Sunday gathering

For a while we have been trying to organise a gathering of chums who meet up and camp together each summer at Le Mans for the world's most famous 24-hour motor race. After a mix-up over dates we finally managed it today, bringing together friends from Kent, Essex and some who had made the trek all the way down from Newcastle.

We all met at Olly and Vicky's place in Leigh-on-Sea, and had a very jolly afternoon of chat and laughter. It was great to see everyone, renew friendships and talk about our plans for this year's race.

We have just learned that we will be camping at the Brits' favourite Maison Blanche campsite again this year for one last time, before it is swallowed up by a new Porsche Experience Centre that has already begun construction on part of the site. That's great news, tinged with sadness that the annual enjoyment of Maison Blanche will soon be gone forever.