Day 23   Mel and Les visit to see Elvis - The singing grocer.                                      

Date:  Wednesday 21 June 2017       Weather:    Hot sunny.        Mile:  000 /

Les and Mel who are also touring France in their camper were keen to meet up with The Stopportons in Gavernie. We had talked so much about our experiences there that we had made a loose arrangement we might well hook up with them and if so Mike would buy a beer! Well things have turned out slightly differently recently so Les e mailed one day and said 'If  Mohammed won't come to the mountain  etc' Consequently we arranged, with Angie's permission for them to meet us here in Limoges.

Mel, Les, Jackie and Tom in the Tea Tent

They duly arrived at 1200hrs and after a few drinks, Angie made some lunch. We ate in the dining room with the curtains closed and the fan going hell for leather to bring in some breeze.

After lunch Tom took us on a guided tour of the Le Buis hamlet, up and down some forest trails and back in time for more drinks. It was suggested that Mel and Les might like to join us that evening and attend a musical function in Nantiat, the small town on the other side of the valley. As they were staying in Nantiat, next to the lake on the free campsite they agreed.

They set off after hosing Sam their black Labrador down. He was due for a swim in the lake to cool him down. As they were about to depart Angie and Tom's Les presented Mike with a present. A half eaten punnet of Cherries! When asking about the other half Les replied          " Well you know what it's like, you try one to test 'em and before you know it, they've all but disappeared. It's the thought that counts. Anyway you promised to buy the beers and didn't show up". Oh well that's OK then.

Angie insisted on bringing beers, soft drinks and sandwiches for us to munch on this evening. We agreed to meet at 2030 hrs. The act was on at 2100hrs. This was the time we were told by 'Elvis' himself when we were in his shop buying fruit and veg that very morning.

Oh. Don't forget the 'Pur Brebis Cheese'. Next time your in France get some. It ain't cheap but is rather delicious. You'll need a cheese parer to slice it with. I'm not sure if this is to allow the taste to disseminate easier or because it's so damn expensive your rationed!

Your man - Elvis - live on stage in downtown Nantiat.

The 'act' was Stephan, the local grocer. It seems he fancies himself as a bit of an Elvis singer. Let's be honest, who of us doesn't think he can bang out a few Elvis tunes after a few pints of 'Stella'. My rendition of 'Love me tender' has them crying into their beer!

A fantastic community spirit.

Les and Mike

The English contingent.

The local square was packed with maybe three hundred people. There was a beer tent, frites tent and ice cream and cake stalls. Entry free. All profits going to the community. What a great atmosphere. Kids and youngsters everywhere, a few bikers, neighbours of Angie's, a Freddy Mercury one man tribute act, which although unofficial, managed to strut in front of the stage most of the evening looking for trade! Kings Cross Station may have provided more customers but the guy was causing no harm or offence and was enjoying himself.

Les can't believe his luck with the entertainment!

He enjoyed himself so much he bought two rounds of drinks.

Right on Q at 2200hrs, there was a crescendo of music, that would have done Caeser's Palace credit, announcing the appearance on stage of Stephan, or should that be 'Elvis'    He immediately launches into his catalogue. We watched for over an hour whilst he belted out quite a few Elvis hits and a few French songs of a similar vein. He was I thought, pretty entertaining as 'Elvis' his voice carried that off pretty well but struggled slightly on some of the other songs. But hey it was all good family entertainment. We left about 2310hrs. The group following him took far to long to set up for us and by then most of the crowd had disappeared. We were home by 2320hrs and in bed by 0015 hrs. After having a small livener sat on the terrace. It was still pretty hot.

Angie and Tom gyrating the night away.

Our thoughts turned to Les who had been stopped on the way to the party and breathalysed. All clear. We wondered if the police were about for the short journey home? Mel and Les were to be up early the next morning and onwards North to meet up with family.