Farewell to 2017

2017 came in a with a bang – now it's time to bid this year farewell...... 

Some good/ memorable events in 2017:

Our first visit to Marseille at the end of January with Millésime Bio as a good excuse to get know know this lively city. Unfortunately Millésime Bio is moving back to Montpellier in 2018.   


Our trip to China in March and early April including the amazing return train journey from Beijing to London via Moscow and Paris. 

Emmanuel Macron's election on 7th May as President of France. 

Netta's 93rd birthday tea party at Fonab Castle followed in August for a couple of nights' stay for my birthday. 

Teresa May's losing her majority on June 8th after calling a snap general election to cement her power and then running a comically awful campaign.

Our charity bike ride in June to raise money for Parkinson's UK. Riding from Pauillac to La Livinière we raised £6448.44. 

Yannick Amirault's day long party to celebrate his 40th vintage. 

A generally good vintage in many parts of France. 

The growing revolt against sexual harassment.  

The increasing opposition to Brexit culminating in Lord Adonis' resignation plus the agreement promising no border controls between Northern Ireland and Eire. 

    
The catastrophically stupid event of 2017
 
Prime Minister May's triggering of Article 50 on 31st March signalling the UK's intention to leave the EU before she or her 'government' had any idea of what deal they wanted or the one her divided party could agree upon.


Bad and regrettable events in 2017

The series of April frosts that hit many parts of France including Bordeaux, Chablis, the Loire and some parts of the Languedoc. 

The continuing and growing problem of Esca in European vineyards.  

The damage being already caused by the Brexit process with an especially bad effect on the NHS and the fabric of our society. 

The continuing attack on democracy by the UK's government and the right-wing press.