The Hewitts barging in France 2010 - 2017: Xmas - Cordelia and her housemates come to visit

Cordelia and her orphaned Aussie flat mates decided to come and visit us for Xmas. The "famous five" better known as the Chestnut Champions hired a car and drove over. Just as well it was a people mover as they brought lots of shopping with them. Whilst waiting for them to arrive we joined the rest of the barge folk at the local bar for drinks, nibbles and music...thanks Dave and Kevin...not forgetting Joseph on the bongos'.

Being 5 they would not all fit on our barge - so we took 3 (after making up the bed in the engine room) Cordelia, Joanna, and Britt and our wonderful friends Debbie and Randy took Murray and Rhiannon.

They arrived on the evening of Friday 23rd, and after a very long day, we had a light supper, lots of wine and champagne and settled in for a good nights sleep.

The Next day- Christmas eve - we wandered the town, and had a visit to Carrefour for last minute supplies. The weather was terrific, so the crew tried their hands at Boules, well played Chesnut Champions! Then settled down to dinner and lots and lots of wine and champagne. We played Oh Hell which Joanna won! Well done Joey! And in general had lots of fun - Mur and Rhi managed to stagger back along the quay to their luxury accommodation (they even had chocolates on their pillows!). Only a little bit of grit on their knees!

Xmas day was lovely with the sun shining beautifully. As we had 9 for Xmas lunch we had bought 2 turkeys - Debbie cooked one and we cooked the other. Xmas morning involved lots of cooking - opening a few presents and of course lots of champagne! Then we got stuck into a delicious Xmas lunch. The full shebang - turkey, ham, Roast veggies, stuffing, bread sauce, sprouts and cranberry sauce! Followed of course by a flaming Xmas pud with custard and brandy butter! Then into an orgy of present opening.

After lunch we went for a walk around the port, singing carols to any folk who were aboard - Debbie gave out chocolates to other passers by. Then out onto the quay in the sunshine for a game of boules and table tennis. Then an evening of more food, introducing Debbie and Randy to the concept of bubble and squeak...it seemed to go down a treat, plus wine and champagne and hilarious party games.

On Boxing day we headed off to Marcigny to visit the famous outdoor market market. We had lunch in a local bistro - starter, main, cheese, dessert, wine and coffee all included for 12 euros! The chestnut champs seemed to enjoy this! Then back home for a light supper lots more wine and champagne, and more Oh hell.

We thought they should see some of the countryside, so we headed off next morning (after Debbie had served Murray and Rhiannon a breakfast of Juice, omelets - WITH GARNISH - coffee and the works - our guests just got a croissant) to the dam across the Loire at Villerest, followed by a visit to Chateau St Roche, which is built on rocks out into the Loire.

We took the opportunity to introduce the champs to FLUNCH...mixed results....French cafe eating is not for everyone..and we had made the mistake of taking them to a Prixe Fixe meal a day or so before.

You will notice that there had been rather a lot of champagne drunk. The crew seemed to like this, so a trip was made out to JB Clair so they could stock up with a few boxes to take home. The winery was set up in the late 1800's with help from wine makers from Champagne - and is a small family run winery, that uses traditional methods. All the "champagne" is aged for three years in the bottle - which is the same as a vintage champagne - this is what gives it its delicious flavour.

Then on to the evening shenanigans....Raclette for 9 aboard Alouette....Randy and Debbie had treated themselves to this traditional French cooker......it is used to melt special cheese into a gooey mess that you then pour over cold meats and hot boiled potatoes....lots of fun, and truly delicious. A perfect end to a very busy few days.

Next morning bright and early our lovely crew departed back to London, and peace descended on the barges Alouette and Affleur D'O. A great time was had by all with a wonderful bunch of friends.