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John and I would like to thank everyone who helped out at the camping weekend. I cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity and selfless attitiude of those who put their nose to the grindstone and really came up trumps. As members will be aware John and I had nearly given up on continuing with the weekend because of its inherant problems and logistics and even though a few stalwart members always gave of their best (which we are grateful for) it was still a bit of a nightmare for us. This year changed all that. We can't single out any particular person or persons for partular thanks, that would not be "pc" but suffice to say that to each and every single one of you that was there and helping - You are a fantastic wonderful, giving and lovely person - will we see you again next year?? xxx

To all who attended from the Birmingham Branch and other National branches, thanks for coming, we hope you enjoyed it this year. It was a new thing for us with the brekkie and we hope it went down well and that we will see you next year.

Ann-Marie and Dave Plant organised and lead a superb trip to France via the Tunnel. 15 of us on 10 bikes set off, having a steady ride down with plenty of fuel and food stops to accommodate Gary's Firestorm's thirst, oh and his! We unfortunately had to go on the motorway network, but needs must. We were all sporting our HOC High Vis and our HOC Lost French Tee Shirts, we had all been provided with.

We arrived early at Folkestone and got the earlier train 25 minutes later we were making our way to the Hotel in Calais our base for the five Days a great hotel, clean with a good breakfast.

Day one saw us going south via Sangatte, Boulogne and stopping at Le Touquet for lunch, and what a fantastic meal we all had. On the way we stopped at a World War 2 German Artillery emplacement looking out over the Channel and the White Cliffs.

Ray and me were talking to a German chap by the name of ‘Walter’ who we met there, who told us his father had helped build the bunker in the1940’s. It was all going well until Walter said ‘we should never have such wars again’ Ray used a bit of his usual ‘Entente Cordiale’ and diplomacy or the German equivalent, and retorted ‘ You bloody started it’ !!!!Nice one Ray, ‘They don’t like it up em’.

The ride back was wonderful through some really lovely countryside via Guines, a typical French village. Must go back.

Saturday was walking around Calais and spending some time at the market, procuring some superb local food, Roast Chicken and new potatoes cooked in the juices, Wow!  We had an Al Fresco Picnic in the Town Hall Park, all sharing and enjoying our purchases and then the afternoon was spent on the beech paddling and sun bathing and eating ice cream.

Sunday saw 10 of blast up to Bruges, Belgium in the rain, the day ended up Sunny, so all was good especially after some local Waffles and Chocolate. Another Wow! Our evening meal was at the Buffalo Grill, we all had a great meal and s good time.

Monday packing saw us making for the early Train and home.

Sorry it’s a bit brief, but thanks to you both for such a well organised trip and for leading the rides in such an accomplished manner, making sure we were all got back safe and sound. I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed the break. Thanks again. In the words of Ray, ‘ It was almost enjoyable’