meeting des anglais(kgoc)a laon le we du 30/05

Sun 2 Dec 07 KGOC 2008 Spring French Tour Friday 30 May to Monday 02 June inclusive
LAON - situated in the region of Picardie, and the capital of the department of the Aisne

Those who joined us all last year (2007), will remember the fantastic event based on the city of Laon. Over 500 classic cars were finally assembled from all over Europe, including a sizeable contingent from the UK. Our own Club fielded 14 Karmanns, which created a wonderful spectacle and caused tremendous cheers amongst the massed onlookers. Perhaps the most unexpected element (at least to Astrid and I) was the amount of official help and encouragement and organisation, from the Mayor of Laon and his staff, and from the local police. They could not do enough to ensure we were all welcomed, and that the static displays, the local countryside tour, and the round-Laon circular gentle hill-climb ran so smoothly. It was a splendid event, and many have asked if we will be doing it again. The answer is an emphatic YES!

We have booked us into the event (with Continental Car Tours - CCT), and have reserved 14 mixed (double/twin) rooms at the Ibis Hotel near the town centre. We know from last year that the rooms book quickly: last year’s Campanile hotel is already fully booked! Jonathan from CCT, who also stays at the Ibis, says he is amazed how quickly this year’s event is rapidly booking up.

The Ibis hotel costs £159 for 3 nights, this includes continental breadfast, the ferry crossing (Dover-Calais) and the registration fee. Could you please phone CCT (Continental Car Tours) by mid January latest on 01304 380244 to register and pay the £100 deposit - easiest over the phone - (refundable until final payment date 10 weeks prior to event) and they will then send you the papers. We have booked for the group: outward journey Friday, 30th May at ~ 09.30 to return on Monday, 2nd June at 17.35. Of course you can choose different times, you have to tell CCT at the time when paying your deposit. Then please tell Mike or Astrid of your plans, so we can organise the journeys and also the evening meals.

The Circuit Historique de Laon is a unique motoring event. The town hosts a classic car parade for over 400 classic and vintage cars from all over Europe, together with over 150 classics from the UK. Totally non competitive, with no racing, it is a very relaxed weekend.

On Saturday morning you sign on for the scenic regional tour, collect your rally plate and route book, and off you go to explore the local countryside. On Sunday morning, all the cars assemble in Laon old town. The streets are closed to traffic, except for the cars participating in the street circuit, which is a mix of high street driving, hill climbs and hairpin bends - strictly no racing or speeding - the whole town is amass with spectators.

We need to make reasonably quick decision to try to get us all in one hotel. So…..: “intention” to join us by mid January, by phone, e-mail, letter. Deposit of £100 per car by mid February.

For more info, please contact us as soon as possible: Choice of 2-night, or three-night tariffs; Channel crossing choices and approx costs; programmes for the Friday and Monday, leaving Saturday and Sunday to fully join in with CCT Laon programme.

Look forward to hearing from you, Astrid and Mike Kelly
e-mail: thames-valley@kgoc-gb.org

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