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The 2006 MGF Register "Natter that Matters" took place in Angouleme,
France. We took advantage of the fact that the town's annual classic
car rally and racing was also taking place this weekend. Despite the
weather we had a fantastic weekend and the race day itself was dry
and sunny with the sights and sounds of classic cars in close street
racing was very provactive of a by gone era. Even out in the hills
on the day before in the pouring rain it was fantastic to see so
many classics braving the elements and it didn't stop the French
fans from standing in their doorways and waving as the cars wound
their ways through small country hamlets As fits the philosophy of
the event F/TF owners made their own way from the channel ports to
Angouleme - some spending several days and some just doing it in one
fail swoop
Once installed at the Hotel Ibis on the edge of town but a
stone's throw from the Geant Supermarket which was the scene of the
start of the Saturday rally we could settle in for some sight
seeing.
A small group took off for Cognac and a tour of the Hennesey
Brandy House whilst a larger group went in search of sobering WW2
memories at an abandoned village outside Angouleme.
Returning from Cognac there was an opportunity to tag on to the
end of the Rallye by hiding in the damp country lanes waiting for
the cars to pass and then tailgating them all the way back into the
centre of Angouleme and the finish point.
Saturday night was the night of the natter and we found a
restaurant nearby that had not one but two octagonal dining rooms.
There was a hot open wood burning grilling right behind our table so
we were regaled with the scents of searing steaks which soon made us
very hungry indeed.
We had set some challenges to complete en route and certificates
were handed out to the winners of the best snow globe, dullest
post card, longest place name, and most bugs on the valance
competitions. The latter had to be changed to the most stone chips
as the rain had washed all the bugs off !
Sunday started unpromisingly in fog and drizzle as Stu and Neil
set off for an early start. The rest of us followed into town as the
sun fought its way through and burnt away the mist to end up in a
very pleasant day. What a fantastic day with all the evocative
sights and sounds of vintage motor racing in a tight city centre on
a circuit that included sharp hairpin bends as the cars raced up
onto the city ramparts. Mingling with the old cars and sometimes
older drivers in the paddock is an experience not to be missed.
With a town centre full of visiting classic cars it was like being
in classic heaven as we sat in pavement cafes watching all the cars
go by in an endless parade.
We reconvened back at the Ibis for our final night in Angouleme
and were joined by local MGF owner, Barry Goodman for our evening
dinner. Next day it was back home for some and a continuation of
their French tour for others.
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