"22 members and 5 guests travelled via EUROSTAR to Lille France for a 5 day break.
We stayed at a small but friendly hotel very convenient for the EUROSTAR and opposite the Gare Flandres- which provided immediate access to more ‘local’ travel in addition to the Lille Metro.
As usual on arrival we all gathered for evening meal which is not always easy for a group of 27, particularly on a Monday night in France when it is usual for restaurants to close, however, our hotel arranged with our travelling interpreter, Allan Lloyd, the Lille Casino. They provided a very comprehensive buffet, very agreeable wine and all significantly discounted. ( Don’t tell Sarkozy!!)
Lille is quite a large City but fairly compact with museums, art galleries, and substantial architectural magnificance. During our stay, of course there was the usual Christmas market and the focal point of a big wheel. Plenty of atmosphere!
Trips by various members to places like Arras, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Ypres. The weather was fairly kind to us, dry-ish daytimes but with a high wind chill factor!
Our trips operate on the basis that people do their own thing until the last evening when we all gather for the ‘last supper’. No feet washing – although a few hot bowls of water would have provided much comfort after 4 days on the hoof!! Tempting as it was to return to the casino- it was felt something less clinical and more traditional would suit and after trialling a few places we selected a restaurant just off the main square by ‘the wheel’ which provided a good selection of food at a good price-( and they could accommodate 27 virtually in our own room). Late comers ‘mission control’ ( Carole G and Brenda) arrived suitably flushed after directions were lost in translation from Flemish to French to English. Good job Channel 4 News did not broadcast their interview with Jon Snow (in Brussels for the EU summit) giving their views on the Euro. (Too soon before the bike shed!) Finally, Monsieur Le President ( Mike Patten- not the aforementioned) gave a toast to absent friends Brother Ralph, John Bartley, and Brian Mc.and their ladies- wishing speedy recoveries where appropriate. " Photos from Dave tell it all!
