THE NORMAN CONQUEST
7TH - 13TH September 1997
The Norman Conquest is an event for those people who appreciate older cars and possibly, more importantly adore French food, wine and countryside. Part of the fun will be touring around Normandy, visiting beautiful chateaux and enjoying the old fashioned regularity sections. The tour will take in the birthplace of William the Conqueror and allow you time to visit the Bayeux Tapestry, the D-Day Beaches or perhaps just enjoy the ambience of a French Cafe.
The Norman Conquest's first three nights will be near the town of Bayeux, then meander through the Suisse Normand to Falaise (William the Conqueror's birthplace) for a further two nights. The route will then head northwards to finish at Honfleur. Prizes will be presented at the “Fête Finale avec petit orchestre”.
The Norman Conquest will provide accommodation in specially selected hotels and splendid French châteaux. All are individually different, charming and very French.
The Norman Conquest will have a competitive element to it, although it will not be compulsory. This will take the form of regularity and straightforward navigation.
Entries will be accepted from cars pre-1966, with a driver and a navigator.
There are just 50 places so book early!
Latest Update Feb 16th 1997
"VICTORY" For the "THE NORMAN CONQUEST"
We have been working for sometime on a start venue for The Norman
Conquest, and Portsmouth has come up trumps! After negotiations with
Admirality we are being allowed to use the area adjacent to H.M.S.
Victory. This is great news for the event and ourselves as organisers.
Scrutineering will now take place alongside H.M.S. Victory.
For those who have never visited H.M.S. Victory before, there will be
ample time to have a good look round part of our history and Naval
Museums.
Almost next door to the ship is a large Restaurant, which we will be
using for 'Signing On' and the distribution of your Rally Plates, Road
Books, etc.
It also means that if the worst of the British weather decides to come
our way, there is somewhere dry where you can catch up on old
Friendships, make new ones, and generally get involved in all the
excitement at the start of your adventure.
ENTRIES
We have been astounded by the interest in The Norman Conquest.
Enquiries form as far afield as India, Sweden and France have kept the
telephone line red hot.
Entries are now coming in thick and fast with a wide variety of cars
ranging from Lagonda's and various different models of Jaguar's, to
Riley's, all sorts of MG's and Triumph's, Alvis and Rolls
Royces, with one car complete with a boot-full of Fireworks! You have
been warned!
A full list of entrants and their cars will be given in the next news
letter.
BRITTANY FERRIES
The Ferry has now been booked and we can confirm that you will be
leaving Portsmouth at 2.30 pm on Sunday, 7th September 1997 aboard the
"Duc de Normandie" destination Caen. On board, Dinner has been arranged
in the ship's restaurant, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal and meet
your fellow competitors. Arrival in France, is at approximately 9.30 pm
(Local Time) followed by a short drive of about 20 minutes to your
chosen Hotel.
"RECCE TRIP"
The first "Recce Trip" was done last October, when the Hotels were
located, tried, tested and booked. At the same time different areas
were looked at for the quality of roads and scenic beauty to make the
whole event interesting, as well as competitive.
Graham and John will be departing for French soil again in early March
to put together the whole route, complete with timings, mileages etc and
looking at other possibilities for visits.
Watch this space for future developments.
BREAKDOWN INSURANCE
Although the organisers will carry tools, spare petrol, water, and a
good tow rope for immediate assistance we cannot assist with major
breakdowns or get your car back to your home. As stated in our
brochure, we recommend Breakdown Insurance to cover all eventualities.
The A.A. and R.A.C. spring to mind, but one company you might not be
aware of is Heritage Classic European Rescueline, who offer much the
same service at a more resonable cost. (Approximately £50.00 including
vehicle and personal cover for 7 days). We have arranged for entrants
that if they mention they are doing The Norman Conquest, then a Club
Discount will apply. Please contact:
Norton Insurance Brokers,
Regency House,
97-107 Hagley Road,
Edgbaston,
Birmingham B16 8LA
Tel.0121 246 6060
We have no ties whatsoever with the above company, but have used their
services ourselves in the past with no complaint.
AVERAGE SPEED TABLES
For those entrants who are new to 'Regularity Events', a book of speed
tables can be obtained from the following:
Mr John Brown, Mr Robert Ellis,
The Town House, The Old Boathouse,
Leigh, 11, Chiltern View,
Worcester, Saunderton,
Worcs. Bucks.
WR6 5LA HP14 4HX
Tel.(01886) 833505 Tel.(01494) 563322
Cost is aprroximately £25.00.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Do not hesitate to ask us about anything that you are unsure on. The
office is manned most weekdays, and there is a fax and answering machine
available if we do not answer.
For further details please contact:
Conquest Events
Little Orchard,
Linton Avenue,
Wetherby,
West Yorkshire
LS22 6SQ
Telephone 01937 587102 or 0161 7612172
Or you can email Nicola Walsh
Newsletter
This site is maintained on behalf of the Cambridge & District MGOC
by Kelvin Fagan mg.maestro@mgcars.org.uk