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EMPOA Annual General Meeting 2024 in Fontenay-le-Comte

The annual general meeting of our Mooney Club took place in Fontenay-le-Compte this year, not far from La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast. It was hosted by our Vice-President Peter de Grove, who organized the meeting as well as a tourist, oenological and culinary supporting programme.

On Friday afternoon between 1 and 5 p.m., 14 Mooneys arrived, the weather was changeable but dry and posed no major problem for any of the crews. Unsurprisingly, the participants came from Germany and France, as these two countries traditionally make up the largest contingents at our events. Unfortunately, this year they remained among themselves, as no crew from any other European country made the journey.

Together with our host's aircraft, 15 Mooneys lined up on the 2 aprons of Fontenay-le-Compte.

Mooneys almost complete

Once everyone had greeted each other, refreshed themselves with an after-landing beer and enjoyed the buffet, we took private transport to the Hotel Fontarabie, where most of us were staying for the two nights.

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Preheat before the AGM

After a little refreshment, the Annual General Meeting took place: the agenda was worked through with motivation in order to move on to dinner as quickly as possible. Members can find the minutes and the presentation here: EMPOA Annual General Meeting 2024 - minutes (English only)

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AGM 

The next day, Saturday, September 7, we started after breakfast with a guided tour of the city, during which the guide went to great lengths to show us the sights of the city.

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City tour 

Impressive portraits of the participants were taken during the tour (see gallery below) - many thanks to Gunter Haug!

However, not all of the participants were equally enthusiastic…

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Critical looks

After the city tour, a bus took us to lunch at the Auberge de la Rivière, where we enjoyed an excellent French 3-course meal.

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Beautiful surroundings 
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Relaxed atmosphere 
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Delicious French food 

We then visited the Mercier winery, where we were informed about wine production and offered a tasting of the various products.

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Highly concentrated 
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Wineyard 
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Wine for pilots

Dinner then took place back at the hotel. Some of the group went out for a nightcap in the city late at night.

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Birthday flowers for Michaela 

The next morning, Sunday, September 8th, we went back to the airfield, from where the Mooneys spread out across Europe again.

As always, it was an all-round successful Mooney weekend. Many thanks to Peter de Grove for the organization!

Tina Haug

Have fun with the picture galleries!

At the airport: 

15 Mooneys: 

City tour: 

Portraits: 

Miscellaneous: 

 

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