Our Tony said, “We'll all go on
A Parish Weekend to Rouen.”
So 36 of us and me
Set off by coach to cross the sea.
The sea was calm, the waves quite still.
We all survived, no-one was ill!
We reached Le Havre and then set on
Our coach journey à “La Rouen”.
When we arrived it was très late.
We longed for bed, but twas our fate
That when the hotel came in sight,
From trusty coach could not alight
We travellers weary as could be
The 36 of us and me.
The street was small - the coach not so.
At end of street no where could go.
We tried our best, but in the end
Our coach could not go “round le bend”.
The only thing that could be done –
Go back the way that we had come.
Our Tony, trained for this event –
Directing traffic – off he went
Sans lollipop, the traffic braved,
The situation to be saved.
I think the Vicar said a prayer
And most of us wished we weren’t there.
And some of us just closed our eyes.
The coach then stopped. To our surprise
We all were safe, we cheered, and then
Back round the block we went again.
This time we found a larger road.
Our pile of luggage did unload,
And thankfully trooped off to bed,
On pillow laid each sleepy head.
Next morning it began to snow
Then rain, this didn’t stop us though,
We’ve weather just like that at home.
And so we left in groups to roam,
The sights of Rouen town to see
The 36 of us and me.
Saw Churches, the Cathedral, shopped.
To gaze at ancient buildings stopped.
When feet begged rest we gathered at
A café for hot chocolat.
Then après lunch on trip we went
To L’Abbaye de Saint George, our Saint
And Patron, for a trip with guide,
Round gardens but firstly inside.
This Abbey was extremely old.
(And also just a little cold!)
We met un pigeon, lofty high,
Regarding us with wary eye,
And learnt the Abbey’s history,
The 36 of us and me.
We next stopped at a manor grand,
With splendid house, gardens and land.
The owners took us on a tour.
We peeped in rooms and much we saw
That was of interest to see,
Again were told much history.
Delicious cake and pots of tea
Had 36 of us and me.
In evening we walked happily
To dinner at L’Orangerie.
The dinner menu was a treat,
Nouveau Cuisine, but loads to eat.
First fish, then lamb, then chocolate pud,
And every bit of it was good.
(Sorry - forgot the Camembert
And Kir Maison we had there,
A drink of Cassis and white wine
To start the meal - we liked it fine.)
Vin rouge and blanc and then coffee
Drank 36 of us and me.
Then full of tum and clear of head!
Meandered merrily to bed.
In morning in a place most blest,
A very special Eucharist
We celebrated, one and all,
Inside the great Cathedral.
And this I’m sure for all will be
An always treasured memory.
And then to lunch for crêpe - or two,
Then back by coach to join the queue
For ferry back across the sea,
The 36 of us and me.
And we were glad we’d all gone on
Our Parish Weekend to Rouen.
Janet Johnson
First published in St George’s News,
Easter Edition, April 2001
