by John McCulloch
For the second year in a row, hardy Citroënistes converged on Kingston, Ontario for a weekend of car talk and good company. It goes without saying that meeting old friends is always pleasurable, but this year members whose names I have known for years but have never met arrived at the Ambassador Hotel’s gigantic parking lot. Jurgen Kulz and his grandson, Roberto Laxalt, and Marinus Dubbledam were there. Jurgen in his mint 2CV and Roberto, loaded down with interesting pictures of Argentinean 2CVs and derivatives. Michel Landry was there first. Having arrived late in the night, he folded down the seats of his beautifully restored D and spent the night there, snug in his sleeping bag in the parking lot. George and Marijke Dyke and their family arrived in George’s beautiful CX.
The tour around the Thousand Islands brought out even more members. The Thürlers, the Baars, the Gravelles and Bob McLeod joined us for the boat cruise from Gananoque. Even the low cloud could not diminish the beauty of the islands and the painted wooden cottages.
Following our tour, members gathered at the Ambassador for a wine and cheese reception. We had an opportunity to meet a Citroëniste from the Antipodes. Sam Choy from Sydney Australia, a 2CV owner, read about our event online and grabbed a train from Montreal to regale us with tales of his Club’s meetings. He filmed everyone around the table. Each person explaining to the camera, his or her particular interest in Citroëns. Envy was at an all-time high because you can buy new Citroëns in Australia. Kingston’s fine cuisine was on the line, as we broke into groups and dined on everything from Indian and French food to the ever-popular Kingston Brew Pub grub.
Sunday morning found the group comparing notes with members of a local Corvette club that had gathered at the Ambassador. The Corvette fanatics were genuinely interested and impressed by the style and handling of the “Deuche.” Such a contrast in cars!
I have the same reaction to all of our events. While I love to see the cars and enjoy looking under hoods, what counts for me is the really super enthusiastic Citroën family we have here in Ontario and Québec. And meeting enthusiasts like Sam Choy is a genuine bonus.
Thanks to all the organizers and participants of Kingston 2004.
Back row from left: Michel Landry, Christian Thürler, John McCulloch, Marijke Dyke, Bob McLeod, Chris Deja, Ruth Dyke, Gordon Dyke.
Middle row from left: Cor Baars, Carla Baars, Maureen Bova, Neil Bova, Fabienne Thürler, Claudine McLeod, Lorraine Riccardi.
Front row from left: Elizabeth Dyke, Paul Riccardi, Steve Loria, George Dyke.