7:30a.m. Dawn breaks over the "Woodman", where 19 Wimbledon Parkers are stamping their feet until the bus arrives for the second W.P.R.A. French excursion. This is a smaller group than last time, but still perfectly formed.

The Channel was like a millpond, with France clearly visible from Dover; the ferry was on time and the lounges were nearly empty, most passengers preferring the scrums in the duty-free shop. We drove in glorious sunshine to Boulogne, saying farewell there to the Hypermarketeers who were to return laden with their bargains. One group stayed on the harbour-front to have a delicious meal, before wandering the old town, walking on the Roman walls and along the cobbled streets, savouring that aroma that says France: garlic, Gaulloises and grande cuisine. This time, we could go into the Cathedral, a masterpiece highlit by its impressive dome. Then there was more window-gazing at the amazing array of foods, fruit and especially fish.

All too soon, we had to leave the sun-drenched port in search of our coach, cunningly concealed among several hundred look-alikes. The returning boat seemed more crowded, especially in the duty-free, where yet more bargains were being bought. Our bus was first off the ferry, which proved too difficult for some, but we waited and managed to return with the right numbers - and the right people!

When the bus disgorged us back at the " Woodman", it seemed that we'd been away for a week and the pavement was strewn with our purchases: beer, booze, groceries and even flowers, sufficient to open up a new street market.

People seemed to agree that this inexpensive day-out holds something for everyone and that we should arrange another outing before Easter.

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