In 2001 we returned to Cognac and Les Hiboux – the last time we’d stay there as Richard and Jean sold up the following year – in 2003 the plan was to return and provisional bookings were made, but in the Spring Richard confirmed that they would have sold up and new owners would be there. Les Hiboux without them wouldn’t be the same!

This was probably the year most of the now established regulars appeared on the scene – Mike Byrne, David Kent and also the year of the Hotel Mini Bar raid and the “Vide” checkout – so I think this was the year the golf clubs got lost for the second time.

Any one help get this sorted?

When the Irish arrived in the morning, we set of for golf Sans Shoes, Clubs and in some cases more. Sean decided to buy new golf shoes and as a result spend the week hobling – it took a while to discover that whilst his right foot was happily ensconce in the size 12 he’d picked, his left was squeezed into a show at least two sizes smaller. How on earth he managed remains a mystery.

Long before the smoking ban, Richard had banned smoking at the dinner table. But when Gerry decided to move away from our OUTDOOR table for a smoke after desert Richard decided to rule this out of order too. Exactly who one the exchanges on this I can’t remember but the sparks flew and not just from Gerry’s cigar!