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On the 23rd February, Brian and Stephanie celebrated the completion of seven years at the Rose and Crown aided and abetted by an assortment of characters from the infamous Cafe Artois and, of course, Monsieur Rene Artois himself was on hand to keep an eye on proceedings along with an assortment of other characters who frequented his establishment.

 

 

Rene's brother, assisted by a charming waitress, (bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Landlord and his Wife) were behind the bar and in case you are wondering, the painting in this image is one of the many copies of Van Klump's masterpiece featuring the Fallen Madonna etc.

Steph's headgear was temporarily liberated from . . .

 

. . . a member of the occupying forces, who were also well represented although there was not a lot of room in the car park after this oficer had parked his vehicle

There was also a temporary amnesty as this Officer chose not to notice the presence of . . .

 

. . . .an RAF officer at a nearby table. Obviously savouring a brief taste of freedom and enjoying the company of the villagers in a quiet corner of the bar with yet another charming waitress in attendance.

 

There was an interesting variety of authentic French costume on display with the traditional beret very much to the fore along with some imposing and gravity defying moustaches.

 

Not forgetting those essential accessories from the Cafe vegetable garden although the bicycle was parked well clear of f the more impressive machinery in the car park.

 

Approaching from Crows Lane (or possibly La Chemin du Corbeau) unprepared visitors might be a little confused by the sign writing but were no doubt encouraged to enter when they peered through the door.

 

It certainly didn't confuse Captain Bertorelli who arrived in the company of a close ally from the axis forces and more feathers in his cap than most chickens, organic or otherwise, see in their lifetime.

 

This, as is obvious to any connoisseur of the art world, is the original study of The Fallen Madonna etc. as painted by the little known Dutch depressionist Hubrecht Van Klump.

The model is believed to be Karejn mit Woody, a lady the artist met during a cycling tour of Upper Silesia.

Lost during the war it was "liberated" from the bombed out remains of the Gestapo Headquarters in Nouvion just metres from the Cafe of French Resistance hero Monsieur Rene Artois.

 

While the standard of service was generally impeccable, it was the unfortunate Bertorelli who encountered the only incompetent waiter in the Cafe and the Captain had some difficulty in making himself understood.

 

Although in fairness to the waiter, he was more than a little nervous as the threatening figure of Herr McFlick was adopting a politically correct stance behind the bar.

 

Despite Captain Bertorelli's unfortunate experience, there were much better looking staff on hand (Your photographer seems to have a number of similar pictures, I think it must be due to a problem with the Biz digital) during the evening although the presence of this charming young lady was a cause of slight embarrassment for one customer.

 

Who discovered that a cheap beret is liable to shrink if over heated . Fortunately the person under it was unharmed if a little shaken was soon restored by another half of mild.

 

Rene was relaxing with friends, note the flags for added authenticity, and was enjoying the cabaret at the nearby table.

 

I have no idea what is going on here so I leave you to draw your own conclusions.

 

With the variety of uniforms on show there was plenty of opportunity to compare details and authenticity.

 

Or even try an alternative hair style for the evening

Soon it was time for the Cafe Artois to close although by general consensus most of the patrons decided to wait until the driver of this compact vehicle was well on his way before they made their way home.

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