Coffee and Chat in Brecon – Saturday 5th of October 2024

Words and Pictures: Wales Chapter Coordinator Helen Hunter
Video: Kate Broadhurst

What a glorious day for a drive out with our Figgys. We had a great turnout – 10 cars and their owners ranging from one member who had their Figgy for 17 years to another, new member, who only had hers for 2 months. It was great to meet up with old friends and also meet new ones – some who had driven quite some distance to join us for Coffee and Chat at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre at Three Cocks near Brecon.

Those travelling across the bridge were Jak, Ian and their adorable pooches from Bath, Mark and Rachel from Bristol, whom Kate had met at Carfest. John and Sue were familiar with the venue, having driven from Monmouth. Neil and Sue travelled from Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire – a fair trek – and newcomers, the youthful Charlotte and Phil, came from Morriston near Swansea.

It was great to meet them all including Tony who had driven up from Cardiff. Old friends who attended were Kate, Sienard and Rob, Catherine and her son, Paddy. Nice to know young people are interested in being part of the amazing Figaro Owners’ Club. For some members, it was their first experience of a meet-up.

The weather and scenery on the route were wonderful. We couldn’t have picked a better day or venue. All thanks to Kate – it was she who suggested The Old Railway Line and as she wasn’t available on Sunday 6th October, it had to be Saturday, 5th. She couldn’t possibly be left off the list as she’s such a great part of the Figgy family.

Our group virtually took over the tea rooms when 18 of us turned up but we managed to find space and, despite not all being able to sit together, we were able to chat and get to know more about other club members.

The cars attracted quite a bit of attention in the car park where we’d all managed to park together and one family whose Figgy is off the road at present had driven to join us. She’s hoping to get her car roadworthy soon so she can attend a future drive-out.

It was decided that we’d drive back via Brecon town and give the visitors there a treat to see our cute cars driving in convoy. Kate did a great job of videoing us leaving the garden centre (see below). It was a pity that a couple of “normal cars” intercepted our convoy but this time there was no Pete or Dave to stop traffic (as they had done at Portmeirion last year).

At Brecon town was where most of us parted ways as we were driving east, west and south. Hopefully, we can encourage some Figgy owners from the north to join us in the future.

Ian and I thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially meeting lots of friends, old and new, that we hope to meet again soon.

Enjoy this short video of us leaving the car park