Trip to france

Not long to go people!

Me and Laura spotted something in the Sunday paper this week about the Lille Christmas Market. It starts this weekend and goes through to Christmas. From what I read, it looks pretty good. You will get some PROPER French Cheese there, really good pongy strong stuff MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm

[666subaru]

Yes we saw this too, cant wait to get there, going to be a good little outing, hope the ferry guys like a bit of noise

Yippe, i will be more than happy to scoff soft cheese,camenbert and hopefully a glass of vino rouge

I have my passport sorted and have notified my insurance company.

Fingers crossed a week from now i will feel less fragile,as the scoob is not what you call comfy.

I'm really looking forward to this.

We could always put some cotton wool on the tyres for you!

Originally Posted by worzel

I'm really looking forward to this.

We could always put some cotton wool on the tyres for you!

So as we all getting rather excited,shall we start to arrange meeting times and places.

Ooooooh yes!

Already frighten seven shades of **** out of the wife by saying we are probably leaving by 6.00am.

She thinks I'm kidding, so it will be quite amusing telleng her it will probably have to be about 5.30am

Lille has some of the best restaurants around,i was there for a weekend last time on business and must have put on a stone
http://destinationsen.eurostar.com/sisp ... estaurants


La Scala is a good bar,mind you i was ****e faced last time

http://destinationsen.eurostar.com/sisp ... =Nightlife

Guys and girls,Nearly all of Lilles restaurants are shut on Sundays and Mondays.
So a little sugestion is, big breakfast then head to the many markets,great fun and many a bargain to be had.

All looks blinding matey.

I've got to take this opportunity to say well done mate. You've put a load of work into this. Cheers matey

I will be heading out to join the M20 Larkfield way,need to be on M20 by 06.30am,so leaving home at 06.00am

I am guessing i will be meeting up with Darryl,kim,Steve And Laura before setting off.

Can everyone else please post the way they are going so we can arrange meeting points

I would suggest diferent points on the M20.

Everyone dont forget the following:

Hotel reservation confirmation email
Ferry confirmation details
Driving licence
Insurance
Show plates
On Tour T shirt

Originally Posted by worzel

All looks blinding matey.

I've got to take this opportunity to say well done mate. You've put a load of work into this. Cheers matey

No Worries mate,gonna be a good crack

Will meet with you at 6.00am. To save waking your neighbours, I would suggest that I wait in the lay by at the top of Strawberry Hill, the one on the other side of the road, where they sell the cherries in the summer.

Got everything sorted.

Let the good times roll

Spot on.

6am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.30 M20 (Will confirm junction later)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Guys and girls can you please add your intended route,Thanks

Must remember to bring the video camera as well as my camera.

Be good to post a vid of some of the trip.

[666subaru]

we will be heading down the m20 where do we meet you we are coming from pease pottage

Originally Posted by 666subaru

we will be heading down the m20 where do we meet you we are coming from pease pottage

Hi Baz

I will get the sat nav out and check what junction we are heading too, Will let you know in a bit

Can you please pm me your mob also

Originally Posted by worzel

Must remember to bring the video camera as well as my camera.

Be good to post a vid of some of the trip.

For sure,that will be excelent

I take it we are going cross country Martyn? Kingshill and down to Aylesford Junction (5 I think??)

Will have a think about where is best to pull over.

Trying to think what way BigE will come up?

Originally Posted by worzel

I take it we are going cross country Martyn? Kingshill and down to Aylesford Junction (5 I think??)

Will have a think about where is best to pull over.

Trying to think what way BigE will come up?

Yes mate thats the one.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by worzel

Trying to think what way BigE will come up?

Bonjour mes amis

I have just been looking at the map, we could meet up at Maccy Ds Ashford,

which is just off the M20 at Junctoin 10.on the A2070.

Post code TN24 0HT for the Sat Navs
I shall be there at 07.15 .

Looks good Ian.

6am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.30 M20 (J5)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Baz to head down M20 to be passing through J5 at 06.30 - Rolling Meet
Baz to phone Crowman on route.


Meet Ian and Co
Maccy d's M20 just off J10 07.15am
Post code TN24 0SD for the Sat Navs

Port of Dover
Arrive 07.45
Catch 08.30 Ferry
Going to be a wee bit noisy in there.

France
I have the details of hotel in Sat Nav so am happy to lead the way.
Someone hoot if i'm on wrong side of the road

[666subaru]

Bonjour, will do crowman, have a petit problem with the phone which will be sorted on tuesday, so will get my co pilot (Shaz) to call you when we are nearly at J5.

Hope we dont get thrown off the ferry for making too much noise

Worzel you have Pm.

[666subaru]

Oops the post code is wrong for mcdonalds south of ashford, should be TN24 0HT, this is the one just off J10 M20.

So glad I checked otherwise we would have ended up in the middle of ashford

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by 666subaru

Oops the post code is wrong for mcdonalds south of ashford, should be TN24 0HT, this is the one just off J10 M20.

So glad I checked otherwise we would have ended up in the middle of ashford

Well spotted Baz and Shaz,

Crowman Is not what he should be .

All Sorted.

6am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.30 M20 (J5)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Baz to head down M20 to be passing through J5 at 06.30 - Rolling Meet
Baz to phone Crowman on route.


Meet Ian and Co
Maccy d's M20 just off J10 07.15am
Post code TN24 0HT for the Sat Navs

Port of Dover
Arrive 07.45
Catch 08.30 Ferry
Going to be a wee bit noisy in there.

France
I have the details of hotel in Sat Nav so am happy to lead the way.
Someone hoot if i'm on wrong side of the road

[BIG"E"]

Might suggest that we get two way radios,
they are so handy if you want to communicate whilst on the move, providing the passenger uses it.
I have used mine on many a tunnel run and on convoys, they are also fun.

Binatone Terrian 150 Two Way Radio - Twin Plus. 553/0953 £19.99 from Argos

Originally Posted by BIG E

Might suggest that we get two way radios,
they are so handy if you want to communicate whilst on the move, providing the passenger uses it.
I have used mine on many a tunnel run and on convoys, they also fun.

Binatone Terrian 150 Two Way Radio - Twin Plus. 553/0953 £19.99 from Argos

I will grab a couple of them.

Passport turned up today,yippee

Guys and girls are we happy with the times as i see the latest you can check in for ferry is 08.00,perhaps we bring all times forward 15 mins???
Take a look below too peeps
I know we only going an hour or so into france but 6 scoobs is good for a pull by the old bill de farnce.


You need to ensure you have the following for your car: nationality sticker, spare light bulb set, beam deflectors (so you don’t blind oncoming traffic with your lights), warning triangle (not essential, but it is a legal requirement if your hazard lights aren’t working for any reason, so you are advised to take one), first aid kit and fire extinguisher. New from July 1st 2008 - it will be necessary for drivers to carry a yellow luminous vest in the car for use in case of a car breakdown/accident in France

You need to take the following documents: full UK driving licence, vehicle registration document, insurance certificate (green card not necessary) – make sure your insurance company covers you for driving on the continent, European accident statement form (available from your insurance company - see example on the left), vehicle recovery insurance certificate and information pack*. You will need a letter of authority to use a company car.

*We recommend you take a European vehicle recovery insurance policy with one of the leading providers such as the AA or the RAC. If you have a major breakdown, or accident, these policies are worth their weight in gold. Both the AA and RAC offer such policies.

Also we recommend that you take a spare set of keys. A good friend of ours locked their keys in the car and had to smash the window to recover them as they were staying in a gite several miles from civilisation!

[666subaru]

Yes good idea Martin, better safe than sorry, if we all agree, new revised intinery please lol

Revised times,give us half hour to play with.

5.45am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.15 M20 (J5)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Baz to head down M20 to be passing through J5 at 06.15 ish - Rolling Meet
Baz to phone Crowman on route.


Meet Ian and Co
Maccy d's M20 just off J10 07.00am
Post code TN24 0SD for the Sat Navs

Port of Dover
Arrive 07.30 ish

Catch 08.30 Ferry
Going to be a wee bit noisy in there.

France
I have the details of hotel in Sat Nav so am happy to lead the way.
Someone hoot if i'm on wrong side of the road

[666subaru]

Mr crowman sir, WRONG POSTCODE again for maccy d's, should be TN24 0HT, just cant get the staff these days

Are all walkie talkies compatible with each other?

Doh! Thanks Baz.
Hey maybe its better someone else take the lead in France,i would prob lead us around calais and back onto the ferry.

Revised times,give us half hour to play with.

5.45am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.15 M20 (J5)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Baz to head down M20 to be passing through J5 at 06.15 ish - Rolling Meet
Baz to phone Crowman on route.


Meet Ian and Co
Maccy d's M20 just off J10 07.00am
Post code TN24 0HT for the Sat Navs

Port of Dover
Arrive 07.30 ish

Catch 08.30 Ferry
Going to be a wee bit noisy in there.

France
I have the details of hotel in Sat Nav so am happy to lead the way.
Someone hoot if i'm on wrong side of the road

Dont forget a bit of cash - Euros

Hi All
Big E was wondering if we could go via brugge on way back to calais.
I belive that Baz is partial to a bit of chocolate.

Here is a map,basically Calais,Lille and Brugge are in a traingle all the same distance appart.
We may be pushed for time,we all have a chat on the ferry i reckon.
I am assuming we want to go to the calais hyper markets to get some produce,cheese,wine etc at some point.


http://www.travel-france-vacation.com/n ... ce-map.htm

[666subaru]

Who me, chocolate?

Sounds like a plan but how about we do calais, belgium then on to lille saturday?

Walkie talkies, are all compatible with each other does anyone know

[BIG"E"]

Baz the radios are compatible,
we will just have to decide what Chanel we are going to use.

I thought we could go up to Brugge on the way home on SUNDAY,

Brugge is only 1 hour away from Calais.

After our conversation on Sunday I thought you might be pleased, it is a nice town.


But of cause it up to the others.

I have fouhd this the Ice exhibition looks coooooooooooooool.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction ... nders.html

We all have to have a little chat on the ferry and see what everyone fancies.

Time is the biggest thing.

Baz may have a good idea, as we cant book into hotel until 3pm so maybe drive straight to Brugge spend afternoon there,then head down to Lille,check in,shower and out to Lille for the evening.
That way we have Sunday to mooch around Lille's various markets.Then head up to calais with enough time to go to city europe.

[666subaru]

Yes saturday sounds better as we have time to spare which leaves a relaxing day sunday, but we can discuss this further on the boat.

Think its going to be rough

Originally Posted by 666subaru

Yes saturday sounds better as we have time to spare which leaves a relaxing day sunday, but we can discuss this further on the boat.

Think its going to be rough

Mate i can tell you if its force 5 or more then i will be booking myself on the tunnell.
I do not have sea legs.



Keep looking here.
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/mar ... r&type=All

I dunno

Force 5 is barely a breeze. I once went out fishing from Rye, not sure if you know but once you go out of there you can only come back in on the tide. Blew up to force 7 Now that was a bit lumpy, but not once did I let my breakfast go.

I can't emphasise enough how important it is to have something to eat. Most people are ill becase they eat nothing, then the stomach juices and acid start to bubble up and wallop! Seagull Soup!!!

Just got Fully Comp Insurance and breakdown cover from Direct Line for £15.00.

Originally Posted by worzel

I dunno

Force 5 is barely a breeze. I once went out fishing from Rye, not sure if you know but once you go out of there you can only come back in on the tide. Blew up to force 7 Now that was a bit lumpy, but not once did I let my breakfast go.

I can't emphasise enough how important it is to have something to eat. Most people are ill becase they eat nothing, then the stomach juices and acid start to bubble up and wallop! Seagull Soup!!!

Just got Fully Comp Insurance and breakdown cover from Direct Line for £15.00.

I had the pleasure of a force 9 + on a trip back from Zebrugge 4 hour crossing,half way and captain said we may have to turn back.We carried on towards Dover,had to have 2 tuggs take us in to stop us hitting harbour walls.
The crew got everyone to lay down with legs up against the nearest wall.

If you tried to walk you would loose your feet each time boat dropped. Scared the fook out of me.

Dont mention sodding fishing trips,went out 9 miles off Newhaven,ate the big breakfast as i was ensured thats the best thing. 7 hours of pewking,hell yeah that was grim. Never again.

Having said all that,was many years ago and since then i have been cool with boats,even went to gottenburg by ship,23 hours. Wish they didnt have the bloomin casino on board

Nice one with the insurance mate,will have to sort mine today.

I wonder how much your operation will help? With the acid and the like?

Looking forward to this mate, should be a bit of a grin.

[666subaru]

Its going to be a blast

Invasion of france imminant by ses

Originally Posted by worzel

I wonder how much your operation will help? With the acid and the like?

Looking forward to this mate, should be a bit of a grin.

Hopefully i will be able to have a nice bottle of wine and a liittle bit of proper food.
Will be interesting in the restaurants,bit of a lucky dip if you no speakka da lingo

Maybe we should take packed lunches!

Got all of my stuff now. Already had triangle and vest in the car. Got GB sticker, beam deflectors and light bulb / fuse pack from Tingleys this afternoon.

Just got to get to T/Wells for the Euros now (bloody frogs should take quids and be done with it )

Originally Posted by worzel

Maybe we should take packed lunches!

Got all of my stuff now. Already had triangle and vest in the car. Got GB sticker, beam deflectors and light bulb / fuse pack from Tingleys this afternoon.

Just got to get to T/Wells for the Euros now (bloody frogs should take quids and be done with it )

Nice one Monsuir Worzele

Can you not get Euros from crow post office?

[BIG"E"]

Sounds like a good idea going up to Brugge first.

It will give Baz more time to eat the goodies.

You can get slabs of "Dark fruit and nut" my favourite!!

Originally Posted by BIG E

Sounds like a good idea going up to Brugge first.

It will give Baz more time to eat the goodies.

You can get slabs of "Dark fruit and nut" my favourite!!

I like any mint choc,after 8's that sort of thing.

I'm only going there if they still sell Texan bars.

[BIG"E"]

[quote="worzel"]I'm only going there if they still sell Texan bars.[/quote

You still have that many teeth left to eat one ?

Can gum them to bits!

[666subaru]

Chocolate, any shape and size will do, dont care as long as it tastes good,

Me and Shaz have all the stuff required apart from monopoly money, I mean euros

2 DAYS TO GO, COME ON

Worzel
Your so right.
Texan bar, the best by far.

For those of you that are too young.

http://www.treasureislandsweets.co.uk/a ... olate.html

Loved this too,good old filbusts

http://www.treasureislandsweets.co.uk/a ... bacco.html

Not to forget these,,Come on who remembers spangles

http://www.doyouremember.co.uk/memory.php?memID=72

3 day strike started today! Delays likely on ferry

I have just called P&O to check on any likely delays. They are currently not having any problems with their sailings and do not expect any delays.

We might still get there without any problems chaps

Martyn, I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers these sweets! I know Rob does too (Surrey thread "who remembers")

Coconut shag! I used to love the stuff. Used to come in a small red matchbox size packet, with a picture of a sailing ship (The Flying Dutchman). Nothing like promoting tobacco to small children hey

I asked this question on the Surrey thread............................. I am probably going to look like a proper BUT......... Who remembers Triffic Bars? They were advertised by Mike Reid (Triffik coming from his catch phrase on Runaround) They were bloody loverly!

Nougat and chocolate,remember it matey.


Fingers crossed for the ferry,if there is a strike its likely we will get held up,boo hoo

Fookin french tossers
Industrial action 26th to 29th
Remind me to have a huge crap over the side when we get there


http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/public/ferry.shtml

[666subaru]

Shall we order a big pile of pig poo and have it delivered, they must of known that an invasion of the plf was imminent, mon dieu

Originally Posted by 666subaru

Shall we order a big pile of pig poo and have it delivered, they must of known that an invasion of the plf was imminent, mon dieu

They will only eat it

Going to be bloody cold people,looking ok though.
Cold + Turbo =

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/eur ... ionID=1764

Gale force 8 forecast for the crossing.
I am looking at the option of taking the tunnel.,I cant take risk of being sick,very dangerous for me right now.Was told that if i am ill in the 10 to 12 weeks after surgery i must get antisick drugs from a&e imeadiatley.

Will keep you peeps posted.

Oh well,checked the Euro Tunnell,ok going but nothing back until late on Sunday.

I guess its seagull soup time

Mr Crowman is happier now,just checked the shipping forecast,Dover crossing is no longer red.
Dropped from a force 8 - rough to 5 to 7 slight/moderate.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/mar ... r&type=All

Weather for Lille, Sleet and snow sunday - cool

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/eur ... ionID=1764

5.45am Strawberry hill laybye
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

06.15 M20 (J5)
Worzel & Laura
Crowsti & Kim
Crowman

Baz to head down M20 to be passing through J5 at 06.15 ish - Rolling Meet
Baz to phone Crowman on route.


Meet Ian and Co
Maccy d's M20 just off J10 07.00am
Post code TN24 0HT for the Sat Navs

Port of Dover
Arrive 07.30 ish

Catch 08.30 Ferry


All ready now.

Cushty boo, barney, McGroo, dribble in my nub!

Not the real firemen from Trumpton unfortunately

[crow sti]

see you all in the morning . should be cool week end

Looking forward to it

[crow sti]

snow on sunday could be fun ..

[BIG"E"]

Do I take it T shirts are to be worn on the outward trip.

Ideal photo, us lot on the back of the boat with Dover disappearing.

Originally Posted by BIG E

Do I take it T shirts are to be worn on the outward trip.

Ideal photo, us lot on the back of the boat with Dover disappearing.

100% t shirts mate, mine will be over the top of a bloomin jumper

[666subaru]

tshirts are a go all ready now got the monoply money and ready to go see you all tomorrow

At J10 m20 is tescos, so we will be getting a splash and dash there to make sure we have a full tank, is this ok with everyone?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Rather fookin tired.

[666subaru]

What fookin time do you dall this and whos idea was it to go this early

Let the invasion begin

[666subaru]

Howdy peeps, we are in a lovely hotel in Lille, France about to go and have a few drinks, apartment is fantastic, all mod cons, and we are having a bloody good time, see you all soon where we will put up some pics. aurevoir

[Cath]

Have you swallowed the french dictionary baz

I hope you all have a good one

[666subaru]

Had a beautiful italian meal in lille, served by french waiting staff, been to belgium on route to the hotel, off to lille christmas market tomorrow then on to calais hypermarket for booze etc, then home.

Pics to folow

[DukeBoy]

Have a good one guys/girls

Well we are back.
Did not start well for me,started car up 05.15am sat morning,loud crap sounding exhaust blow,I am sure running repair attempts will be shown by Worzel later as he was our camera man.
The weekend was really good,great company,scenery,food especially the roast chestnuts,thanks Big E.

I am looking forward to seeing all the pics.

Will have to wait for them,as Worzel will be working his way through a dozen cheese's by now.

Watch this space.

Firstly..... Said it a few times today, but once again, brilliant job Martyn.

Had a fantastic time with great people. Ate really well, obviously didn't drink too much because of the driving but still had a few sherberts Thanks to all that came.

Walkie talkies were brilliant fun and so practical too, Christine (Mrs E) was particularly good fun on them

Pics are very cool , will try to get a few up tonight if I can.

[crow sti]

What a great week end . like steve said great people to share some time with and thanks to all on the trip for making it such good fun . Bit of luck with near dead calm ferry crossings saved crow man thanks martin for all the effort put in to get this off the ground and cant wait for next time .

[666subaru]

Totally agree with all above, excellent trip out, great company, hotel was good especially the brekkie, thanks Babe for finding it, we will be going back within the next couple of months hopefully, Got a few pics but Worzels are going to be better than ours, thanks Martyn for all the hard work, and taking numerous detours

Hopefully next time, more people will come.

[BIG"E"]

We both had a lovely time on the recent french trip.
It was particularly great to meet "the better halves" , Brugge was beautiful as always, it felt so Christmassy with the ice rink in the town square and the various stalls selling all manner of lace and Christmas gifts. Of cause we had to visit our favourite choccy shop "The Chocolate Line" to buy some samples...............they are going down a treat!
Apart from the french taxi drivers ripping us off on our trip into LILLE, we had a most pleasant evening and ate in an Italian Restaurant just off the town square.
The Central town square in Lille (Place Du General De Gaulle) was like a giant Christmas Grotto, with snow scenes, Santa and reindeer, Christmas music filled the air, and of cause the roasted chesnuts on sale which made it perfect. They certainly know how to create a lovely festive atmosphere.
The accommodation was very good, clean, and beds comfy, a very good selection of buffet for breakfast, a very modern structure on the outskirts of Lille.
We made a trip to the hypermarkets to purchase our booze, chocolates, olive oil and washing powder before boarding the ferry home (yes it was choppy)................!
We made a few interesting detours along the way, courtesy of the sat navs (so glad I wasn't map reading.......something at which I fail miserably!!).

Over and Out for now big buddies...........Come back......

From Mrs "Big E"