40th 356 International, Bussels 2015

[left4dead]

So, who's going then (other than Oldtimer & Mel)?

Venue doesn't look too shabby:

[barryb]

Hi Steve

I'll be there, hope to meet up with other DDK members.

Barry

[decapman]

Me!
Well you knew that as I am driving

Incidently if there is anyone going who wants to meet for a nice lunch on the way pm me
A few of us are gathering en route in Belgium for lunch at a lovely Auberge on Thursday about 12:30/1:00pm.
Its 2 hours out of Calais.

[DavidHailMan]

Hi Marcus

We are leaving Monday for a few days R&R before the meeting. Lunch sounds fun, whats the address of the Auberge?

David

[40 scout]

Is it just me but do these 356 Internationals seem too staid ? surely a more informal event would attract a bigger turnout, organised coaches to a posh dinner etc etc.

How many 356's from here going, compared to say Hedingham, I appreciate they are not the same but a big gathering would be great.

Would also attract a young (er), say under 50 ! crowd ?

Just looks a bit PCGB to me.

I'll get me coat

Steve

[decapman]

David
The auberge is
Auberge du Pecheur
Pontstraat 41
9831 Sint-Martens-Latem
Belgium

If you are on the E40 heading from coast towards Brussels you want exit 13 Drongen exit
Head south on N466 to Sint Martens Leerne where you turn left on the roundabout and the Auberge is a mile or so further on the RHS
Table booked for 12:30/1:00pm
See you there

[decapman]

Steve
Dont disagree with what you say and we will be packing our best red trousers and blazers too.
Of course its a different type of event to Hedingham, I am curious to see the reaction to the Rat!

The posh lunches and coach trips are all well and good but the fun part are the drives, through great countryside, seeing fellow 356's round every corner, all pretty informal and fun plus lots of nice people

Plus in fairness Steve is only just 50 so quite young really
Doubtless see you at the next posh event Goodwood Revival!

[left4dead]

Hello Steve ,

I've only attended the one back in 2011 and it was only formal in the sense of having to be fairly well organised as 136 cars were in attendance so arriving / departures, etc. were pretty laid out in advance. The only formal dinner (still a buffet!) was on the Saturday evening where we were requested to wear a jacket but otherwise it was all very relaxed as you can tell from my report here:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=34827

The event is over subscribed every year, I believe, and there are another 136 cars confirmed for this years' event with many serial attendees so the formula seems to work for the organisers.

Marcus has pointed out that the chateau above may not be where we are actually staying although it does appear to have the same name so will report back on our return.

In 48 hours we'll be in Ghent. Can't bl**dy wait!

[barryb]

Hi

The coach is a great idea, not having to drive and park. There is no obligation to go to any of the dinners although generally we have found them to be very conviviale. It is a one type event and as such really only appeals to 356 enthusiasts both young and old. It is a great opportunity for each country to showcase some of its landmarks. It must be very difficult looking after 300 people plus their cars without some sort of organisation. This year I look forward to the Merckx-Ickx museum visit and the lunch under the Atomium, plus the visit to Maredsus where a very fine beer is produced. I have never been to Hedingham but went to Castle Howard and Highclere they were a different event altogether and the international would not fit into that format. I have been to Sweden, France, Italy, Strasbourg .... and enjoyed every one. Every 356 owner is always welcome from the best to the rat ( interesting to see it Marcus) Can't wait

Barry (over 50)

[oldtimer]

Is it just me but do these 356 Internationals seem too staid ? surely a more informal event would attract a bigger turnout, organised coaches to a posh dinner etc etc.
Well it might be just you , this will be my first time there so can't say but people who have been before think its OK , more than OK!
How many 356's from here going, compared to say Hedingham, I appreciate they are not the same but a big gathering would be great.
about a dozen cars from UK
Would also attract a young (er), say under 50 ! crowd ?

Just looks a bit PCGB to me.

I'll get me coat

Steve

Will report back but if the age profile is like 356registry the median age is over 50 . Dont blame PCGB , they don't organise it but they do publicise it if you read their mag .
left4dead thought it would be good to put it up here (on DDK )at the 11th hour as it had a zero profile here....I had put it up on 356registry some months ago and got immediate co-driver offers from USA!

[Sporter]

I don't arrive in Calais until 11.25 local time. If at all possible I will try and join you at the Auberge, if I run out of time I'll see you all at the Hotel.

Sarah (under 50 and I don't possess any red trousers)

[left4dead]

Hello again Sarah,

Which crossing are you on? We're on the 10:50 from Folkestone.

Try and make the Auberge if at all possible - it's a great spot for lunch.

Otherwise, see you at the event.

[40 scout]

I'm sure you'll all have fun. Marcus make the most, could be blackballed next year once they see you paint

Just thinking a Bad Camberg (Spelling ?!) thing would also be well supported, a dozen uk cars is not a particularly big turnout relative to the number of road going cars I think.

Would be great to see a non-capped big rally of 356's.

Not knocking it at all, I love a euro blast, doing Scotland this year tho, end of the month.

Enjoy all and post plenty of pics

Steve

See the usual suspects at Goodwood, poss sans Indian this year as big reshuffle by organisers apparently.

[jeremyg]

Generally we've had a really good time at the three Internationals we've been lucky enough to get to. The organised drive outs are often really good - after all, the locals really do know the most outstanding routes.
The quantity of big set meals can be a bit daunting, rather like a series of massive euro wedding receptions, but there's nothing to stop you slipping out to a nearby cafe. Here's hoping you all have a great time, safe journeys, and post plenty of pics so we can all get to enjoy it too. (And here's hoping that most cars get to be driven there, rather than arriving en masse in car transporters like last year in Portugal)!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[decapman]

Sarah
It really is only 1hour 30 mins to the Auberge, so see you around 1:00 pm

Steve, check your dates!