Note: If you are viewing this site on a tablet, it's best to use the "Web" ("Desktop") version, as opposed to the "Mobile" version, if you can.
For Android users go to the "The Club" index page (or another short page - not this one!), scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Version Web."
For iPad users tap and hold on the refresh symbol located at the rightmost side within Safari’s current URL box (the CMGOC page address). A menu should pop up with an option to see a desktop version of the website in its full glory. To cancel your request, tap once anywhere outside the prompt.
For Android users go to the "The Club" index page (or another short page - not this one!), scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Version Web."
For iPad users tap and hold on the refresh symbol located at the rightmost side within Safari’s current URL box (the CMGOC page address). A menu should pop up with an option to see a desktop version of the website in its full glory. To cancel your request, tap once anywhere outside the prompt.
Alternative Remparts Run - 17th September
The "Remparts Alternative Run" was from St Claud to the Cassinomagus Roman Ruins with a lunch stop at Lac Lavaud. The participants were mindful of the sad passing of good friend and club member Amanda on the 15th September.
Four cars (an MGF Trophy, two TFs and an MGA) met up at the Les Tilleuls Café at Saint-Claud (16450) at 11h00 on a beautiful late summer day. After a coffee or two we departed on a minor road trip to Le Soleil Couchant Restaurant at Lac Lavaud, via Lac du Mas Chaban. As the distance was relatively short the organiser had attempted to make the run more interesting by selecting the smallest roads he could find, some with grass growing in the middle. The route is included below.
At Le Soleil Couchant we partook of a couple of pints or so of artisanal bitter and tucked into a very English lunch (homemade steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, etc.) – all under the trees near the lakeshore.
After lunch, suitability replenished, we continued to Cassinomagus where we were met by our guide Gabriella. The tour of the roman bathhouse lasted about an hour – we learnt that the public baths were the surviving remains of a small Gallo Roman town, which now lies buried underneath the nearby village of Chassenon. The extensive 10,000m2 complex, with two large baths and numerous ancillary rooms, seemed a bit over the top for a small town, but we were informed that it also served travelers on the nearby important roman road linking Saintes, Limoges and Lyon. The Romans had used a strange burnt stone material for the construction. Gabriella informed us that this was Chassenon breccia, which was produced 200 million years ago by the impact of a meteorite in the area.
She also told us that Roman daily regime, which the complex supported, emphasised hygiene, beauty care and physical exercise, and that the baths also served as a place of meeting and exchange.
After an informative tour and some soft drinks, we returned to our cars, which were by then full of (Roman?) acorns from the shade trees and departed for home.
Four cars (an MGF Trophy, two TFs and an MGA) met up at the Les Tilleuls Café at Saint-Claud (16450) at 11h00 on a beautiful late summer day. After a coffee or two we departed on a minor road trip to Le Soleil Couchant Restaurant at Lac Lavaud, via Lac du Mas Chaban. As the distance was relatively short the organiser had attempted to make the run more interesting by selecting the smallest roads he could find, some with grass growing in the middle. The route is included below.
At Le Soleil Couchant we partook of a couple of pints or so of artisanal bitter and tucked into a very English lunch (homemade steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, etc.) – all under the trees near the lakeshore.
After lunch, suitability replenished, we continued to Cassinomagus where we were met by our guide Gabriella. The tour of the roman bathhouse lasted about an hour – we learnt that the public baths were the surviving remains of a small Gallo Roman town, which now lies buried underneath the nearby village of Chassenon. The extensive 10,000m2 complex, with two large baths and numerous ancillary rooms, seemed a bit over the top for a small town, but we were informed that it also served travelers on the nearby important roman road linking Saintes, Limoges and Lyon. The Romans had used a strange burnt stone material for the construction. Gabriella informed us that this was Chassenon breccia, which was produced 200 million years ago by the impact of a meteorite in the area.
She also told us that Roman daily regime, which the complex supported, emphasised hygiene, beauty care and physical exercise, and that the baths also served as a place of meeting and exchange.
After an informative tour and some soft drinks, we returned to our cars, which were by then full of (Roman?) acorns from the shade trees and departed for home.
picnic run - 3rd September
This was Eric & Gill's first time hosting a CMGOC rally, the weather was warm and sunny. Five cars attended.
We all met up at Eric & Gill's house at 10.15 in Sauze-Vaussais for coffee and biscuits, then headed off through the Deux Sevres countryside, first stop at St. Soline for a short walk around the lake then onto the market town of Lezay, where we all walked through the park and around another lake.
From there we drove south through many villages to a little stream in Sompt ( Nr Tillou ).
Then onto our lunch stop in Chef-Boutonne. The 14th Century Chateaux Javarzay, where we all enjoyed a shady spot to have our picnic in a lovely setting in front of yet another lake !
After packing away our picnic chairs and tables we headed off south a fairly fast road with little traffic down to a small village called Nere ( Nr. Aulnay). Then heading back North to our final destination in Villefagnan, a short walk to the English run Coffee Cave for ice cream sundae’s / tea / cake etc which we all really enjoyed.
Thanks to all for joining us and driving the extra distance to our northern region !
Many thanks to Eric and Gill and we hope that they now have the confidence to host more events.
We all met up at Eric & Gill's house at 10.15 in Sauze-Vaussais for coffee and biscuits, then headed off through the Deux Sevres countryside, first stop at St. Soline for a short walk around the lake then onto the market town of Lezay, where we all walked through the park and around another lake.
From there we drove south through many villages to a little stream in Sompt ( Nr Tillou ).
Then onto our lunch stop in Chef-Boutonne. The 14th Century Chateaux Javarzay, where we all enjoyed a shady spot to have our picnic in a lovely setting in front of yet another lake !
After packing away our picnic chairs and tables we headed off south a fairly fast road with little traffic down to a small village called Nere ( Nr. Aulnay). Then heading back North to our final destination in Villefagnan, a short walk to the English run Coffee Cave for ice cream sundae’s / tea / cake etc which we all really enjoyed.
Thanks to all for joining us and driving the extra distance to our northern region !
Many thanks to Eric and Gill and we hope that they now have the confidence to host more events.
Treasure Hunt - 20th August
Five entrants met up with Charlie at the Car Park in Nanteuil-en-Vallée at 14:30, where we each given a set of instruction to follow. Each entrant had a different set of instructions.
Each entrant then set-off at 5-minute intervals, with the last leaving the car park at 15:15.
We all followed our instructions, touring through the local countryside collecting answers to each question as required. Noting that there were penalties for timekeeping and mileage. Albeit a few of us did err from the given route and had to back track.
Eventually we all met up at a little campsite outside Manot called "Village vacances de Manot". Interestingly, although we all set off at different times, we all arrived within a few minutes of each other at 17:30.
Charlie then marked us. Congratulations to Ian & Lesley for winning; with Richard and Jane taking the 'Booby' prize for the lowest points.
We all celebrated Charlie's birthday with cake and a drink. Happy Birthday.
Each entrant then set-off at 5-minute intervals, with the last leaving the car park at 15:15.
We all followed our instructions, touring through the local countryside collecting answers to each question as required. Noting that there were penalties for timekeeping and mileage. Albeit a few of us did err from the given route and had to back track.
Eventually we all met up at a little campsite outside Manot called "Village vacances de Manot". Interestingly, although we all set off at different times, we all arrived within a few minutes of each other at 17:30.
Charlie then marked us. Congratulations to Ian & Lesley for winning; with Richard and Jane taking the 'Booby' prize for the lowest points.
We all celebrated Charlie's birthday with cake and a drink. Happy Birthday.
Charente MGOC Stand @ Charente Ales - 15th August
The club had a stand at the Charente Ales Car, Bike and Agricultural day. An opportunity to show off the MGs and promote the club.
We had 5 cars turn up on stand.
It was an excellent day out and it was good to actually get to look at other cars and meet like minded car enthusiasts.
We had 5 cars turn up on stand.
It was an excellent day out and it was good to actually get to look at other cars and meet like minded car enthusiasts.
Station Run and Buffet - Thursday 6th August
10.30 saw 14 people and 9 cars meet up for coffee in St Clair for coffee.
We left about 11.15 for a short run to Licheres where we had a stop. Very peaceful and picturesque by the river Charente. A few intrepid sailors used their nautical skills to cross the river on the boat on a pulley.
We then continued through the countryside on a run via Verteuil to arrive in Limalonges about 1 o'clock, where we were met by 2 more MG members.
16 of us sat down in the shade, in groups for lunch.
A very generous 170 euros was raised for charity.
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day.
We left about 11.15 for a short run to Licheres where we had a stop. Very peaceful and picturesque by the river Charente. A few intrepid sailors used their nautical skills to cross the river on the boat on a pulley.
We then continued through the countryside on a run via Verteuil to arrive in Limalonges about 1 o'clock, where we were met by 2 more MG members.
16 of us sat down in the shade, in groups for lunch.
A very generous 170 euros was raised for charity.
Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable day.
July Run - Thursday 16th July
We all met up at Les Tilleuls Cafe, St Claud. Special welcome to the new members and it was good to see Jacqui out and about again.
12 cars (10 MGs) set off to follow Charlie around the lanes. The sun was thankfully out, warm air flowing. First stop was the Chateau/Hotel at Nieuil for a quick photo opportunity.
Then, never underestimate the French roads, the plan was to make a crossing, from one country lane to another, which unfortunately required us to cross a main road. On this day of all days, there was a major road works and all traffic had been diverted to the main road. After a quick re-plan we headed to our lunch stop.
Lunch was at the Cafe Clemence, Chabanais. An English run Fish and Chip restaurant, where we all sat, drank, ate on the outside terrace.
A few decided to head home (also the sky had darkened), so we waved goodbye and 7 cars continued on through the lanes to the fantastic ruins of Castle Saint Germain's, near Confolens. The view was wonderful and the history of the castle very interesting,
To finish the day off we headed to the Sports Bar in Confolens, for refreshments, and then home.
Thanks to all those that supported us and we look forward to seeing you on the next club event.
12 cars (10 MGs) set off to follow Charlie around the lanes. The sun was thankfully out, warm air flowing. First stop was the Chateau/Hotel at Nieuil for a quick photo opportunity.
Then, never underestimate the French roads, the plan was to make a crossing, from one country lane to another, which unfortunately required us to cross a main road. On this day of all days, there was a major road works and all traffic had been diverted to the main road. After a quick re-plan we headed to our lunch stop.
Lunch was at the Cafe Clemence, Chabanais. An English run Fish and Chip restaurant, where we all sat, drank, ate on the outside terrace.
A few decided to head home (also the sky had darkened), so we waved goodbye and 7 cars continued on through the lanes to the fantastic ruins of Castle Saint Germain's, near Confolens. The view was wonderful and the history of the castle very interesting,
To finish the day off we headed to the Sports Bar in Confolens, for refreshments, and then home.
Thanks to all those that supported us and we look forward to seeing you on the next club event.
JunE RUN & PICNIC - Thursday 25th June
It was good to get out and enjoy the french countryside and to actually talk to people. Seems strange after beng locked-down for sol long to be able to talk to others.
We met up at Les Tilleuls, St Claud, for a coffee; nine of us in total:
Andy & Sue
Charlie & Chris
Steve
Ian & Lesley
Bill & Diane
Weather was hot and sunny - 32°C.
We left St. Claud and took the back road to Champagne Mouton, then proceeded across country through Lizant to the lake and picnic area at St. Macoux.
We managed to get a picnic table in the shade next to the car park. The restaurant was open.
Thanks to all those that supported this event.
We met up at Les Tilleuls, St Claud, for a coffee; nine of us in total:
Andy & Sue
Charlie & Chris
Steve
Ian & Lesley
Bill & Diane
Weather was hot and sunny - 32°C.
We left St. Claud and took the back road to Champagne Mouton, then proceeded across country through Lizant to the lake and picnic area at St. Macoux.
We managed to get a picnic table in the shade next to the car park. The restaurant was open.
Thanks to all those that supported this event.
"FREEDOM" Run & Picnic - Thursday 21st May
After all the weeks of 'lock-down' it was good to get out and enjoy the countryside. Unfortunately for me, my MGF Trophy coolant system decided to steam clean the engine within 15km of leaving home. So I had to quickly dash home and change cars to the non-MG.
We met up at the cross in St. Maurice-des-Lions; eight of us in total:
Andy & Sue
John & Liz
Eric & Gill
Charlie & Chris.
Weather was fantastic - 30°C.
We left St. Maurice and headed through the Templars town of Roumaziers-Loubert (even driving down Rue des Templiers), then on through Gernouillac, Suris until we arrived at Pressignac for a comfort break (Toilets in the center were open).
From Pressignac we drove the short distance to Le Beach 16 for the picnic. Although the Car Park was reasonably busy, there was plenty of room around the lake were we could sit and eat and keep our social distance.
After lunch - some of the ladies had a quick paddle - and then we dispersed home.
Thanks to all those that supported this event, and we fully understand why some passed on there apologies.
We met up at the cross in St. Maurice-des-Lions; eight of us in total:
Andy & Sue
John & Liz
Eric & Gill
Charlie & Chris.
Weather was fantastic - 30°C.
We left St. Maurice and headed through the Templars town of Roumaziers-Loubert (even driving down Rue des Templiers), then on through Gernouillac, Suris until we arrived at Pressignac for a comfort break (Toilets in the center were open).
From Pressignac we drove the short distance to Le Beach 16 for the picnic. Although the Car Park was reasonably busy, there was plenty of room around the lake were we could sit and eat and keep our social distance.
After lunch - some of the ladies had a quick paddle - and then we dispersed home.
Thanks to all those that supported this event, and we fully understand why some passed on there apologies.
Au Revoir - Howard - Thursday 27th February
Nice very wet February day out with the club today. We met up with the AVSC at the Salle de Fete in Chatain Besson, to bid Howard and Beverley farewell, as they are returning to the UK. Paul provided a lovely country run through to the 'Auberge de la Vallee de la Gorre' restaurant in Saint Auven for lunch.
Belle journée de février très humide avec le club aujourd’hui. Nous avons rencontré l’AVSC à la Salle de Fete à Chatain Besson, pour dire au revoir à Howard et Beverley, qui rentrent au Royaume-Uni. Paul a fourni une belle campagne à travers le restaurant 'Auberge de la Vallee de la Gorre' à Saint Auven pour le déjeuner.
Belle journée de février très humide avec le club aujourd’hui. Nous avons rencontré l’AVSC à la Salle de Fete à Chatain Besson, pour dire au revoir à Howard et Beverley, qui rentrent au Royaume-Uni. Paul a fourni une belle campagne à travers le restaurant 'Auberge de la Vallee de la Gorre' à Saint Auven pour le déjeuner.
