the café had helpfully decided to remain shut. Tony had managed to organise a substitute coffee stop in nearby Saint Agneau where the café owner made us most welcome. Liz having corrected his English menu, we proceeded on the run, with Diana following us in the Volvo ready to collect any pieces that fell off the MGs.
The route, across some beautiful countryside, took us through Terrebourg, Aussac-Vadelle, Fenêtre, Nitrat and Montignac-Charente. We crossed the Charente and arrived at the Théâtre gallo-roman des Bouchards, near St. Cybardeaux. This extensive and well preserved amphitheatre, surrounded by woodland, was quite a discovery. After enjoying the beautiful setting, we left for the festival in nearby Rouillac, which was held at the modern Vingt-Sept complex. Mike joined us there in his TF so we had eight cars gracing the line up. Other cars there included a Morgan, a Minor 1000 and a Consul Classic, plus another MGA and an MGB. Having sampled the beer from the bar (from Alloa!) at 4pm most of us used our free tickets to watch "Pride" which we followed with a meal together at a restaurant not far away. After this it was time to see "The Imitation Game" and then go home to bed.
I'm sure everyone who attended really enjoyed the day. The run was super and the films very enjoyable. The Rouillac organisers did us proud with free cinema tickets for the drivers and a good value meal. One for the calendar next year?
Photo album, courtesy of Andy and Pat, click on photo to enlarge - (see also our Facebook page for Howards photos):
The route, across some beautiful countryside, took us through Terrebourg, Aussac-Vadelle, Fenêtre, Nitrat and Montignac-Charente. We crossed the Charente and arrived at the Théâtre gallo-roman des Bouchards, near St. Cybardeaux. This extensive and well preserved amphitheatre, surrounded by woodland, was quite a discovery. After enjoying the beautiful setting, we left for the festival in nearby Rouillac, which was held at the modern Vingt-Sept complex. Mike joined us there in his TF so we had eight cars gracing the line up. Other cars there included a Morgan, a Minor 1000 and a Consul Classic, plus another MGA and an MGB. Having sampled the beer from the bar (from Alloa!) at 4pm most of us used our free tickets to watch "Pride" which we followed with a meal together at a restaurant not far away. After this it was time to see "The Imitation Game" and then go home to bed.
I'm sure everyone who attended really enjoyed the day. The run was super and the films very enjoyable. The Rouillac organisers did us proud with free cinema tickets for the drivers and a good value meal. One for the calendar next year?
Photo album, courtesy of Andy and Pat, click on photo to enlarge - (see also our Facebook page for Howards photos):
2nd April pre meeting run
Six cars (2 MGBs, 2 MGFs, 1 MGF Trophy and 1 MGTF) plus their intrepid occupants, braved a coldish but dry afternoon for this pre dinner meeting run. The run started from McDonalds's car park, Champniers, Angoulême at 3pm and proceeded through some beautiful countryside and villages, including Vitrac St. Vincent and Montemboeuf, arriving at Nieuil in good time for the meeting. Stops were made at the Gouffre De La Grande Fosse, the barrage near Chez Jeantoux and lastly at the La Soleil Couchant bar, by Lac La Charente, where we partook of some well deserved refreshment. The run was extremely well organised by Brad; latecomers (well, to be fair very slightly late comers) were picked up and lost cars and drivers found. Hoods were put down, and mostly put up again. The run timing was perfect and roads just right. Photo gallery (thanks Jeannine) follows (please click to enlarge the images)
Nontron Run 4th april (easter Saturday)
Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) the Club only found out about this event a day or so before it happened - it was the first time the event had been held and, should become an annual affair, we will try to get more notice from the organisers for subsequent years, so that we will have time to buy Land Rovers and for Liz to give us a course on French "cryptic clues" (see below). Two cars managed to make it and it turned out to be, well, an interesting day out - which included an unexpected French language test. Joint report from Brian and Trevor follows (sorry, no "Rallye" photos, not even of Trevor's damaged exhaust joint..)
Chez Pey Mill
The first Chez Pey Rallye Experience, as told by Brian and Trevor:
The Rallye was centred around the area of the old walnut mill at Chez Pey near Nontron, first time it had been run and a limit of 30 cars, €12 per person including lunch.
The cars gathered at the church at Auginac at 8:30 on Easter Saturday, the Rallye took the form of a treasure hunt with a clue sheet being issued for the first stage only, we knew we were going to be in trouble when it transpired that the clues (in French) were highly cryptic (and allegedly funny), we received votes of sympathy from the French since they thought the clues would be impossible for English teams.
Thankfully they issued three envelopes each to be opened only if the next stage hadn’t been reached by a given time – sensibly Pat opened all envelopes before we left!!!!
Lovely countryside but within 5 minutes we, and about half a dozen French, were totally lost. We managed stage one eventually (mainly because Pat cheated), more coffee and cakes – bit of a quiz and a new sheet of clues.
All went well until the trail lead to a “petit chemin”, instead of grass in the middle of the road there were rocky outcrops (we should explain that the Rallye was promoted for “voitures touristique” although we had asked, and been assured that ground clearance would not be a problem). We started down the chemin which ran alongside the river, ground clearance was a problem for both cars, Trevor and Pat decided to reverse out of it whilst Brian and Mary decided to try to turn around, (what a mistake to make), 30 minutes later we were finally winched back on to the track by the rescue vehicle, Mary drove to the end of the track whilst Brian walked it to reduce the ballast. The noises from the underside were scary, Trevor and Pat sustained some damage to a joint in the exhaust whilst Brian and Mary’s MGF seems to be undamaged.
We proceeded to Varaignes for lunch which we enjoyed but then decided to “retire hurt”, given that some of us had lost the will to live and the Rallye was due to continue until 5:30 terrain unknown
Luckily we were only 15 minutes from Brian and Mary’s house so we retired there for coffee, an hour or so later as we sat there contemplating what we would find on the underside of the cars, we had the opportunity to see the other Rallye cars again as they, one by one following their cryptic clues drove past the house!!!!
All in all, we think that the rallye was well organised, but the clues just weren’t for the english and a small section of the route was just not suitable for low cars, if we go next time we will take a four by four and a French quiz expert!!!!!!::
The Rallye was centred around the area of the old walnut mill at Chez Pey near Nontron, first time it had been run and a limit of 30 cars, €12 per person including lunch.
The cars gathered at the church at Auginac at 8:30 on Easter Saturday, the Rallye took the form of a treasure hunt with a clue sheet being issued for the first stage only, we knew we were going to be in trouble when it transpired that the clues (in French) were highly cryptic (and allegedly funny), we received votes of sympathy from the French since they thought the clues would be impossible for English teams.
Thankfully they issued three envelopes each to be opened only if the next stage hadn’t been reached by a given time – sensibly Pat opened all envelopes before we left!!!!
Lovely countryside but within 5 minutes we, and about half a dozen French, were totally lost. We managed stage one eventually (mainly because Pat cheated), more coffee and cakes – bit of a quiz and a new sheet of clues.
All went well until the trail lead to a “petit chemin”, instead of grass in the middle of the road there were rocky outcrops (we should explain that the Rallye was promoted for “voitures touristique” although we had asked, and been assured that ground clearance would not be a problem). We started down the chemin which ran alongside the river, ground clearance was a problem for both cars, Trevor and Pat decided to reverse out of it whilst Brian and Mary decided to try to turn around, (what a mistake to make), 30 minutes later we were finally winched back on to the track by the rescue vehicle, Mary drove to the end of the track whilst Brian walked it to reduce the ballast. The noises from the underside were scary, Trevor and Pat sustained some damage to a joint in the exhaust whilst Brian and Mary’s MGF seems to be undamaged.
We proceeded to Varaignes for lunch which we enjoyed but then decided to “retire hurt”, given that some of us had lost the will to live and the Rallye was due to continue until 5:30 terrain unknown
Luckily we were only 15 minutes from Brian and Mary’s house so we retired there for coffee, an hour or so later as we sat there contemplating what we would find on the underside of the cars, we had the opportunity to see the other Rallye cars again as they, one by one following their cryptic clues drove past the house!!!!
All in all, we think that the rallye was well organised, but the clues just weren’t for the english and a small section of the route was just not suitable for low cars, if we go next time we will take a four by four and a French quiz expert!!!!!!::
