Minors on Tour 2012 will be in the Dordogne, France, from Saturday 2^nd to Saturday 9^th June 2012. This is a week later than normal but still coincides with school half-term and includes two public holidays.

The programme will include social events, visits to places of interest, a steam train ride, ‘Le Drive’ a gentle tour round local countryside, a group photograph, various walks and the regular fund-raising events for our chosen charities, which for 2012 will continue to be Leuka and the British Heart Foundation.

The Dordogne is a very popular area for the ‘Brits’, both to live and to visit. For this reason we expect high numbers of bookings despite this being a ‘long’ MOT. We recommend that potential MOTers should book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

There will be a small increase to the registration fee for 2012 to £27 for Minor and driver plus £17 for each passenger 17 years and over. The fee for children will remain unchanged at £8 for 5-16 years and under 5’s free.

The Campsite: Domaine de la Paille Basse

The campsite chosen for MOT 2012 is Domaine de la Paille Basse near Souillac in the Dordogne Valley, around 385 miles from Caen. Once again it is a Castels site which guarantees excellent facilities. We have reserved 40 camping plots and 36 mobile homes, which are particularly good value this year.

As one would expect from a Les Castels site there is a good range of high quality facilities and spacious pitches both on grass and within a wooded area. There are several toilet and shower blocks including facilities for disabled people.

The shop is well stocked and is open from 8.00- 10.30am. Fresh bread, choc au pains and croissants can be ordered for each morning.

There is a restaurant and take-away which open in the evenings, with the exception of Tuesdays.  Alongside the restaurant is a bar with small lounge and outdoor seating.  Wifi is available on the patio, with a purchased password.

The campsite has a large outdoor swimming pool, children’s paddling pools and a separate pool with large slides.  Other facilities include tennis courts, table tennis, pool tables, television room, boules area and a mini ‘farm’ enclosure with chickens, ducks, goats and a pig.

For the quiz, auction and celebration barbeque we have negotiated use of a building on the campsite which includes a large hall, toilets and bar area; for the ‘welcome events’ on Saturday and Sunday we have use of an upstairs games room.  Of course, if the weather is good we shall hold events on one of the suitable outdoor areas however it is reassuring to know that we have ‘wet weather contingencies’!

Travel to MOT2012

Everyone has to make their own travel arrangements from home to MOT.

If you live in the UK then you will need to book a ferry; we suggest you consider which UK ports are most accessible to your home, as well as the French ports that are most accessible to the campsite. Consider whether you will use the toll roads (peage) or more minor roads.  Before booking a ferry we suggest that you compare different routes from home to the campsite, both for price, journey time and breaks.  Please ensure that you plan for overnight and day-time breaks to stay safe!

Information about ferry crossings can be obtained from:

www.Aferry.co.uk  and other similar sites

Also the MMOC has a discounted travel service, in conjunction with The Travel Market Ltd. Tel. 01304 213533. Website:    http://www.travel-market.co.uk

The MOT Handbook will provide some guidance about driving in France and preparing your Morris for the long journey, we hope to circulate that in February.  The Handbook will also include a list of everyone who has registered to take part in MOT, with their home town. If you want to travel as a part of a group we may be able to put you in contact with other MOTers travelling from the same area.

We hope that this information will assist you in making suitable choices about accommodation and travel to MOT. If, during your research, you discover anything that may be of interest to others please let us know and we will endeavour to pass the information on.

Ash & Pam Holmes