Before the memories fade, I thought I'd better start tapping my keyboard. What a wonderful introduction to the Sporting Bears - a trip to France!!

It was an early start for us from sunny Leicestershire, but the thought of a continental breakfast and Jenny spurred us on. Jenny is Joe's neighbour; she was dressed rather provocatively as a French maid. If you weren't there, let your imagination roll! It's a wonder there weren't cars in the wall, even the postman ran (you had to be there!).

After breakfast, we headed for Dover to meet yet more Sporting Bears. A calm crossing thank goodness! The travelling to Laon was uneventful, I think we only mislaid our way twice (went round 1 or 2 roundabouts a couple of times) but we all arrived safely at our various hotels.

Saturday started bright and sunny, with Joe asking me to organise dinner for 30 people, me! I can only just understand French, let alone speak it - good job I had Delphina at the hotel. Anyway, it turned out to be a superb dinner, I think everyone enjoyed it. Joe even raised some money through his auction.

The rest of Saturday turned out to be a pleasure. The rally started congregating at 9.30am, which we knew nothing about: this turned out to be a bonus. We were given our car badges, gifts and cider. What a way to start the day. At 11.30am this huge convey of cars started their journey through all these pretty villages, where the French were out in force waving and shouting; British reserve just had to go! We were on our way to La Fere to meet the rest of the contingent. There were over 300 cars in the market place; it was quite a sight.

After being fed and watered we moved on, heading for Chateau de Fontenoy. Here, the Mayor greeted us and plied us with champagne, seemed to be a lot of drink over the weekend. Even at Pinon we had yet more drink.The sun disappeared as we headed back to Laon, drove up to the castle and the skies opened, the band and spectators were soaked and the wine was drowned. Saturday ended with the "well organised" group dinner (thanks Christine).

Sunday was run on closed roads around the town - about 16km. What actually happens is that all the roads are closed and the classic and sports cars are allowed to "race" through the streets. Everyone, of course, kept to the speed limit. It was most enjoyable. We had yet more champagne and loads of chat, which suited me fine. It was an amazing event, well organised, well planned with the participants and spectators interest at heart.

I think, I, along with Roger, Jan and Paul, oh and of course Matt, would like to forget the trip home, as it rained persistently, until we arrived at Calais. We did have a super lunch on the way through, which helped us to dry off slightly. I found the whole trip amazing: the people were so welcoming not just the French, but the welcome we had from the Sporting Bears, just wonderful. Here's to next year's trip, we'll be there!

Lorraine Simpson