A busy seven days!

Friends from near and far gather in the garden of Les Deux Platanes prior to the birthday meal in the marquee on the rear lawn of the house. The jazz group 'Fingers in the Swing' entertained from the terrace.

So much has happened in the past ten days its difficult knowing exactly where to start. All of the activity centres around Maureens big birthday party on the 7th April, the preparations and the programme of activity we put together to make the journey worthwhile for all the guests who travelled from both near and far. On the Saturday 40 friends joined us in the marquee for the party meal but in addition different groups also participated in a visit to the pizza bar in Chatillon, the Travellers restaurant in Clion, the Logis hotel in Buzancais plus a visit to see the early growing preparations at a nearly vineyard and a picnic - wow! It would be an understatement to say we all over indulged in both fine food and excellent wine!

The preparations for the Saturday involved the erection of a 12m x 6 m marquee, not a five minute task but with the help of friends it was completed in 4 hours.
The internal decoration was done by friends from Northumberland and when complete looked fantastic.
The finished marquee was excellent and worth all the hard work. We arranged for a three piece jazz group to play before and during the meal so altogether it was a great afternoon.

We were especially pleased to welcome friends from as far away as Scotland, Wales, Northumberland and Switzerland, as well as friends from in and around Chatillon. It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves - even those who couldn't speak much French were having a chat with our French friends. Much 'Franglais' was spoken!

We have just about recovered from the busy week, although there wasn't much time to relax as today we have welcomed our first gite guests of the year - from Australia!