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First overseas Extramural trip!

April 1964

1964, Camargue party. 1st Extra Murals overseas. Jim Case, Paul Nelmes, Gilian Churcher, Olwen Griffith, Marjorie Case, John Cooper, Wilf Phillips, Mary Gillham, Margaret Nelmes, Iris Phillips, Muriel Hopkins, Pat Morgan

Driving from Cardiff in 4 cars (a blue Hillman Minx called Penelope, a fawn MG 1100, a yellow Ford Popular and a Bahama blue Volkswagen), the 12 intrepid explorers spent time in Arles, Avignon, Draguignan, Gap, Grasse, Nimes as well as quick incursions into Monaco which included a guided tour around Jacques Cousteaux' Monaco Aquarium.

Click on the image to download the details of the trip including this important advice:
"Food - You have 340 different cheeses and 547 different wines to choose from. Most British tummygolliwobbles in France are due to an unaccustomed excess of alcohol: adventures in cheese dreams are less hazardous."

The team: Jim Case, Paul Nelmes, Gilian Churcher, Olwen Griffith, Marjorie Case, John Cooper, Wilf Phillips, Mary Gillham, Margaret Nelmes, Iris Phillips, Muriel Hopkins, Pat Morgan

Then and Now

How some of the scenes Mary captured have (or haven't!) changed since her visit in 1964

The Place de la Republique in Arles with the Obélisque d'Arles and Musée Départemental (behind) in 1964 and, now pedestrianised in 2017.

The 1st century Roman ampitheatre in 1964 and in 2017 with the modern stage used for events.

The view looking North up the Rhone in 1964 and again in 2017.

The outside of the Arles amphitheatre was in a poor state in 1964 and serious restoration efforts have enabled it to remain open in 2017.

The market in Arles still takes place although in 2017 there are many more vehicles.

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See more Then and Now pictures here!

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