#02 |Pau, France (1974)
ESSEX - dover - Alencon - PAU - Biarritz/Le Mangie - lourdes - Boulogne
Clothing Requirements.
Casual clothing for travelling. Please do not bring scruffy clothing. Remember that at all times you will be representing CAMPION.
A few changes of underclothes, socks, a plastic mac (weather is unpredictable at this time of year), Shaving kit (for some). The usual toilet requirements. Kit; trousers/blazer, trousers/jacket must be brought as we expect two or three official functions or receptions.
Not only must you WIN all matches, but you are expected at all times to act as ambassadors for future trips.
Pocket money. Make sure you change your money in this country, preferably by a friendly person who works in a bank (no bank charges — better exchange)
DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. RUGBY KIT/TRAINING KIT.
School will provide two sets of jerseys and 1 set of socks for matches.
ALL players to bring training kit, boots, socks, two pairs shorts, track suit, jersey, training shoes.
Each boy should limit his luggage to one case and a kit bag.
We are insured by
a) School journey Insurance and
b) a scheme through The European Economic Community for medical treatment during a temporary stay in a community country
R.J. Davies
tour memories of Father Ninian McNamara
Our first Overseas tour. a short Easter trip to Pau, in the French Pyrennes.
My favourite tour: a delightful old town, a beautiful chateau dating from the 15th century, many small and pleasant restaurants, training on the sands at Biarritz,
Where Edwardian Society once disported itself, skiing in the Pyrenees, even praying in Lourdes. There was a rumour that Mick Marmion went to mass in Lourdes, but I cannot confirm this.
The rugby was a surprise - we found that our host school did not have a 1st XV, so we were to play the U21 side from the local club. Fortunately, our coach had learned his rugby, and his sense of fair play, in a small, Welsh, mountain village, with an unpronounceable name which ends in Llan-plion-goch, so we had sneaked half a dozen Old Boys into the bus.
The game was fast and furious, in the best French style, but, with our reinforcements, we came out on top.
The journey home was memorable - Steve Russell had bought a bottle of wine for his dad but, feeling thirsty, drank it as we drove. As a result, the rest of that long journey was punctuated by frequent requests for pit stops.
Then Dover at 9.00 pm on a cold, wet night; the Customs Officer said all passengers and baggage off the bus; even J.D. could not persuade him that we were honest and law-abiding. Only a steadily growing mound of very dirty, very sweaty, unwashed rugby kit, liberally interspersed with bottles of duty free spirit and gifts of wine, broke that officers nerve; averting his eyes and holding his breath we were ordered to load ourselves and that mess back on that bus and go away!
AUCTORE DEO
ITINERARY FOR FRENCH RUGBY TRIP – EASTER 1974
April 15th
Assemble in school playground at 5:45am
Coach leaves at 6am sharp
Latest reporting time at Dover is 9.45am
Ferry leaves at 10.30 am. We hope to arrive in Boulogne at 12 pm. Once the coach has been unloaded, we start our journey immediately
The route includes: — Boulogne, Abbeville, Rouen, Alencon – approximately 325km or 6-7 hours travelling.
We are staying the night in a Youth Hostel. A sheet sleeping bag will have to hired (quite cheap 25p) or provide your own bag (?) bulky
We do not intend stopping for food as this is expensive on route. Bring enough sandwiches well packed in airtight containers.
April 16th
The route includes: - Alencon, LeMans, Tours, Poiter, Angouleme, Bordeaux, Pau. Approximately 652km or 10—12 hours travelling.
All arise at 6am and prepare for a 7am start sharp.
This will be a long arduous day and a great deal depends on the entertainment committee and the choir. We shall not stop for set meals, only bread, liquid refreshments and other essential necessities (will the weak willed please get organised - we do not intend stopping the coach too often !!!)
We suggest you bring tins of meat etc. which could be used for sandwiches. No!!! certain people will not be allowed to make porridge.
We hope to arrive at Pau about 7pm. We will then be introduced to our hosts.
April 17th
Morning, rest and recover. Afternoon at 3 pm sharp, all the party meet for light training somewhere central and convenient for everything.
Evening entertainment to be organised
April 18th
Match day No. 1:
Arrangements of opposition, time and place of game have not yet reached us. There will probably be a little reception after the match.
April 19th
Free day. Possibly light training in the morning (depending on Thursday’s performance to be decided). Then a trip to either Biarritz (105km -Seaside resort) or Le Mangie (70km - ski resort).
April 20th
Match day No. 2:
Arrangements of opposition, time and place of game have not yet reached us. There will probably be a little reception after the match.
April 21st
Morning, free. Afternoon or evening — will visit an important rugby match at either Pau, Lourdes or Tarbes. Check with your hosts times of Masses.
April 22nd
Match day No. 3:
Arrangements of opposition, time and place of game have not yet reached us. There will probably be a little reception after the match.
April 23rd
Departure day from Pau.
Must leave Pau at 7 am and hope to make Alencon by 7pm. We shall stay at the same Hostel as on outward journey.
Make sure your food and drink requirements are organised for today on Monday. Again this can be a very difficult day and a great deal is expected from the choir.
April 24th
Leave the Youth Hostel at 8am to arrive Boulogne at approximately 3pm
We do not have to report to the Ferry until 7pm. Sailing time is 7.45pm
This leaves us four hours to visit Boulogne and the time will be properly organised in a worthwhile activity — probably Athletics training on the beach.
We will not arrive in Dover until 9.15pm. You will then be able to telephone your parents, friends to meet you at Campion about 12pm
April 25th
School starts at Campion at 9.05pm MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE EARLY.
As you can see, the travel arrangements are complete, but at the moment we are still awaiting the final details of the Match arrangements from Pau. We will definitely be visiting Lourdes- arrangements will be made later.