Saturday 3 September 2011

Plans for the Beaujolais

Sun.17th. June. I have made the promotional gear for the Beaujolais run which I have posted in the Oak today. Just like last year, Captain Salty has arranged his annual Scottish bonding trip to Keswick during the same weekend. I do have support from the Doc who is ‘bigging up’ the event with cries of “just imagine the jackbit on the way through France”. I am sure that I would much rather be eating local gastronomy complemented by drinking fine wines than eating Cumberland sausage, black pudding, bacon and mash, washed down with flat local ale. Anyway, Salty’s trip can be altered but this weekend is fixed.
Inevitably, I foresee a power struggle, the trawling of many consciences reinforced by elaborate excuses. Probably Chris will drag his feet, blow hot and cold, have many sleepless nights, but still go to Keswick?     

But I shall still post a ‘flyer’ in the Oak

                         BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU 2007

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Beaujolais run we are repeating the event this year with same Burlington SS car and are proposing to travel the same route to the Burgundy region of France. It will be a charitable event raising money for a local heart foundation. Tragically one of the original members and co-driver recently died suddenly from a massive heart attack so it seems fitting that all the money that is raised either from sponsorship, donation or from the sale of wine should be offered to the local charity.

The car has been painstakingly and expertly restored over the past 18 months. It also has a very special history, being the first of its kind off the production line in 1980.  

The details of the run are as follows

·      Leaving the Royal Oak at midday on Monday the 12th November to catch the overnight boat from Portsmouth to St Malo. Access to the ferry begins at 8.30pm. A few ales and Tony Romeo (pop and ballads), as the resident on board crooner, should encourage a good nights sleep.

·      Tuesday 13th 7.00am. Driving southeast we shall pass through wonderful countryside via Rennes, Le Mans and Tours to the first stop at Amboise.  This picturesque town on the banks of the Loire has many small bars and restaurants; all of which will be closed at 9.00pm.

·      Wednesday 14th. The Autumn sunshine will be breaking through by now and by using quieter ‘A’ roads the smaller villages of Vierson, La Guerches, Chatillon BaBazois and Chateau Chinon can be visually enjoyed until we arrive in Buxy where the festival will begin in earnest.

·      Thursday 15th. During the day a variety of local visits can be arranged, if required.  There will then be a meeting with Katinka, the office of tourisms representative, who has made all the arrangements for accommodation and who has organised the invitation to the Gala dinner at the wine cooperative at night.

·      Friday 16th. A straight drive back north using the motorway connections to Boulogne for fish and chips, should take approximately 6 hours.

·      Saturday 17th. An early ferry crossing and the drive north for the ‘charity raising event’ at the Oak will complete the trip. Bon appetite.


The approximate cost of both of the ferry crossings for 4 people and a car should be in the region of £100.00

The cost of hotel accommodation for 2 people sharing about £25/30.00 per night

The 5 course Gala dinner is free and includes as much wine as you can drink. 

Please sign up ASAP as I need to submit numbers to Katinka at the Office of Tourism, for people staying in Buxy. This is a very worthy cause and should be a hoot.

If you cannot commit to the entire itinerary it is possible to shorten the trip by leaving England very early on Thursday morning to arrive at Buxy for 7.00pm. There are many permutations, in terms of travel arrangements, for the event.

If you require any more information, or better still, wish to sponsor the trip please see Chris Doc or Nigel Parr on 01942 322821.

I await the charge to sign up.  

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