French Contact Club Visit Sept 2026

A Wonderful Weekend with Our French Rotary Friends

We were delighted to welcome our four visitors from France on Friday, arriving right on time with Marc at the wheel and Martine, Riad and Odile — affectionately known as Madame Lapin to John Smith. After tea and cake, Maureen Kilminster whisked Riad and Odile away to her home, while Marc and Martine settled in with John and Lynne.

That evening, several club members joined the group for their first ever British carvery at The Toby Jug in Ewell, which proved a great success.

Saturday’s adventures began at Brooklands Museum, where a party of twelve explored the exhibits. The Formula 1 cars were an immediate hit. Lynne bravely attempted to climb into the driver’s seat—getting in was tricky, but getting out was even trickier! Martine followed, disappearing so far into the cockpit that only her eyes and nose remained visible.

The group then enjoyed the Concorde Experience, learning the full history of the aircraft before stepping aboard to watch a video narrated by the captain, explaining the speed and altitude of a typical flight. Flight certificates in hand, they were greeted by their Brooklands guide, Axel. When John Smith asked if he spoke French, Axel replied cheerfully, “No! I am German!”—though he proved fluent in several languages and an outstanding guide. Odile even climbed into the cockpit of a jet, but was firmly warned not to touch the ejector seat button.

Lunch followed at the Hand and Spear in Weybridge. Although the pub was busy and short staffed, the group eventually enjoyed a hearty ploughman’s, complete with memorable green herb and garlic butter on toasted sourdough.

After returning to Brooklands, the group spent time at Mercedes Benz World watching skid pan demonstrations and admiring the impressive cars on display—vehicles most of us can only dream of owning.

Saturday evening brought a lively gathering at The Amalfi in Ewell, where members enjoyed Italian food, drinks and plenty of laughter, sharing memories of past visits.

Sunday arrived quickly, and the group made their way to “Chateau Kilminster,” where Maureen, Baron and several members had prepared a superb buffet lunch, complete with champagne on arrival. Everyone was delighted to see Peter Heard able to join the gathering following his recent accident.

After the meal, President Jon spoke warmly about the long standing friendship between our two clubs and highlighted some of the charities we support locally and internationally. Peter Yeates followed with a French translation. Riad responded with news of their own projects, including their annual duck race—no live ducks involved—and confirmed that Olivier has now raised all funds for the Lebanon water project, to which our club contributed. Work will begin once the political situation allows.

With fond farewells and cries of Bon Voyage, our guests departed for Dover, bringing a wonderful weekend of fellowship to a close.