The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

Forty four Rotarians, family and friends met at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday 23rd November to travel to France. In spite of the early start, (Peter Burfoot had never risen at this time before), and the sub-zero temperatures, they were in high spirits as they made their way by coach to Folkestone where they boarded the train to Calais. The trip from the port to Lille was uneventful apart from the snow falling in ever increasing ammounts. By the time we had arrived at our destination there was a full blooded snowstorm falling on Lille. Undetered, we went off to explore the Christmas market, with its array of novelties, Christmas decorations, and assorted French foods and drinks. The market was well lit with Christmas lights and surrounded by Christmas trees made even more beautiful by the snow. The biting northerly wind soon had the majority running for cover amongst the array of restaurants and bars to seek something hot. Others braved the elements to see the sights of the city, including the giant Ferris wheel which was surrounded by some really nice Christmas scenes. It did not take much encouragement for us to return to the coach a little early to escape from the worst of the weather. All aboard by 4.30 p.m. British time we started on the journey home. Delayed by the weather and a number of queues on the motorway, where the snow plough’s were out in force we made our way back to Calais. Here we had to queue for passport control and had to wait while five immigration officers closely inspected our coach. All in order we boarded the train to England and arrived safely back home shortly after 9.30 p.m. It may have been bad weather, we may not have enjoyed the market as much as we would have liked but we were all in good spirits and no doubt enjoyed the day.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS