‘Bonne sante’ – glasses were raised at the second ‘Gourmet Lunch’ visit at ‘Le Chateau des Tourelles’. On Tuesday, November 8, a coach took U3A members, joined with some from the Probus club, (a local, national and international association of retired people) on a day outing to France. The key objective was to enjoy a gourmet 4-course meal at the delightful chateau, situated about 30 minutes from the channel tunnel, in Le West which was a lovely small village. The bus driver wound his way through the village before the group exited and admired the beautiful building. The outside was impressive but the inside was extraordinary.
This was the second trip arranged this year, by Jen and David Tomkinson, as the first was so popular that it was oversubscribed. In fact, this year Jen had to organise two dates because so many people wanted to experience this trip. An early start from Rye was softened by a continental breakfast being served en route. The coach was on time for the Euro Tunnel and the train went off on time. However, on arrival the electricity cut out which meant that nothing could open to let everyone drive off. Lots of humour from drivers and it was soon rectified and on arrival the U3A members were delivered to the nearby Hypermarket to buy the ‘obligatoire’ French goodies.
On arrival at the chateau the group were welcomed by Nadege Baker, daughter of the original owners, with a glass of bubbly and the wonderful lunch was prepared by her husband Guillaume. Each course was delicious, the wine was flowing non stop and the group, taking up three tables, loved the occasion. The journey and formalities went smoothly and all enjoyed their brief sojourn to la belle france.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster , Ian Scott .