We now come to the French connection, After meeting Monika's two French guests out in Besigheim, we were asked out to Ay by them, for the ‘IT’S A KNOCK OUT’, games, which take part every year in one the twin towns. This year the following teams are taking part, Ay-Champagne, Besigheim, Conde-sur-l’Escant, Quaregnon, Newton Abbot. In 1988 it was only the above five teams, now there are more. I have only got transparencies of the Games , so can not put any on here. Will start a page for the games that I have got photos for some time later. HENRI 1V “SIRE D’AY”, this takes place on the first weekend of July every two years, alternative years to the Winzerfest. So one year we get plenty of wine drinking then the next LOADS of champagne. What a horrible way to enjoy oneself. The first few times we went out I took most of my photos on transparencies so I only have a few photos of Henri 1V day to put on here. Right lets start then. The first time we went to AY was in a friends car, I drove to Dover and he drove from Calais to AY. Monika and Wolfgang came later and the four of us stayed with Marie France and Michele. Did I say they run a champagne house? No, how remiss of me. The photos that follow are of the Henri 1V day, can’t remember the year. This is before the parade starts, its white wine in the glasses, the champagne comes latter, we will be having a snack to keep us going. The first of the parade. I even got out with Sylvester. The Customs Officer did not ask me who the cat was !!. The AY vintners in their traditional costumes. Our hosts. Very smart. Guess who? Yes it is the Besigheim town band. What gorgeous hats. These are the Orange men, they give out oranges as they go along. Dancing in the village centre, to music by Besigheim Band. Thank goodness that it’s lunch time and champagne, at last. From right to left, Wolfgang, Klaus, Barbara and Monika, I should know the other two people but I can’t remember who they are. Now the serious drinking starts and we try all the champagne houses along the road back to our hosts, before we start there. Next refreshment stop. At last back with our hosts. You can see why we are back here, notice all the boxes behind the young lady? yes champagne . And that large cheese in the middle of the table, delicious. First pick of the day, then we have breakfast out in the vineyards. Grape picking in Ay, this was a dry year the next one was very muddy NEXT STOP KINGSKERSWELL