Beaulieu are again holding a “Simply French” day and this is the ideal event for CPUK to attend as all French cars,regardless of age, are welcome to mingle on the forecourt at the heart of the complex. The National Motor Museum complex is also home to Palace House,Beaulieu Abbey,The James Bond Experience and The World of Top Gear so there is plenty to see and do for all the family. Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend so that we ensure there is sufficient parking space for CPUK. Entry is from 9.30am for those arriving in a Peugeot; 10am for non French cars (parking in the public car parks) Normal Beaulieu admission is £20 per adult but occupants of French cars can access the complex at a much reduced price of £10 per adult and £5 per child. For advance tickets contact; www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events or pay on the gate on the day,
Beaulieu's Simply French day proved to be an enjoyable and successful day for CPUK. On a bright morning, the Peugeots began to arrive and we were directed to a prominent hard-standing area, close to the main sponsor's (Citroen) site. This was very much appreciated by most members as free hot drinks and croissants were on offer all day! The cars lined up smartly and there was much interest amongst the visitors and plenty of Peugeot talk broke out. To add to the atmosphere the liveried vintage bus could be seen circling the museum grounds, there were people dressed in typical French costumes and the Gendarmerie's Renault 4 was keeping all in check. The overall number of cars on exhibit seemed lower than in 2012 but CPUK was well supported with 15 vehicles. A great range of models and colours turned out from the vivid blue 205GTi to the restrained burgundy of Jim Baumann's 504 cab. The hard-top Gti was joined by 2 other 205 hatches while further down the row were Chan Hallett's Cti and Marion Martin's Roland Garros – both making the most of the weather with tops down and all ready to celebrate the 205's 30th anniversary this year. It was great to see such a spread of differently aged cars, from Roger Turner's 406 saloon, Martin Kerr's 406 coupe and John Till's executive 607 at the younger end to many older Peugeots; the Editor's 203 commerciale was joined by Mark Gatterall's 403 pick up and Ken Broughton's immaculate 403 saloon. Gary Charlton arrived in one of his 504 coupes while Keith Herbert drove one of his 504 saloons with his daughter Emma bringing the other. Emma is preparing the 1,000,000km car for a charity run raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She's planning to leave the UK at the end of August with her 3 year daughter Lola. Details about how to donate will be provided shortly and we wish her much success on her round trip to Italy. The Martin's 205 Roland Garros was shortlisted in the visitors' favourite competition but unfortunately lost out. They did however take part in a parade around the grounds. This was a great opportunity to meet up with old acquaintances and with early sunshine, great cars, a fab atmosphere and free food(!) we can't wait for a repeat in 2014. 
