The South Downs Escargots was started in 1987 by Simon Day and Kit White who used to travel every month to the Kent And Sussex Hillhoppers in the Tunbridge wells area. They felt a club was needed further west and so the Escargots were formed. Meetings were first held at the Bolney Stage in Bolney and then at Sheffield Park Station at the Bluebell Railway. The club later split into two - as the Hillhoppers had since closed - until members living in the east of the area formed the French Ticklers Club.

The South Downs Escargots organise the annual London to Brighton Run which will attract over 300 cars, with help at the London end from the Thames Tortoises.

A monthly newsletter - Snail Trail is produced and sent out to regular attendees of the club who come mainly from Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Worthing and the Brighton area.

Membership is free and events include barbecues, treasure hunts, quizzes, meals out, camping weekends and much much more.

The infamous singing group 'The Fourgonnets' was formed by the Escargots in the late 1980's with songs written by Simon and Kit about 2CVs and their derivatives to the tune of well known pop songs. These were performed at various events to audiences, the best remembered being the international at Worcester Rugby Club in 1989. You never know the Fourgonettes may reform and tour again - watch this space!!!