Tuesday, September 21 2004 @ 11:00 AM Contributed by: webbos Early September proved very lively. The German-Austrian Section held a meeting in Tonbach in the Black Forest. Alisma and I have often flown over the area but this was the first time that we have been at ‘ground level’. It was truly spectacular with a different view at every corner, charming villages and towns and an unbeatable landscape. Peter Schindele put on a programme that ensures that we will return and explore the area further. I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the hotel and Peter’s attention to detail. I surprised more than a few of the local Section by giving a speech in what I was told was faultless German. I take no credit for that – I had a dedicated and patient tutor in Karl-Heinz Netsch! We then had a week touring in France – our first stop was Colmar, a short flight from Germany. This was our first visit and we were not disappointed – the old town is almost unchanged with buildings worthy of a film set. Certainly I would recommend Colmar as a stopping off point – a friendly airport with limited traffic only a short distance from town – and a town with much to see. After two days it was on to Autun to the west of Dijon. Another little gem which we had over flown before but never landed at. From there we went to French Section meeting at Deauville. The threatened bad weather never fully materialised on the arrival day – but with the combination of aerial and ground arrivals there was an exceptional turnout. Two features dominated the weekend – the 40th anniversary of D-Day and the Bayeux Tapestry. The former reminded us of sadder times but also hope for the future. The new Caen exhibition was particularly strong on this. On Saturday we visited many of the key D-Day sites – Pegasus Bridge, the Mulberry Harbour and the American Cemetery. Later that day we saw the story of a much earlier conflict. The defeat of King Harold in 1066 by William the Conqueror laid out on the Bayeux Tapestry. It is remarkable that such a magnificent piece of work could have survived almost 1000 years. In the evening at the Gala Dinner I had the privilege of inducting three new members. It is good to see the Section in such good health. Shortly we will be off to Portugal, but more of that next month. In the meantime I am sorry that I will be able to make the ‘down under ‘meetings in New Zealand and Australia. It will be in the diary for next year. I will also miss the Americas AGM in Long Beach. To all attending those meetings I send my best wishes. Tail winds, AngusClark