Arrived at Saumur 2pm Friday the 10th June in marvellous sunshine greeted by our hosts for the coming fortnight, Les, Sandra, Brian and Brenda. Camping L’Etang de la Breche is a super site with a complex of 3 pools and a very nice restaurant, the site also has very large pitches and is a member of the Les Castles groups of Chateaux sites.

On the first evening our hosts had planned a wine and cheese night, what a brilliant night it was as Monsieur Cairnes (see photo) had donned a French beret and moustache and a blue and white striped shirt, very French.

On the Saturday the planned boules competition organised by Ian Bennington began in earnest and a lot of wine was consumed by all. Sunday was the DIY BBQ we all cooked our own meat but everything else was provided by our hosts, again a very good night was had by all.

On the Monday more knock outs in the boules competition. On the Tuesday Peter and Liz Watmough arrived, again in brilliant sunshine so that meant more boules Tuesday evening, Ian was still doing a great job on the organisation side of things. On Wednesday the weather was dull with rain in the afternoon so everyone did their own thing sightseeing or visiting the supermarkets.

Thursday it was our New Ralliers (Eddy Wonfors’) birthday and a planned trip to see the Troglodyte caves took place. Friday saw the arrival of the remaining two vans, Peter and June Poole along with Danny and Kathleen Taylor. With the Rally complete with 13 vans and 1 motorhome, Les and Sandra put on a second cheese and wine night to welcome the Ralliers who had missed out on the previous Friday night.

Saturday some of our party went to see the national equestrian show but were a bit disappointed, as it turned out to be not a show but a practice day, so the commentary was only in French. Saturday we had a great social event, what a difference when you can sit outside until 11pm and it is still very warm.

Sunday we commenced with the boules and had finished the first round by lunchtime, again it was very hot and we resumed play for the second round at 3 pm, it was now getting very serious, by 5pm most of us had decided to cool off in the beautiful pool complex. Laurie and Freda had invited us all round to their pitch in the evening for a drink and nibbles, yet another a good night was had by all. We also had a visit from a genuine Welsh French maid, in the guise of Thelma Hey.

Monday was our second dull day, but this time it came as a relief as it had been very hot the last few days, but by lunch time the sun was shining again. Unfortunately Yvonne had a phone call from home informing her that her father had been taken into hospital, so they had to go home. Derek took over running the boules competition it had got to the quarter final stage and was getting more competitive by the minute. Then came the semi final between Len and Hazel Stoneman and Sandra and Brenda Wonfor, Brenda and hazel went through to the final which Hazel won, well done! Another good night’s entertainment was had by all.

Tuesday was market day in Bougeuil most of us made our way there at some time of the morning then on to the Hyper U Where Derek Pedder emptied one shelf of wine. In the evening it was a special occasion in Saumur to celebrate the longest day with live music all over the town. Wednesday it was a trip to Fontevraud abbey for a few of us, an Abbey filled with a lot of English history. At 7pm our Marshals had booked a meal for us all in the camp site restaurant, what a meal for 18 euros each, a three course meal and wine included. We finished the day off with drinks outside the Marshals van it was still hot at 11pm when we retired to our vans.

On the Thursday we all did our last minute shopping and filled up with diesel for the start of the long trip home tomorrow. Throughout the day we found ourselves taking down our awnings etc before another swim at teatime for the last time this visit. Flag was held at 8pm and Derek did the honours by thanking the Marshals and Assistant Marshals for a superb Rally and then presenting the ‘first time’ Ralliers with their plaque. Madam Brigitte, the site manager came to the Marshals van for a chat and a glass of wine, she thanked us all and said it had been a pleasure having the club there.

Friday night we had a get together for tea, coffee and biscuits and to meet fellow caravanner’s. Saturday there was a DIY BBQ and card game ‘chase the ace’ with large sums of money changing hands (I lost 20p).

Nelson and Hardy in the year 2005 was performed by John and Geoff, this was well received. Sunday evening Ron gave an impromptu video show followed by recitations from fellow caravanner’s, enjoyed by everyone. We all sampled Ron’s homebrew. This was supposed to be a quiet evening!

The rest of the Rally was free and easy to enjoy the magnificent weather. Thanks to John and Flo for organizing their first Rally as Marshals and getting perfect weather. In the words of our Area Secretary Steve, wonderful, wonderful, Wonderful organization, location and weather.

The Rally started on Thursday with drinks served in the evening. Friday saw the arrival of more Ralliers, making a total of approximately 12 vans. The weather was not too kind, but nevertheless the social on Friday evening in the Marshals gazebo more than made up for it.

Saturday morning we all gathered at the Marshals van dressed in medieval costumes, and from there we went up to the castle to view the magnificent antiques and exhibitions. Strange looks came our way as others visiting the castle couldn’t quite make out if we were part of the ‘cast’ or not.

Saturday evening we once again donned our costumes for a feast in the gazebo. The food was excellent thanks to the hard work of Steve, Petra and their helpers. Medieval dances were performed after the meal and there was much merriment well into the night.

Sunday, and the weather was very hot and sunny and meant that flag could take place outside. Thanks were given on our behalf to our Marshals by Stuart Sellers, it’s a pity that some of our friends had been unable to attend as they missed an excellent Rally. Later on in the afternoon most of the Ralliers went back into the castle grounds to watch a group of local men perform a jousting session complete with horses.

Once again, thank you Steve, Petra and Jordan for organizing an enjoyable weekend for us.