Area 22 to Picardy and the Champagne Region
"Fun and Fizz"
September 2024
This trip had been in the planning by Andrea and myself, in conjunction with Scenic Car Tours, for nine months. This was the fifth in a series of Area 22 expeditions. Three days before the event I “fell over” resulting in my doctor stopping me going. Sacrebleu!
By all accounts a good time was had by all. The event has been summed up magnificently by Tina in her ode to “Fun and Fizz”. I can do no better than to repeat it here:
ODE TO FUN AND FIZZ by Tina
Our AMOC Area 22 leaders decided on a trip to France
So they got a group together and did a great deal of planning in advance
They scouted out venues and things to do
Aston Martin friendly places that worked for the cars and crew
The week was set in September 2024
And 11 other brave couples and their Aston Martin’s signed up for the tour
We massed in the Eurotunnel car park packed up, eager and ready
No room in our cars for even a small teddy
How would we fit in those champagne bottles we planned to buy
Well, we all said we’d give the additional packing a good try
The trip through the tunnel saw us split up straightaway
With some on a later train with a bit of a delay
But a rest centre stop to regroup was the place we would meet
And for one truck driver stopped there an unbelievable treat!
Off we went to our first hotel in Gosnay
Our parking awaited us cars displayed at the front
The other car club staying there thought a bit of an affront!
Our two days sightseeing the war cemeteries and graves - was informing, interesting, moving and at times sad
But we enjoyed the scenery and the driving routes - so that made us glad
Then a tour of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Looking after 23,000 war graves around the world its mission
Another photo op cars moved about and driven - this car show off thing was becoming a given!
Thiepval Ridge, Lochnagar Crater and Deborah the Tank mark the horrors of war
Places we haven’t visited before
These couple of days etched in our mind
Glad that we did it with our fellow AM kind
Then it was off on our next adventure heading south to taste champagne
A convoy of twelve Astons - The white and the blue team together
The radio banter about road junctions, traffic lights and the weather
But first a stop to meet the Major at Laon
Our cars displayed in front of the Town Hall
Another photo, a speech, champagne and canopies we all had a ball
The gifted pansies we displayed on our cars all very arty
Then it was farewell to Eric and his welcoming party
Our twelve Astons descended on Soissons and 24 owners hit the bar
which thankfully wasn’t that far!
Then off we went to Reims
Like a group of champagne hungry fans
At Chateau de Pommery another photo opportunity
Aston Martin’s here really are in a minority
We toured the tunnels, tasted our samples and pondered the art before a few of us decided to make a dart
Some took to the racetrack with Bon Amie
Only to find their pace car was a Citroen 2CV
The next day it was off to Ayala to try their champagne offering
Another fun drive, great scenery and on route in the Blue Team Nicky had a sing
A superb lunch followed, and all agreed another great day and a very good feed.
Our last day we split up and went our separate ways
A few had another drive out and visited a Chateaux
Some of us stayed local wandered the town and drank wine and ate gateaux
We sadly lost Chris and Pam from our party as they needed to get back
Our convoy now down to 11 but first we all need to pack
Tomorrow, we head back to our homes in the UK
Where we say our farewells and head our own way
France, you have been good, the drives have been great, the scenery amazing although at times the weather - a bit second rate!
The company - well you have all been fun, really great people - you’ve made it a blast
It’s just a shame it can’t last
We missed Andrew and Sandra their lack of presence was noted
But health comes first and they have been regularly toasted
What a week it has been, we have had such fun
I think we all agree we’d do another one!
So please be upstanding and raise your glasses for one last time
To thank our leaders, toast new friendships and because I’m now done with this rhyme!