Trip to France
March saw the first trip to France for 2004.
As there was no need to tow a caravan, the Astra provided
transport. This placed a slight limitation on the amount
of wine that could be carried, but with regular trips planned
this was no problem. The Buccaneer caravan is pictured with
its winter cover still in place.
FRANCE IN MARCH
House of Cars
Perhaps the most impressive motor museum
in France is the Manoir de L’automobile at Lohéac just south
of Rennes. The ‘formula One Grid’ pictured is but one of
many impressive exhibits in an opulent custom-built exhibition
area. Highly recommended.
VA VA VOOOM
New
Boat
A visit to the Caravan and Outdoor Exhibition
at the NEC in May resulted in the ‘unexpected’ purchase
of a new boat. Seen here when first inflated in the lounge,
it was a larger and more seaworthy replacement for the ‘Narwhal’.
AYE AYE CAPTAIN
Changing
Rooms
The major DIY project for 2004 was refurbishment
of the large attic of ‘Damson Rest’. After painting and
decorating, the floor was skinned in hardboard to smooth
the rather uneven floorboards. The site of the former snooker
table that had been installed when the house was built was
finally covered. The picture shows this work in progress.
The finished job is shown in the second picture,
including library shelving (don’t ask) and a demountable
rail around the ladder opening. It is useful to have an
in-house decorator, carpet fitter, joiner and electrician
to keep costs to a minimum!
IN PROGRESS
DONE 'N' DUSTED
New
England Bay I
The annual visit to New England Bay took
place in May. At last, excellent weather, allowing many
outings in the new boat.
MATT, KIRSTIN & FRIENDS
New
England Bay II
Whilst Kirstin and Matt were at New England
Bay, their friends Alan and Judy spent a few days in a self-catering
house at Port Logan (it was actually the building that served
as the ‘Raeburn Hotel’ in the TV series “20,000 acres of
Skye”). The photograph was taken in the beer garden of the
Port Logan Inn.
KIRSTIN, ALAN & JUDY
Fireworks
Prom
Kirstin arranged an evening out at Shugborough
Hall for a fireworks prom concert. One of the highlights
was a fly-past by a WW2 Spitfire. Matt’s deft camera work
enabled the ‘plane to be pictured as it flew past an RAF
flag being displayed by another member of the audience.
NEGATIVE GHOST RIDER..
D.I.Y.
Another DIY project in ’04 was replacement
of the rotting timber planks that make up the ‘ranch style’
fencing around the garage roof at Damson Rest. Almost everything
white outside of the house is now PVC; much reduced maintenance!
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
New
Wheels
Some of you may remember the 1990 Fiesta
that had served as ‘hack’ car for the family for some 13
years. It is no more; a sad parting with a car that had
almost become a family member.
OFF TO THE GARAGE IN THE SKY
Replacement for the red Fiesta was this blue
one. Not as sweet mechanically as its predecessor but serviceable.
NEW ARRIVAL
