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."
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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.
Run, Lunch & Chateau Visit - 7th september
A great turn out of 21 people for Eric & Gill's September run, we all met at their house for coffee and pastries in the garden before heading off through the French countryside - using interesting back roads through to Nanteuil-en-Vallee and then Verteuil-sur-Charente, arriving at the lunch stop, the Beau Rivage Hotel, Mansle, which has a wonderful terrace over looking The Charente River.
After a delicious three course lunch we left heading west, passing many small villages to arrive at Chateau Javarzay in Chef -Boutonne, for pre arranged parking in front of the Chateau for a photo opportunity. After a well organised speech, telling us the history of the building, we then took a tour, which most found very informative .
A great day out In beautiful but rather hot weather.
Thanks to Eric & Gill for organising this event and for all those that supported it.
After a delicious three course lunch we left heading west, passing many small villages to arrive at Chateau Javarzay in Chef -Boutonne, for pre arranged parking in front of the Chateau for a photo opportunity. After a well organised speech, telling us the history of the building, we then took a tour, which most found very informative .
A great day out In beautiful but rather hot weather.
Thanks to Eric & Gill for organising this event and for all those that supported it.
CMGOC Stand at Charente Ales - 3rd September
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.
It was an excellent day out and it was good to actually get to look at other cars and meet like minded car enthusiasts.
It was an excellent day out and it was good to actually get to look at other cars and meet like minded car enthusiasts.
Run & Picnic - 17th August
17 of us met up at Les Tilleuls café, St. Claud for coffee on a lovely hot sunny day. After refreshments seven MGs (1 MG TC, 1 MGA, 1 MGB, I MGF, 1MGF Trophy & 2 MGTFs), plus 2 town cars as their MGS were being repaired, set off through Les Granges and Chavagnac before arriving at Chateau La Rochette (La Rochette). Here, fortuitously, the Mayor happened to be around and gave us a brief history of the Chateau. Then on through the Foret de la Braconne, Lavoir des Bouillons before arriving at the picnic stop in the gardens at Mornac.
After lunch we headed through Angouleme to Boulevard Besson Bey, where Mikey had organised an hour and a half boat trip on the Charente. After the boat trip we all headed home.
A big Thank you to Mikey for organising the run and boat trip and to all those that supported this event.
After lunch we headed through Angouleme to Boulevard Besson Bey, where Mikey had organised an hour and a half boat trip on the Charente. After the boat trip we all headed home.
A big Thank you to Mikey for organising the run and boat trip and to all those that supported this event.
Run & Station Buffet - 3rd August
9 of us met up at Les Tilleuls café, St. Claud for coffee. Andy then led us off, four MGs ( 1 MGB GT, 1 MGF Trophy, 1 MGTF & I MG ZS - plus one town car as their MG was waiting repair), on a run through the countryside - utilising as many back roads as possible between St. Claud and Limalonges. We left St. Claud on the D311 to St. Coutant. However, 10 minutes in to the run we had to stop and put the roofs up just before the skys opened. Then on through Benest, Chatain, on to the D35, then the D109 towards Mont Laurier, then off to Genouillé and on to the D105 to St. Macoux before arriving at Chez Maggie & Tony's, Limalonges.
Although it rained all afternoon, Maggie & Tony hosted a good spread of food indoors. As this was a Charity event we managed to raise €160 for the "Youth Group in Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership.
Not only a big thanks to Maggie & Tony as well as all those that supported this rather wet event, but also for your kind donations.
Although it rained all afternoon, Maggie & Tony hosted a good spread of food indoors. As this was a Charity event we managed to raise €160 for the "Youth Group in Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership.
Not only a big thanks to Maggie & Tony as well as all those that supported this rather wet event, but also for your kind donations.
Run & Lunch at Chez Grafham - 20th July
14 of us met up at 'Le Mustang' café, Confolens for coffee. After refreshments, seven MGs (1 MG TC, 1 MG YC, 1 MGB Roadster, 2 MGFs, 1 MGF Trophy and 1 MGTF) plus two town cars set off north-east into the countryside led by Paul in the YC. We headed to Chez Grafham in St. Bonnet de Bellac, via Lesterps, Bussière-Boffy and Val-d'Issoire. As we idled at the junction to the village (100m from our destination) waiting for everyone to group together the YC caught fire, with flames issuing from the engine compartment. Thanks to water bottles and a couple of fire extinguisher (thanks to those who provided these) the flames were soon extinguished, no one was hurt - except the car. So the car was temporarily abandoned as we made our way to Chez Graham, where Maggie and Paul provided us all with a delicious meal. After lunch the men-folk went out and pushed the YC into Paul's garden.
Heartfelt condolences to Maggie and Paul for the car, but a very big thank you for a good run and lovely lunch.
Heartfelt condolences to Maggie and Paul for the car, but a very big thank you for a good run and lovely lunch.
Run & Lunch at the Lake - 6th July
Although there were no volunteers to organise an event, the President decided that a run to the Lakes was a good idea, so 11 of us met up Les Tilleuls café, St. Claud (1 MGA, 1 very bright yellow MGB Roadster (Ian's new toy), 2 MGFs, 1 MGF Trophy, 1 MGTF & 1 MG ZS). After refreshments we set off, crossing the N141 at Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure on the D27. We stayed on the D27 through Sameau to La Tàche where we joined the D16, then D27 and eventually the D50 to Le Lindois & Valence. Then D163 to Sauvagnac and Saint-Front. Then across country to Le Soleil Couchant (aka the Sun Shack) on Lac de Lavent, Verneuil. Here we were joined by Maggie & Tony for lunch.
After lunch it was free time and many of migrated across to the Beach for an Ice Cream, before heading home.
Thanks to Sue for organising the lunch stop.
After lunch it was free time and many of migrated across to the Beach for an Ice Cream, before heading home.
Thanks to Sue for organising the lunch stop.
CMGOC Away Trip to the Dordogne - 19th to 22nd June
Note: Route Maps and the Route Notes are attached below.
Monday - Three MGs gathered in Ruffec at 9:00 for a drive across country to Le Bugue, where we met up with Alan & Sarah and Roger & Sandy for a picnic lunch, followed by refreshments at Tiffany's (café). Then a leisurely drive to La Coulevrine hotel in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Alan then provided us with a guided tour of the medieval village. Dinner was at a local restaurant.
Tuesday - All 5 MGs set off, initially to see where Alan & Sarah live, but then onwards through the countryside to Domme for a photo shot across the beautiful valley, via Chateau de Fenelon (aka Fort Belleme - in the film The Last Duel). Then onwards to La Roque Gageac for a picnic lunch. After lunch Alan & Sarah had booked us on a 'Gabaras' for a 50-minute cruise on the Dordogne. After lunch, we drove to Chateau de Beynac, passing by many other chateau's on the route. Then back to the hotel for a well deserved beer, followed by dinner in the Hotel.
Wednesday: Once more the five of us set off for a fairly long drive down to the Grotto at Peche Merle, were we had an organised English speaking tour of the caves - fantastic wall paintings and the biggest caves that I have ever been in. Lunch was bought here. Then we headed off to the Chateau et Remparts (literally a village built on the side of a cliff). Here we had free time to explore the shops, sanctuary, etc. Then it was back to the hotel. Once again we ate in the Hotel. The Hotel was brilliant and the food excellent.
Thursday: Alan & Sarah took us to visit the Chateau de Hautefort, before we headed home. Although we had had rain periodically over the last couple of days - this was the wettest day. Must have been a Dordogne thing as it stopped raining when we entered the Charente on the drive home.
A massive "Thank You" to Alan & Sarah for giving us a taste of the Dordogne and organising a wonderful few days away with our MGs.
Monday - Three MGs gathered in Ruffec at 9:00 for a drive across country to Le Bugue, where we met up with Alan & Sarah and Roger & Sandy for a picnic lunch, followed by refreshments at Tiffany's (café). Then a leisurely drive to La Coulevrine hotel in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Alan then provided us with a guided tour of the medieval village. Dinner was at a local restaurant.
Tuesday - All 5 MGs set off, initially to see where Alan & Sarah live, but then onwards through the countryside to Domme for a photo shot across the beautiful valley, via Chateau de Fenelon (aka Fort Belleme - in the film The Last Duel). Then onwards to La Roque Gageac for a picnic lunch. After lunch Alan & Sarah had booked us on a 'Gabaras' for a 50-minute cruise on the Dordogne. After lunch, we drove to Chateau de Beynac, passing by many other chateau's on the route. Then back to the hotel for a well deserved beer, followed by dinner in the Hotel.
Wednesday: Once more the five of us set off for a fairly long drive down to the Grotto at Peche Merle, were we had an organised English speaking tour of the caves - fantastic wall paintings and the biggest caves that I have ever been in. Lunch was bought here. Then we headed off to the Chateau et Remparts (literally a village built on the side of a cliff). Here we had free time to explore the shops, sanctuary, etc. Then it was back to the hotel. Once again we ate in the Hotel. The Hotel was brilliant and the food excellent.
Thursday: Alan & Sarah took us to visit the Chateau de Hautefort, before we headed home. Although we had had rain periodically over the last couple of days - this was the wettest day. Must have been a Dordogne thing as it stopped raining when we entered the Charente on the drive home.
A massive "Thank You" to Alan & Sarah for giving us a taste of the Dordogne and organising a wonderful few days away with our MGs.
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mortagne-sur-gironde run & picnic - 8th June
Eleven of us met up for coffee at the Restaurant Le Square in Aigre. After a quick briefing about the roadworks in Cognac, 7 MGs (1 x MGBT V8, 1 x MGF, 1 x MGF Trophy & 4 x MGTFs) set off towards Cognac. After negotiating our way through we stopped at Pérignac for a comfort break and stretch of the legs. We then continued to Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Initially, we stopped at good viewpoint - that overlooked the marina and estuary. We then headed down to the marina and parked under the trees for a picnic. Although it wasn't a very hot and sunny day, the shade was welcome. After spending some chill time, we headed off to Pons.
In Pons, we parked next to the Keep. Here we had drinks or a coupe de glace artisan at the Café du Donjon. After exploring the area around the Keep we all headed home.
Thanks to everyone for supporting this event and to Ian for organising the day out.
In Pons, we parked next to the Keep. Here we had drinks or a coupe de glace artisan at the Café du Donjon. After exploring the area around the Keep we all headed home.
Thanks to everyone for supporting this event and to Ian for organising the day out.
Andy's Birthday Run - 18th May
The 18th of May was Andy's (Le Presidents) birthday so he organised a run. Which turned out to be a very eventful day.
It all started as we were driving down the N10 to Mansle, when Mikey was flagged down by a passing motorcycle as the rubber strip on the inside of his wheel arch was flapping in the breeze.
We gathered at on the road outside 'Camping Le Champion campsite' in Mansle. Paul & Maggie Grafham were running late, so we stayed as long as possible as timings were critical to get to the restaurant by 1. As we left Mansle, fortunately Paul spotted us and managed to catch up in his 1952 MG YB.
From Mansle we disappeared into the countryside heading to the Bar Du Moulin, Artenac (via Puréaux, St. Ciers Sur Bonnieure, Val de Bonnieure), for coffee at 11:00-ish. This bar was off the beaten track down a very grassy country lane. Here we were joined by Brad and Jeannine.
After coffee, 17 people in 10 MGs (1 MG YB, 1 MGA, 1 MGB Roadster, 3 MGFs, 2 MGF Trophy's, 1 MGTF and 1 MG ZS) headed away. However, we didn't get very far as Vyv got a puncture. The problem was not changing the tyre, but the tool for removing the locking dust cap was missing, so a lot of time was wasted trying to remove it. Once the tyre was replaced we were on our way - no chance of getting to the restaurant on time, but after a quick phone call they were updated with a new arrival time.
We headed through St. Mary, Chasseneuil, Montemboeuf, Savagnac, Vayres on our way to Auberge de la Vallée de la Gorre, St. Auvent for lunch.
A few kilometres before St. Advent, the MG YB had a total brake failure. Paul G managed to stop the car without hitting anyone. He sent us on our way while he fixed the problem. Leaky rear brake cylinder - so the brake fluid was topped up, and Paul was soon back with us.
St. Auvent had a Marché aux puces on, which meant roads were closed and cars parked all over the place. Luckily we all managed to get parked up in the main car park, albeit on the grass bank and by blocking each other in. At this point Paul T reported that the engine management light had just come on, on his MGF, and it seemed to be only running on three cylinders.
However, the food in the restaurant was fantastic and after lunch we all headed home.
Still a good day was had by all and Thanks to all those that supported this event.
It all started as we were driving down the N10 to Mansle, when Mikey was flagged down by a passing motorcycle as the rubber strip on the inside of his wheel arch was flapping in the breeze.
We gathered at on the road outside 'Camping Le Champion campsite' in Mansle. Paul & Maggie Grafham were running late, so we stayed as long as possible as timings were critical to get to the restaurant by 1. As we left Mansle, fortunately Paul spotted us and managed to catch up in his 1952 MG YB.
From Mansle we disappeared into the countryside heading to the Bar Du Moulin, Artenac (via Puréaux, St. Ciers Sur Bonnieure, Val de Bonnieure), for coffee at 11:00-ish. This bar was off the beaten track down a very grassy country lane. Here we were joined by Brad and Jeannine.
After coffee, 17 people in 10 MGs (1 MG YB, 1 MGA, 1 MGB Roadster, 3 MGFs, 2 MGF Trophy's, 1 MGTF and 1 MG ZS) headed away. However, we didn't get very far as Vyv got a puncture. The problem was not changing the tyre, but the tool for removing the locking dust cap was missing, so a lot of time was wasted trying to remove it. Once the tyre was replaced we were on our way - no chance of getting to the restaurant on time, but after a quick phone call they were updated with a new arrival time.
We headed through St. Mary, Chasseneuil, Montemboeuf, Savagnac, Vayres on our way to Auberge de la Vallée de la Gorre, St. Auvent for lunch.
A few kilometres before St. Advent, the MG YB had a total brake failure. Paul G managed to stop the car without hitting anyone. He sent us on our way while he fixed the problem. Leaky rear brake cylinder - so the brake fluid was topped up, and Paul was soon back with us.
St. Auvent had a Marché aux puces on, which meant roads were closed and cars parked all over the place. Luckily we all managed to get parked up in the main car park, albeit on the grass bank and by blocking each other in. At this point Paul T reported that the engine management light had just come on, on his MGF, and it seemed to be only running on three cylinders.
However, the food in the restaurant was fantastic and after lunch we all headed home.
Still a good day was had by all and Thanks to all those that supported this event.
Run & Lunch - 4th May
13 of us met up in 7 MGs at Les Tilleuls café, St. Claud (1 MGZS, 3 MGFs, 2 MGF Trophy's and 1 MGTF). After refreshments we had a short dash to Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, before disappearing into the countryside. Skirting Chasseneuil we headed out towards Vitrac and Montomboeuf via some lovely little hamlets like Jayac. Brad said we were going to the countryside and he was right. Most of the roads were single track with many having grass going down the centre. Good opportunity to clean the underside of the car. After Montomboeuf we passed through Les Mazouillères, Chez Limoson, Mazières, La Coucoussie, Les Mottes before arriving at our lunch stop at the Auberge Des Lacs in Massignac. Here we were joined by John in his MGA. A lovely 3-course Plat was enjoyed by all ( a mere €14). Then we had a short gathering to take photos of all the cars before we headed our individual ways home.
A big Thank You to Brad and Jeannine for organising a lovely run and lunch.
A big Thank You to Brad and Jeannine for organising a lovely run and lunch.
President's Run - 20th April
On a beautiful sunny day, 18 of us met up in at Les Tilleuls café, St. Claud. After refreshments, 10 MGs (2 MGB Roadsters, 1 MGBGT V8, 4 MGFs, 1 MGF Trophy & 2 MGTFs) negotiated the new one-way system out of St. Claud and headed off into the countryside to Verteuil-sur-Charente, passing through the villages of; Chavagnac, La Tàche, St. Valence, St. Front, Mouton, Aunt, Chenommet & Chenon. We all managed to park together in Verteuil next to the Charente River. Ideal photo opportunity.
We then walked in to the centre of the village for lunch at the Café Portebleue. Here we were joined by 4 more members, bringing our group total to 22. A lovely lunch.
As there was nothing planned for the afternoon, the president handed out a short synopsis of the village, with things to see.
Thanks to all those that supported us and we look forward to seeing you on the next club event.
We then walked in to the centre of the village for lunch at the Café Portebleue. Here we were joined by 4 more members, bringing our group total to 22. A lovely lunch.
As there was nothing planned for the afternoon, the president handed out a short synopsis of the village, with things to see.
Thanks to all those that supported us and we look forward to seeing you on the next club event.
