Mystery??

For some unknown reason, the blog post I wrote a few days ago did not publish and has disappeared into the ether.  So, I shall rewrite that blog, as near as I can remember :

Friday, 8th May.

The aire where we stayed last night in Mennetou-sur-Cher, along with half a dozen other motorhomes, was beside a small war memorial and we wondered if there would be a service held to commemorate what is VE Day in England...I don't know what it is called here in France but it is a public holiday.  There was and we joined the end of the march from the mairie (town hall) which was led by a band of young and not so young musicians, with three flag bearers, three uniformed dignitaries, two men and four children carrying wreaths and bouquets, members of the fire brigade and the mayor, followed by the townspeople and us!  A simple service, which we found quite moving, was held at the war memorial to honour all those who fought for freedom.  A small choir sang le Marseillaise (I hope the spelling is correct) and we were surprised that the crowd didn't join in but we were nevertheless impressed with the service.

After leaving Mennetou, we followed the River Cher, stopping at St Florent-sur-Cher for coffee and a stroll around the fabulous gardens of the Hotel de Ville (also a town hall though seemingly grander than a mairie), stopping again, this time at Chateauneuf-sur-Cher where we had lunch by the river overlooking an impressive kayak slalom course. From there we drove to Sancoins where we are parked for the night by a canal, having ridden along the canal before the rain came.   We are settled in for the night and plan to explore the town in the morning.