Raid News

14th Apr 2023

We have just returned from three weeks in the area to make final checks. Glad to report that all is well, and everyone who needs to be is primed for our imminent arrival. Sad to report that we are one car down, Glenn Burnage has had to scratch, however we are still 52 cars, a remarkable effort. No pressure then….

The packs will start to be delivered this weekend, with the bulk being handed over at Silverstone on the 22nd. In addition to the regalia, please take time to look at the Roadbook. This has been added to the pack since we got back, as some important additions to the programme were agreed out there. We were slightly alarmed to find that some of the restaurants are closed in the evening during mid-week, however we have negotiated two informal, private group dinners on the Wednesday and Thursday - each can take 24 people, it will be a set menu featuring local delicacy cassoulet (vegetarians are excused), cooked by a local restaurant, and served at the Maison des Consuls, a hotel in the square being used by some Raiders. It has no restaurant, but you can sit outside. Please let us have your names on arrival if you wish to take advantage of this, it should be a hoot.

We have also block-booked three tables of 8 at 7.30 on Monday and Tuesday at the town’s main restaurant, La Flambee. It can accommodate around 100 covers, so you could be lucky turning up on the night, but if not, take advantage of this. First come, first served.

We also visited the karting track to discuss how things will work there on the Thursday. The owner is giving us his best karts, and is recommending an endurance race, lasting 90 minutes. This will be organised in teams of two, perfect for bringing out the best in your marriage. He is also including breakfast for us all, including non-participants It will all start at 9.00, practice after breakfast, and it will be through by lunchtime.

That afternoon, the local tourist board have asked that we make a display of 25-30 cars in the main square. This is quite a honour, all the more so as they are proffering us with drinks in return for the excellent publicity we will generate for the town. I suggest that only cars staying at the Minotiers turn up for this. Nappies are requested for all cars parked up, they are rightly very proud of their medieval square.

I recommend that you take time to study the routes with your maps. Having seen some previous efforts I am mindful that ours gives only minimum navigational details, and so it might be an idea to mark up your maps beforehand. It’s not complicated stuff, far from it, but it may help reduce stress levels in the car if you have advance information.

Finally, there is a quiz planned for the Wednesday route, the one that takes in the Cathar castles. The question sheet is in your pack. It should be a memorable drive, and I urge you to make as many of the side trips as possible. Without that, you will stand no chance of winning the Raid Quiz. And I know how competitive a bunch you all are.

So, all in fine shape. Thanks to everyone who has responded to our emails so promptly, good luck with your preparations, and, as ever, let us know if you have any questions.

Bon courage!

Paul & Gill.