|
E-mail from
BBC ‘Omnibus’ Producer following assistance in the making of a recent
Sebastian Faulks (‘Birdsong') documentary: Mon Dec 18 11:36:20 2000
Dear James,
Just wanted to say thank you very much for last Thursday. It was a
very successful day from our point of view in terms confirming our
locations and working out the logistics for our forthcoming filming
trip. Your help was invaluable and thank you so much for your
enthusiasm for and understanding of what we are trying to achieve.
Sally
|
|
|
From Rick and
Amanda Jaffa, Hollywood, Los Angeles (script writers for the
forthcoming cinema movie to be based on Sebastian Faulk’s acclaimed
novel ‘Birdsong’)
Dear James
Thanks again for a very inspirational time in France. We learned a
lot, had fun and were impressed with your knowledge, passion and
compassion for the soldiers who were at the Somme.
We also feel like we've made a great friend.
Take care,
Rick |
 |
|
|
|
E-mail From:yumyumburmese@btinternet.com Tue Oct 31
16:54:44 2000
Dear Jim
It is impossible for me to write this letter
without sounding like an oily, crawling sycophant. In fact, if you
decide to post this up on your web site, people who read it will think
it’s a fake or that you passed me a large amount of money in a brown
envelope to write it.
I just wanted to write to let you know how much I
enjoyed the recent Somme battlefield tour. I am sure I speak for my
friends also. The organisation was fantastic, the presentation of the
information pack was highly professional and very informative and the
camaraderie of the group was first class. By restricting your tours to
small groups you definitely create a better group atmosphere. There
certainly was a mixed bag of people in our group, but the group
dynamics, to coin a modern phrase, worked very well. I shall rely on
you not to tell my wife, but I enjoyed the tour far more than my
family holiday this year!
According to my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law,
Rich, has not stopped talking to people about the trip. I only hold
back as I do not wish to appear an anorak!
I would certainly have no hesitation in
recommending the trip, or more particularly you and your company, to
others and wish you every success in the future.
Kind regards
Trev
Trevor Rutter |
 |
|
Dear James
Have just got back from from my
self drive tour of the Ipres and Somme battelfields. The time at
Ipres was very interesting and you are correct Madame Linthout is a
mind of of information about the area. The Last Post at the Menin
Gate was a very moving event on the two nights that we were there.
We visited most of the main areas of interest. I must thank you for
the most excellent accommodation for the first two nights. On the
trip from Ipres to Albert we managed a alight detour to visit the
Canadian memorial at Vimy ridge. The two day tour of the Somme
battlefield we both found to be very good with the second day being
the best of the two days. Again accommodation good. The directions
given and the information about each area on the two days of the
Somme tour was excellent and very easy to follow.
Many thanks for arranging the tour.
Yours Richard Turner
|
|
|
|
E-mail:Fri
May 19 16:04:51 2000
Dear Jim,
I felt I must write to thank you for a superb trip. I have been
waiting over forty years to see the places I have read so much about.
Unlike lots of events one looks forward to that don't quite come up to
expectation your trip came up with the goods. I much appreciated the
care and attention to detail. Your availability was also much
appreciated. I only wish you were running trips to other sectors of
the Front. I told my wife all about the trip and she would love to go
- when she retires.
Do let me know if you would like copies of any of my photographs.
All the best for now.
David Elvins
|
Jackie Winspear
2004
 |
|
Dear James,
Just returned from one of your self drive tours to the Somme, staying
at the Picardie. I must congratulate you on a clear and detailed guide
with which we had no problem orientating ourselves. The accommodation
was excellent
(food especially)
Plan to use your Ypres guide in October. I am an Airline pilot and
consequently interested in the RFC/RNAS part in the various battles,
(and graves) does the Ypres guide have much info on that aspect or
can you recommend a good publication.
Thanks again
Kevin Hood |
|
E-mail: From AlexMutant@aol.com Tue Oct
31 23:52:57 2000 Dear Jim
Once again let me say a huge thank you to you for conducting such a
wonderful and well-informed trip. Your overall organisation and
attention to detail was brilliant and I will heartily give your tour a
5-star recommendation if ever I am asked. I know I will never forget
my first trip to the Somme nor will I ever forget the fantastic people
I shared the experience (and the chips!) with. It's amazing the
atmosphere that was generated among 9 total strangers and I am sure we
have built a good bond as a group. In the meantime, look after
yourself and stay in touch
Best regards
Alex
|
|
From: AYapp@++++.co.uk
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 11:49:07 +0100
Hi James,
I understand my father has already emailed you to express his
gratitude but I felt I must also contact you.
As you are aware the visit was a present for my father on the occasion
of his 65th birthday. And what a present it turned out to be! The
company was excellent, your knowledge and enthusiasm obvious and
extremely well
received, and both my father and I came away enriched by the
experience (enjoyed doesn't seem to be the right word!).
The Somme area left me with a burning desire to return, not
necessarily to the same area but certainly to other Great War sites as
I feel I need to return in order to fully comprehend what went on. It
seemed odd, though it should not have done, to find the area looking
so 'normal' - apart form the enormous number of cemeteries. It
difficult to come to terms with the sacrifice and horror of 85 years
ago from the comfort and (relative) peace of today.
Once again I thank you.
Kind regards
Austen Yapp |
From: John Mullen <John.Mullen@+++++.org.uk>
Dear James,
Just a line to thank you
for the Somme Battlefield Tour from which I have just returned.
Everything was first class from the pre -tour documentation/
information to the day to day organisation, and what super fellow
travellers too, a triumph in fact.
I am certain that both
Martin & I will be signing on for further forays in future.
yrs aye
John Mullen
|
From: <eddie@++++++++.co.uk>
To: <jamespower@btinternet.com>
Subject: A thank you
Date: Fri, 18 May 2001 12:16:03 +0100
Dear James
Whilst perhaps enjoyment is the wrong word to use we did enjoy your
excellent guiding, planning and generally helpful manner during the
3 days we spent with you and some other very nice chaps who were all
so courteous to my wife Monica.
We are both glad we went and somehow I
feel it was something that as many people as possible should try and
do in order to understand better the horrors of War. I will never
forget the emotion of standing under the Thiepval Memorial and
trying to comprehend the massive scale of killing that took place
and what little was achieved, but I suppose we can all claim the
knowledge of hindsight.
Once again Jim thank you very much and
we are also obliged to you for delivering us safely home after such
a tiring tour of driving and guiding us all.
Cheerio - Monica & Eddie
|
|
Thu, 16 May 2002
16:05:45 -0400 (EDT)
James
Timothy and I arrived home here in Birmingham last night after
an
uneventful return from London.
Both of us send our best thanks to you for the memorable visit
to the Ypres and Somme battlefields. We are especially grateful to you
for the
opportunities to visit the area between the Pope's Nose and the
Schwaben
Redoubt, and then the Thiepval monument; both of these places are now
landmarks in our lives in their association with William Needham
Everitt
(1892-1916).
We marvel at your knowledge of the geography and history of
these
battlefields of The Great War, with your patience in handling such a
mixed
group of people and with your sustained enthusiasm over such intensive
and crowded days.
In the "farewell to arms" when your party broke up at
Grosvenor Gardens I forgot to pick up my battlefield items, that you
searched and found for me; please pass them on to others on future
tours.
With best regards and all success to the future of Somme
Battlefield Tours.
Norrie
_small.jpg)
|
Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 09:11:05
+0100
Dear James
Just
a short message to thank you on behalf of my Dad and myself for the
excellent 3 days we spent with you. We both found the experience to
be both enjoyable and very moving at the same time.
We were particularly pleased you took the time to take us out to
Contay, it was most kind of you and meant a lot to us. My Dad is
planning to take my Mum back there late summer.
I have passed on your details with a glowing recommendation to my
colleagues here at work who have expressed an interest to see the
Somme and hope you receive more bookings, I'm sure you will.
Thanks
again.
|
|
From: Alex Scott
To: James Power
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 4:21 PM
Subject: Self drive tour 31 May - 3 Jun 02
James
Just a short e-mail to say thank you
very much for the Self drive package to the Somme. The Hotel (Royal
Picardie) was excellent and suited all our needs. The Package you
supplied was superb. The detail information was informative and
highly detailed and was sufficient to hold the interest of my two
teenage children for the whole 2 days (no mean feat I can tell
you).
The mapping was excellent and enabled
all my family and myself (with more of a military strategists eye)
to see the scope and shape of the battle. This was especially so at
Mash valley, Lochnagar crater and the view from Thiepval ridge.
The route directions were accurate and
precise (my wife and myself spent a whole weekend driving in
unfamiliar territory without a single cross word.........) with
clear maps and written directions.
The package, supported by beautiful
summer weather amounted to a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. I am
sure that there is much more to see in the area and I will
definitely be going back.
Thank you once again from us all.
regards
Alex Scott
|
From: Bill Gallagher"
Date: Sat, 25 May 2002 02:59:21 +1200
Hello James,
Thank you for organising our tour. Every thing went very well.
We found the Somme very moving. Your self drive tour was very
detailed. No problem in finding the New Zealand Memorial and
Cemeteries. We met some others New Zealanders on a walking tour so we
could show them around also.
The accommodation at Albert was friendly and pleasant. At Ypres the
accommodation was great and our host really looked after us very
well. We saw all the points of our interest.
Thanks again for you service we would recommend your service to any
one.
Kind regards
Bill and Judi Gallagher
|
 |
|
Dear Jim
Just a quick e-mail to thank you very much for a fantastic trip to the
Ypres battlefield. As you know, I am a repeat client, having
accompanied you to the Somme in 2000. The Ypres trip was in the same
top class mould as the Somme trip. Once again your organisation,
professionalism and undoubted enthusiasm shone through to make the trip for myself and my
group a memorable one. There is no doubt that the small group style of
battlefield touring beats the large coach parties hands down. What I
particularly liked was your willingness to deviate from your excellent
schedule and visit the cemetary where Captain Albert Ball V.C. is
buried, as I requested. This was a real high point for me and my
brother in law. We both spent our childhoods making Airfix models of
aeroplanes and idolising the memory of Captain Ball! That was before
we discovered girls.
A great trip all round. Very comfortable transport and hotel. Great
food at the "Old Tom". Superb group camaraderie. Excellent value for
money.
When my son is old enough to appreciate it, I shall be booking on
another trip. Thanks again, Jim.
Trev
|
 |
From Dr Martin Porter
Monday 23 September 2002 (e-mail)
Dear James,
I hope you had a safe
journey home and were not too exhausted after the weird lot you had
to contend with this weekend!
Liz and I would like
to thank you so much for letting us come on this trip to the
battlefields. It was something we will never forget. The
anticipation was that we would be overawed, but even after reading a
fair amount about the struggle, we were unprepared for the shock of
seeing where it all happened, and the sheer size of the conflict.
We gained something
you can never get from books, the opportunity to imagine what went
on, with the scenes of battle in front of us. All this was made
possible by your presentation and by the encyclopaedic knowledge
which you so obviously have, and the totally apparent desire to
share that knowledge with other people. We could almost see the
struggle in front of us as we stood and listened to your
descriptions.
I think one of the
other things that made the trip so memorable, was to meet with total
strangers for a couple of days. It was fascinating to learn about
them, and to be able to share a common interest in such an important
and awful part of our mutual history. The fact that we all got on so
well is a testimony to your ability to make everyone feel at home
and important. I know I speak for us all when I say how much we
appreciated that.
So much happened in
those three days, in terms of us learning about that particular
aspect of the great war, that it would be easy to forget the work
that you put in to making is so comfortable, and I do congratulate
you on all the background organisation. The visits to Avril were
fascinating and the hotels really good. Food- top quality. Booze-
needed and supplied.
That's it, James, we
wish nothing but happiness to you and Annette, and thank her for
letting you out of her sight after so little time married.
I will look at the
website in a while to see which dates you have free for next
September and come back to you when I have spoken to my surgeon
friend and his wife.
As promised I enclose
the two photos, (or maybe three) of the group. I think they show me
in a particularly good light, Adonis-like, upright, tall and bald!
All the best and may
your trips all be as rewarding to your guests as ours was,
|
 |
E-Mail from Mr R
Davis, Redditch, England.
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 10:13:
Dear James,
A quick line
following my recent to the Somme 28 - 30 Oct [2002].
The information pack
you supplied was excellent reading, I felt as if i was already
there, but nothing prepared me for the real thing! It was awe
inspiring, and all the areas to visit seemed so close to each other.
We generally started at 8 am and got back the Royal Picardie just
after dusk. we covered some foot miles during the day. We did see
your people carrier in the square in Albert, but our rumbling
stomachs were a priority!
All the signposts
were excellent, so no getting lost. As we were a self drive trip we
managed to get to quite a few out of the way places, (good job I
took a compass and trench map!). To summarise, an awe inspiring
visit, with well presented documentation. All the sites were kept in
the most excellent condition ( good work from the CWGC).
Another trip is being
planned as I write. Thanks again James,
Ray Davis
Redditch
|
|
|
E-mail: Sun, 10 Nov 2002 2134
Thank you so much for the magnificent battlefield tour of Flanders and
the Somme. Your knowledge is superlative and your imaginative and
exhaustive programme a masterly feat. I do not believe the tour could
be improved, and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to explore
the legacy of the Great War. I shall certainly return again.
Yours Sincerely
Dr Steve Metcalf
|
|
|
E-mail From Mr Nick Salt 28
April 2003
Dear James
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed what proved to be a very moving
experience for me. The weekend was extremely well organised and apart
from your obvious knowledge and enjoyment of the subject you were also
very good company to be with. I don't know whether all your groups get
on so well but this one certainly did and I think we are all serious
about getting together to repeat the trip.
Thank you so much.
Your sincerely
Nick Salt
|
|
Letter from Mr & Mrs Mason. Reading, UK. 20
May 2003
Dear James & Annette,
A note to say a very big thank you for the brilliant 3 days spent at
the Somme battlefield. The tour was very enjoyable but poignant
& the organisation second to none. We met some lovely people too.
We have lots of happy memories from our 3 days & wish we could have
stayed longer.
Thanks again for everything & we hope to go back there some day!
With very best wishes,
Jean & Peter Mason
|
|
|
E-mail from
Peter & Margaret Darkin, Australia
27 May 2003
James,
.
...your careful research and preparation - together with your
flexibility and willingness to explore unfamiliar territory - made
it possible for me to pursue my own personal itinerary
(specifically developed to follow my grandfather's war service) in
a way I had scarcely dared dream possible.
I have heard terribly tragic stories of Australians visiting either
Gallipoli or the Western front, only to come away bitterly
disappointed at having been given a standard presentation all too
sadly remote from their own specific (and stated) interests. You, on
the other hand, while offering the invaluable service of providing
overview tours to those interested in the broader picture of WWI, go
beyond even the more specialised service of "personalised tours" to
your own personal involvement in retracing the steps of specific men
and units. Your own personal interest and involvement in - and
commitment to - the theme of the moment is what makes your tours so
special.
Margaret and I both feel that your kindness, understanding and
sense of humour really served to make our explorations a
delightful experience and we both genuinely look forward to
catching up with you and Annette when next we visit England.
Again, many thanks for everything - including the wonderful
pictures.
Very best wishes
Peter and Margaret Darkin
May 2003
|
|
E-mail from Robert Beach received 7 July 2003.
Dear James and Annette
I would like to say that I
thoroughly enjoyed my trip to France with you both and the other members
of our group. Enjoyed is probably the wrong word to use when it comes to
visiting and trying to comprehend the fates of those on both sides that
were engaged in the struggle for the Somme area.
However through James'
knowledge and enthusiastic passion for the Somme campaign I was able
to decipher a whole lot more from the books that I had read on the
subject. Thanks to the trench maps that James had supplied in his
excellent briefing pack and the large scale photographs the group
were able to physically juxtapose today's topography with what it was
like during the Somme campaign. What will remain with me is how small the
actual area is and that such infamous place names such as La Boisselle or
Pozieres are today such inconsequential places.
I would particularly
like to thank you James for taking the time to supply me with the two
additional Trench Maps for La Boisselle to help locate the actual area
where my Great Uncle's Battalion, The 13th (Service) Battalion, The Rifle
Brigade went over the top on the 10th July 1916. To be able to walk over
no-man's land where my Great Uncle was killed and still remains was a very
moving experience. Thank you also for the battlefield debris that you
found in that area.
Lastly I would also like to
thank Annette for being the perfect host on this tour.
I have no hesitation in
recommending anyone who is contemplating an organised tour of the
Somme Battlefields to choose Somme Battlefield Tours Ltd.
I wish Somme Battlefield
Tour Ltd every success in the future.
Yours sincerely.
Rob Beach
|
|
E-mail from Peter Hook Wed, 3 Sep 2003
22:23Dear Jim and Annette,
(extract)
Thank you so much for the
great 3 days on the trip to Somme and Ypres. I had a super time. Not only
was the history bit really absorbing and helped to increase my desire to
know more about the Great War but ,also, the arrangements concerning food
and accommodation could not be faulted.
With all best wishes and thanks
Peter
|
|
|
E-mail from Terence Mobley 9 Sept. 2003
Hi James,
Very many thanks for yet ANOTHER first class tour. How we managed to do
and see so much in the time is due to your "military" planning and in depth
knowledge of the area. The Vimy 'side visit' was much appreciated.
Praise also to Annette for looking after the 'creature comforts'.
Thanks and good wishes for the future
Regards
Terry
|
|
E-mail from Trish Wittenstein 22 September
2003Dear James and Annette,
What an incredible experience! Your attention
to all the details small and large, not only in the information you
present but in the comforts you provide along the way surpassed anything I
was anticipating. I learned so much! I look forward to an autumn tour
next year.
Thank you and take care,
Trish
|
|
|
E-Mail from Priscilla Osborne 29 September 2003
...The tour was wonderful - better than my expectations
although the pre-tour information had led me to believe that everything
would be very well-organised and good quality. I enjoyed it immensely,
especially being able to see my great-uncle's grave: a very personal service
that Battlefields Tours can offer...
Best wishes
Priscilla
|
|
E-Mail
from Gordon Coldwell 8 October 2003
Dear James and Annette
I just
wanted to drop you a short line to say how much my father and myself
enjoyed your tour. The whole trip was fascinating and your enthusiasm has
inspired me read and investigate more into the First World war. The DVD we
purchased at Vimy Ridge was most interesting and has motivated me to look
into under ground war fare and also to start reading Bird Song, Karen
would be proud of me.!!
Thanks again for a great three days, the tour was great and also the other
people we spent time with.
Hope you
are both well.
Best
wishes,
Gordon
|
|
E-mail from John & Sue Copus October 2003
Dear James & Annette
I had hoped to write a proper letter of thanks
to you, but our post goes through Dartford, which seems to have been one
of the major problems areas during the postal strike, so I have decided at
last to email, as it seems it will be some time before things return to
normal.
...We would both like to
express our thanks to you for the excellent tour. Enjoyable is probably
the wrong word in the circumstances, but certainly very enlightening, and
made much better by being amongst such a super group of people, albeit
that some were more organised than others! Hope Charlie and Eamon made it
back to Dublin ok, eventually.
...Once again we thank you
for all your hard work, attention to detail and friendship, and wish you
both, and Somme Battlefield Tours, every success for the future, and if
you are planning a reunion do let us know.
With very best wishes
Sue & John
|
|
|
E-mail from Vicki Rutson June 2004 (Self-Drive tour)
Dear James,
Keith and I are back and are delighted to report that we had a simply
wonderful time. I'll write in more detail shortly, but I wanted to let you
know how much we appreciated the care and attention that you put into the
self-drive tour. The hotels were very comfortable, the driving was not
difficult, and best of all, the materials you provided were outstanding.
Easy to follow, very informative, and clearly written by someone with a deep
respect for those who experienced the Great War.
Again, I'll write again before the week is over, but I did want to let you
know what a success our trip was, thanks to you.
Sincerely,
Vicki Rutson |
|
|
E-mail from Susan Wright June 2004
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank both you and Annette
very much for making my visit to The Somme so very special. I hope to be
able to join you again for another trip, it was all so wonderful.
Best wishes,
Sue |
|
|
E-Mail from Anne Hallsworth
15 June 2004
Dear James
and Annette,
I am writing to thank you
both for making the Somme Battlefield Tour of June 11-13 such a memorable,
happy and interesting experience. In the area of the battlefields it might
seem strange to say 'happy' but in James going out of his way to help me
find the area of trenches where my Great Uncle fell in 1916 it is a word
that applies. I was happy to have found the trenches where Uncle
Charlie had been walking, working and fighting for England only moments
before the shell blast took him into the next world.
James, you have such a
vast knowledge of the battles, the battlefields and placements of troops
that everywhere we went you gave us information and snippets of personal
insights of some of the soldiers who fell in those terrible days, and those
who survived. I am sure that I speak for the others when I say that on many
occasions, for a few brief moments, it felt as though I was there and seeing
the battle taking place.
Sue and I took your tour
with no specific expectation other than to learn about the Somme and perhaps
find areas relevant to each of us as we both lost a Great Uncle in 1916.
For you to go out of your way to return to Serre Road for Sue to make and
entry in the visitors book shows just how much you cared about your guests.
Annette, your looking
after the creature comforts of us all was much appreciated, as was the
supportive role you showed to all of the party, and especially Sue when you
realised she had not signed the visitors book and later, when we returned so
that she could.
I know neither Sue nor
I would have returned home to digest so much information and carry on with
searching more into the events surrounding my Uncle Charlie and her Uncle
Harry had we taken a 'big coach' tour of the Somme. The party of six became
your family for the time we were there and I am sure the others have
returned home feeling as well looked after, supported and informed as we
have done. In a way, that party became as one for those few days and the
friendship that grew within the group was also quite special.
Your after tour help in
providing photographs for us has been greatly appreciated and once again
shows the personal touch that you have, and how caring for your guests is
important to you. There is no doubt in my mind that should I wish to
re-visit the Somme Battlefields there is only one tour operator that I would
contact.
Finally, I can only end
this letter by wishing you both good health and happiness that will allow
you to carry on with these special and personal tours for many years yet to
come.
Very sincerely yours,
Anne
|
|
|
E-mail 24 July 2004 (ref tour 14-16 July 2004)
Dear James.
I just had to email you to say how much Sue and I enjoyed the tour.
It was beyond our expectations and really gave us a true insight into those
terrible days. I know the others enjoyed it immensely and we have been
swapping photos today at Bryans where we have had a very good lunch. I am
very pleased with most of my pictures, as promised I will email pictures of
the two bears Sue showed you.
Thank you again and give our best to Annette.
Michael
Sue Pearson Teddybears
www.sue-pearson.co.uk
|
|
|
E-mail from Nigel Howard 26.7.04
Good Morning James
What a fantastic tour.
Your knowledge was extensive and your enthusiasm boundless. This was also
backed up by the superb organisation, and hospitality form you and your wife
Annette.
In a three day tour it is
impossible to visit all the sites or to linger too long at the ones we did
see, but what a taster, and also a superb overview on which to build. I can
well see why people book repeat tours with you.
Stella and I will both be
doing some background reading, and perhaps go over ourselves to revisit some
of the sites and to follow the footsteps of her Great Uncle Jupp , killed
near Arras on 2nd May 1917. Thank you so much indeed for taking the time
to visit the cemetery where he is buried at Fuchey Chapel cemetery near
Wancourt.
The tour has also no doubt
left a lasting impression on our 18 year old son Andrew.
Once again James thank you
to you and Annette for a wonderful tour.
Kind
regards
Nigel
& Stella Howard
|
|
|
E-mail from:
Dr. Ross Pennie
Sun, 08 Aug 2004
Dear James,
…Your arrangements and guidebook were perfect. We had flawless weather and
so were able to see and do all the things you suggested in the two-day
visit. For us, two days was exactly right.
…The details you included in your guide made the Battle of the Somme come
alive for us. We were moved by the enormity of Thiepval: the size of the
monument and the overwhelming number of missing soldiers it honours, many of
them teenagers, really. Hotel Royal Picardie was a delight because it was
quiet, family run, and friendly.
…I am so glad we found you through the magic and serendipity of the Internet
and thank you for providing us with an unforgettable experience in Northern
France.
The Pennies: Ross, Lorna, and Fraser (age 16)
Canada
|
|
|
E-mail
from Joan Davenport 17 August 2004
James,
A belated thank you for such a splendid tour
last week of the Somme and Ypres battlefields. Your tour is the best run
tour that I have ever participated in and look forward to an opportunity
to go on another one with you.
.....
Kind regards, Joan
|
|
|
E-mail from John Kelly 26 September 2004
James
Annie and I have been
very remiss in not reporting on our trip to the battlefield - great to see
you on the Motorway when we were on the return journey!
Our trip was absolutely
outstanding! Your guide was perfect, and by the time we got to the second
day you were of Godlike status! We did the Ypres and Passchendaele on the
first day - very moving and extraordinarily easy to follow via your books.
Second day on to the Somme, where in a day-and-a-half we did 5 of the 7
battlegrounds. I even found a real live WW1 rifle bullet by the Matthew and
Mark woods (think that was the name!) We met wonderful people, and learnt so
much, honestly due in the main to your briefings.
Hotels fine crossings good. We may well do this again some time to pick-up
on the info we missed this time. In the meantime, from both Annie and I,
many thanks for bringing the whole madness and heroics of the Great War to
life.
John |
|
E-Mail from Chris & Cathy Harrington
(Australia)
17 October 2004James,
We've been trying to
find appropriate superlatives to describe our battlefield tour.
This really was the most professional, enjoyable, interesting and,
above all, enriching tour that we have ever done.
James, your detailed
preparation, guide material, organisation and knowledge combined to
move this tour to a level beyond our wildest expectations.
This combined with
both your and Annette's hospitality enabled a relaxed, comfortable
feeling amongst all the tour party. Everyone was made to feel
genuinely welcome. Also, the accommodation and food was of an
excellent standard.
The sensitive manner
in which you conveyed the stories of those poor unfortunates who had
no choice all those years ago is so commendable.
You created and
maintained a balance that linked interest and respect in a
thoroughly tasteful way. We greatly appreciated the opportunity of
seeing some of the Australian sites and hearing their associated
stories.
We've been telling everyone about this
tour and am sure someone will contact you from this source sometime
in the near future.
As for us, don't be surprised if we contact you for another tour.
Also, as we understand you're planning
to come to this part of the world over the next year or so
please contact us - we'd really like to catch up and give you a
very warm welcome.
Best wishes
Chris & Cathy Harrington
|
|
Conducted tour
E-Mail from Miranda Coates 17 October 2004
Dear
James and Annette,
A
belated thank you for such a lovely tour to the Somme. I keep trying
to find a more suitable adjective than ‘enjoyable’ but that is
actually just right. We had a lovely mixture of people and an
excellent combination of space both for fun and reflection. I
especially appreciated the detour to Thiepval Wood and I will long
remember the atmosphere there, along with seeing the dawn at
Louvencourt!
Thanks again and I look forward (hopefully) to next year in Verdun!
Miranda Coates
|
|
Conducted tourE-mail from Lauren Petscheck 28 October 2004
Dear James and
Annette
Ellie and I would like to thank you for the most amazing trip. Your
knowledge in the subject and the Battlefields made WW1 come alive
for us and I had no interest in the war before coming on the tour
but I now feel compelled to become a WW1 anorak!
I
could not find fault with the tour James you run it so well and
every need is taken care of. I enjoyed meeting you and also
the other members of the group. It was particularly interesting and
indeed fortunate that both Trevor and Tony had personal reasons for
visiting the Battlefields which made the trip more poignant for us.
....all
the best and many thanks again
Lauren
and Ellie Petschek
|
|
|
Conducted tour
From: Cdr J Macleod
Ref tour 11-13 March 2005
Dear James and Annette
Just a quick note to say thank you very much for a great weekend. I
had a fantastic time, your tour surpassed my expectations and I know
my Father has now fulfilled a long held desire to see some of the
battlefields of the Great War.
I can think of no better way of visiting those battlefields than with
a group of friends and someone who has a deep specialist knowledge.
You provide this with ease. Both your and Annette's easy nature and
'can do' attitude come together to provide a first rate experience.
You made us feel like a bunch of friends from the off, nothing was too
much trouble and your ability to cram so much into such a short space
of time without us ever feeling like we were rushed is quite a skill.
I believe you do those who fought in those battles a great service,
you have left an awareness and understanding of that period in history
on 6 more people who I am sure we will reflect upon it for some time.
Thanks again and happy gizziting.
Jim
'Gizzit' Navy slang. Any item that might be
worth having that someone else no longer needs - or most likely any
item worth having, regardless of minor matters concerning ownership
(including items no longer needed from WW1 and to be found on the
battlefields today...). |
|
Conducted tour (private)
From:
Steve Cross
Sent: 29 March 2005 16:11
Dear James,
I'm just dropping you this line to say thank you so very much on
behalf of Heather and myself for the wonderful tour which we have
just had. It surpassed my every expectation, and managed to be
both extremely moving and massively enjoyable at the same time -
no easy feat!
Your organisation of the itinerary and your excellent company were
both from the very top drawer, and your help in following the
footsteps of my great-uncle, Tom Waite, around the Somme and Ypres
battlefields was absolutely invaluable.
The high point must, for me, have been standing on the spot on
21/3/2005 where Tom's Battalion (23 Battalion, London Regiment)
would have been on 21/3/1918 when he was killed, and in finding
right there the beautiful and tranquil little cemetery of Metz en
Couture. In this cemetery, amongst all the graves of those souls
from other Battalions/Regiments, lies the single grave of an
unknown soldier from 23 Battalion, London Regiment, who was killed
on 21/3/1918. Research and known circumstances, plus very strong
coincidence and no doubt a little hoping, suggest that the unknown
soldier's grave may even have been that of my great-uncle.
We cannot know utterly for certain, but I will never lose the
feeling which I experienced inside as I looked out over the
beautiful, peaceful fields towards Gouzeaucourt Wood beyond, and
tried to picture the atmosphere when Tom was there in the Metz
Switch trench that day in 1918. To think that he embarked for
France on 14 March 1915, saw so much, and died so close to the end
of the war. I am so, so glad that finally a relative of his has
been to the place where Tom died, far from his family. He'll never
be so far away again.
Incidentally, I've seen the photos of us on your web site, and
they're great! If it would help you to identify us, and maybe tell
a little of our story on your web site, then please feel
absolutely free so to do - we'd be very pleased to be associated
with your company and yourself at any time. We'll definitely be
back!
Steve Cross
|
|
Self-Drive tour
From:
family sherlaw
Sent: 07 April 2005
22:20
To: jamespower@btinternet.com
Dear Mr. Power,
We have safely returned from the trip you arranged for us to the
Somme and Ypres.
The itinerary you drew up was excellent, we followed it very easily,
the only problem being not of your making, a car that burst into
flames on a small road meant a detour. The background material gave
a great insight into what had occurred. Both hotels were good,
although we had to eat out as their restaurants were too expensive
for the four of us, especially a young one who can be rather picky.
The whole experience was very moving, from the very start, at the
Newfoundland
monument we were enveloped in fog so all was quiet and gave
space for thought and appreciation as to what had happened there.
Fortunately most of the sites were quiet and we were left to
contemplate the enormity, to realise that under the ground we trod
were many. As you indicated, at the Ulster monument the curators
were welcoming and put us in the right direction. Thiepval and the
Menin Gate are awesome, although my wife felt that names at Tyne Cot
gave even more of a feeling of the enormity of what had happened.
All the cemeteries were beautifully kept, set in gentle undulating
countryside, so easily walked now, but each foot so terribly bought
then. One is left with admiration and gratitude for them, and the
inevitable question is why they continued, by the time of
Passchendaele they must have known the price, and Russia had
withdrawn and France nearly had, and yet they went on. My own
grandfather had been at Passchendaele and had been gassed himself,
which affected him through life afterwards. Coming across a Kings
Royal Rifle Corps grave at Serre brought home here was one of these
comrades, there were many more, we came across their memorial near
the Tank Corps, one of the few things you did not lead us to.
Thank you again for leading us along journeys, both the expected and
the unexpected, but for which we are grateful,
John Sherlaw
|
|
Self-Drive tour
From:
Mr M Wells]
Sent: 09 April 2005
14:47
To: jamespower@btinternet.com
Subject: Somme
Self-Drive 5th - 8th April
Just a quick note to say thanks for arranging our self drive tour,
our first visit to the Somme, from which we returned last night.
The guide was excellent. The driving instructions were clear and
the information along the way gave a clear picture of what
happened all those years ago.
We
detoured a bit a couple of times to specific places, Redan Ridge
and Munich and Waggon Road Cemeteries to see where Ben Duckworth
of the 8th East Lancs was lost on 16th November 1916. Munich and
Waggon Road both contain several East Lancs men killed on the 15th
and 16th, including a couple of unknowns......it was very moving.
On a grey, windy day with spots of rain in the air it was a fairly
bleak place.We also detoured to Guillemont Road where Thomas
Brazandale of the 1/5th Kings Liverpool was lost on the 8th August
1916. There were a couple of men of the 1/5th who died on the
same day, but there are many unknown King Liverpool men.
We
didn't experience any problems with irate farmers at the
Accrington Pals memorial, and having a large 4x4 enabled us to get
to one or two places we may not have otherwise reached at this
time of year.
Both Ann and Chloe found the tours excellent and both said that
they would be happy to go again - praise indeed!
The hotel was
friendly and ideally placed. The food, especially the local
specialities like Zander and smoked eel were superb,
and they catered well for Chloe (9).
Overall we had an excellent time, much enhanced by booking via
yourself. I will definitely be recommending you to everyone I
speak to.
|
|
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2005 2:15 PM
Subject: Somme Tour
Hi James & Annette,
Where do I start...I just want to thank
you for such an excellent tour. It was everything I had expected and
more. Your knowledge is unsurpassed, you explained everything with
such enthusiasm, it was as if it was the very first time. Not only
did you paint us a perfect picture, you helped us step inside it.
Thank you for your care and exceptional
attention to detail.
Needless to say Tony was overwhelmed
with such a fantastic experience.
Thank you again.
Lynn xx
 |
|
Self-Drive tour
From Peter & Tanya Richards
Self-Drive tour 23-26 April 2005
Dear James
Fantastic tour. Tanya and I had a very
emotional and thought provoking tour. I was very proud and appalled
at the same time. The ANZAC and Allied victories were great feats
of human endurance but very sad at the same time for the meaningless
loss of life for so few feet of ground gained. ANZAC Day was
special, as Tanya and I spent the dawn service at the windmill
battle site at Pozieres.
James your itinerary is second to none
very professional and informative. I have recommended these tours to
my mates serving here and at home as a worth while and meaningful
experience and to understand what our heritage as Australian
soldiers is all about. Once again thank you for this opportunity to
learn more about my great Grand Fathers battle history and other
Allied soldiers as this has enriched my understanding of the Great
War
|
|
|
Conducted tour
Sent: Saturday 14 May 2005
Subject: Somme Tour
Dear James and Annette
We arrived home yesterday after a wonderful few days in Paris. Hope
your return trip was good.
But of course the most special part will always be those three
incredible days around Montauban.
James and Annette, you have no idea what you really did for us. Having
our family together was something very precious to us all, but making
our grandfather and Eve’s father’s experiences come alive for us would
never have been possible without you.
Your warmth, interest and passion are something we’ll always remember.
Thank you so very much from us all
Eve, Mark, Brett, John and Robin
|
|
|
Conducted tour E-mail from
Michael Mitchell
16 April 2005
Dear Mr and Mrs Power,
[...]
I mainly wanted to
write to say thank you so much for such a fantastic trip last month.
Your knowledge, explanations and care and attention to us all were
absolutely fantastic. Your deep sense of respect was evident in
everything you did and I felt that you really got us as close to the
people of 1916 and their thoughts as it is possible to do for people
of our generation. It was a very moving, and yet very enjoyable
trip.
I must thank you
personally for being so welcoming and inclusive. As I mentioned at
the time, it was my first trip abroad in a long time and where I was
feeling slightly reticent at the beginning of the trip, I was really
not wanting to leave by the Thursday.
I know I was also
lucky to travel with a fantastic group of people as well but your
care and attention made it one of the most memorable trips I have
ever had.
[...]
Thanks again and look forward to
hearing from you in due course.
Michael Mitchell
|
|
Conducted tour 21-23 June 2005
James,
Just a brief note on behalf of myself and my brother to thank
you and Annette for the excellent battlefield tour. We both
thoroughly enjoyed the three days and the dry weather, although
verging on the hot[!] at times, made it more so. Your
infectious enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject enriched the
experience all round, a sentiment I am sure backed up by the
other group members. Definitely worth a return visit!
Having now visited some of
the places previously only known through books, films etc, and
although changed in part through the passage of time, the areas
have left a lasting impression that will come to the fore once
again each Remembrance Day.
Kind Regards
Jeremy.
|
|
|
E-mail from Debbie &
Clive Chenery 9 July 2005 Dear James and
Annette,
Meant to send this earlier but here goes. Clive and I want to
thank you both for making the tour so enjoyable. It was like being
away with old friends.
The thing that struck me most James, was how you brought home the
human side of the terrible things that happened in that beautiful
countryside. I will never forget the visit to the Sheffield
Memorial Park and the way in which you asked us to imagine
those brave young men psyching themselves up to go 'over the top'
while at the same time their mothers at home were going about
their day, perhaps having their first cup of tea and thinking of
their son, it was profoundly moving.
I believe that your exemplary knowledge of the
Great War is enhanced by your ability to convey an individual
sense of how it must have been for 'them' and more tellingly
'him'.
We would also like to thank you Annette for
your hospitality and the way that you went out of your way to make
everyone feel welcome, you make a great team!
We will definitely consider another visit.
Thank you both so much
Debbie and Clive Chenery
|
|
Conducted Tour
19-21 August 2005
James:
Thank you so much for a most memorable tour. As an
instructor at DePaul University in Chicago who teaches the
subject of World War I, I certainly learned much from your
expertise of the subject. You are very knowledgeable in this
area of study and your presentation of this subject definitely
keeps one's interest.
Also, Jodi accompanied me to join
your tour of the Somme and Ypres with a lot of reading material
with the intentions of spending a lot of time in the van and not
participating in the tour since her interest level was not very
high, if non-existent, in this subject. To her surprise and
mine, she was VERY interested as we continued through your
tour. She has said that she was so glad she went on the tour
because you made it so interesting. I am certain that anyone
who thinks they are not be interested in this subject would find
it fascinating as you made it so. The tour was fantastic and
the our group was certainly a lot of fun. Thanks again for such
an awesome, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime tour!
Sincerely,
Dan
Christine & Jodi Dettbarn
 |
|
|
Conducted
Tour 19-21 August 2005
Dear James and Annette
We thought you would like this copy of Annette doing Brian's
job, when we were having breakfast.
Seriously though we both wanted to say
how much we enjoyed the trip, it was beyond all our
expectations. The people, the tours, going where 56 seater
coaches can't take you, feeling we were the only people
there and we could have a private moment. Hill 60 museum
was an experience not to be missed, those photos brought us
so much closer to what actually happened.
We both would like to go back to Avril's.
I want to see how she is getting on with her excavations,
and Brian wants another bowl of soup.
Your knowledge really helped us to picture how it was during
the war for the soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Many thanks
Sylvia & Brian Goodfellow
|
|
|
|
Conducted
Tour 6-8 September 2005
Dear
James and Annette
Thank you
very much for a most interesting and rewarding tour of the Somme
& Ypres battlefields on the 6-8 September.
James,
your knowledge of the Somme and Ypres battlefields is
outstanding. Thanks to your excellent itinerary and commentary I
have been inspired to learn more about the Great War, and the
sacrifices made on the Western Front in particular. I hope you
will have the same affect on others so that the events that led
to the loss of so many lives on the battlefields will be
remembered, especially by younger generations.
Annette,
you were a wonderful host. It was a great pleasure to travel
with you and James. Most of all I'd like to say how truly
grateful I am for the great kindness and consideration you both
showed to my father throughout the tour.
I hope we
will meet again.
 |
|
|
Conducted
Tour 24-26 September 2005
Dear James and Annette,
Still coming down to earth after the trip to the Somme and
Ypres. Dreamed about going over the top once or twice last week. So
it's obviously had/is having a big impact.
I thought the tour was perfect (ok apart from the abject lack
of helicopter...). I wouldn't have wanted to be taken by anyone
else, informed by anyone else in any different way, stayed
anywhere else, eaten anything different. The weather and the
ploughed fields were the icing.
It was moving without being maudlin, informative without being
factladen, well paced - covering the ground while allowing us time
for reflection.
My mum has found the letters from my great-uncle so I'll be
looking into his part in the war when I next go to see her, and
I've discovered that my grandfather was shot down in his Sopwith 1
1/2 strutter near Oppy (the Vimy Ridge) on May 9 1917.
Look forward to seeing the group photo when you get the chance.
If I do any more books on the Western Front, I'll be in touch.
Very best wishes and thanks to you both,
Steve,
 |
|
|
Conducted
Tour 4-6 October 2005
Dear James and Annette,
Just a short note to thank
both of you for the recent battlefield tour of the Somme - it
more than exceeded all my expectations.
Your depth of knowledge and
passion for the subject, together with your slick and
professional organisation, made for a truly memorable few days.
Thank you both for peeling
back the veneer of the now peaceful Somme countryside and
revealing the appalling violence our grandfathers endured and
the sacrifices they made - it was a truly humbling experience.
Please also pass on my thanks
to Avril, Teddy and Phoebe for their hospitality and time taken
to talk to us.
[. . . .]
Once again, thank you both for a wonderful, thought provoking
few days.
Regards,
Mike McCabe
|
|
|
Conducted
Tour
10-12 March 2006
James and Annette,
Quick line to say thank you for a thoroughly
enjoyable trip and the way you looked after us. I don't think
one could do this tour without a professional in the first
instance as so little remains on the surface to see. So the
imagination has to come into play, but the very being there
makes it special.
I found a website which had aerial views of
the battlefields (unfortunate region)
although I'm sure you have probably come across this already.
Best Regards and hope I will make a trip with
you maybe next year.
Les
 |
|
|
Conducted
Tour
21-23 March 2006
Dear James,
I have been really busy at work since getting
back from the Somme tour late last month. I realise that most of
your customers recognise the quality of your tours and so you
receive many testimonials, but I just wanted to write to thank
you and Annette for the tour I went on.
Every aspect of the tour was thoroughly
enjoyable and really well organised. I'm sure that it is not
easy to make the tours that way, but you both make it look
effortless!
I would like to thank you again for those
parts of the tour that were 'personal' to me, but even without
them I cant tell you how much I enjoyed the trip. It's easy to
see why so many people get the 'bug' for this and want to return
again and again. Your knowledge and enthusiasm really comes
across well and of course all the friends and contacts you have
made just add to the enjoyment for us guests.
Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.
John
 |
|
|
Conducted
Tour
21-23 March 2006
(see above tour photo) |
|
|
Conducted tour 21-23 April 2006 Hi James
and Annette
I just wanted to thank you for a superb and
unforgettable trip to the Somme and Ypres. I thought you
accomplished wonders in the time available and it brought the
reality of the Great War home in a really powerful and affecting
way. Your organisation (especially "Café Annette") and the study
material I thought excellent and really made a huge difference
to the value of the tour.
[....]
Peter Cartwright
 |
|
Conducted tour 21-23 April 2006
Dear James and Annette
As you know this was my second
trip and I did wonder whether I would enjoy it as much as
the first. I partly re-booked so that I could see it through
the eyes of someone who had not been on such a tour and I
think I can speak for Ian in that he really enjoyed the
experience.
Apart from thanking you for
another brilliant trip I also wanted to set down in writing
how well I think you run every aspect of your tours. Your
web site is excellent and creates the right impression from
word go but it is your attention to detail that is most
impressive (I am sure not many notice but I was amused for
example at how often the water bottles that hang from the
back of your seat were replaced). Yours is an extremely well
run business and it shows throughout just how much you care
about the service you are providing.
Thank you so much. I mentioned
to you on the way home about the possibility of me
organising a small like minded group of friends who would
like to do such a tour together and I have no doubt that I
will contacting you about this in the future.
Best wishes
Yours sincerely
Nick Salt
|
|
Self-Drive tour (Somme
battlefield) April 2006
Dear James,
Thank you
very much for your help last week during our visit to the
Royal Picardie at Albert. Your prompt assistance was much
appreciated in sorting out the problem, and everything ran
smoothly from then on.
The
directions and battle information were excellent, and made
the visit easy to drive and to understand what happened
where. Much of what we experienced there is not tangible,
it is felt, and it needs time to absorb. We noticed several
organised trips that would arrive after us and leave before,
they must have missed out on so much.
To be near
Serre, standing by the trenches from which the `Pals`
started and looking to nearby Queens Cemetery where many now
rest was very moving. So was Delville wood, and Mametz, and
the sadness of the German cemetery at Fricourt with its
17000 bodies. Perhaps most poignant is seeing unexploded
munitions by the road awaiting collection, and walking along
the edge of ploughed fields at Redan Ridge with so much
barbed wire and shrapnel just lying there.
This was a
superb trip, well done, and thank you again for your help.
John
Langlands and Christine Hughes.
|
|
Conducted tour 28-30 April 2006
Dear Jim,
Just a quick
note to once again say a huge thanks to you for organising such
an interesting, enjoyable and emotional visit to some of the
Somme and Ypres battlefields. How you put up with the seven of
us is beyond me!
I hope we did
our Dorset Constabulary forebears proud in taking the time to
find those we could and pay our respects. Many thanks for
making sure we included the appropriate locations, and for
ensuring we could collectively place our Force wreath at the
Menin Gate – I see you have been able to update your website on
this one!
I look forward
to meeting up with you again at some point. Please pass on my
very best wishes to Annette. In the meantime I realise that you
will be unable to order prawns or put vinegar on your meal ever
again!
All the very
best
Adrian
Jim
Just wanted to thank you for a great
weekend which was both fascinating and hugely enjoyable. I
thought you did a brilliant job of 'brigading' the group and
keeping us in order despite the 'nasty incidents' [joke]
over dinner.
Many thanks and you have definitely
whetted my appetite for future visits etc...
Mike Glanville
|
|
Self-Drive tour (Somme
battlefield) April 2006
9 May 2006
Dear James
Further to
our telephone conversation today - just a brief note to say
thank you very much for a brilliant and extremely
interesting itinerary for our 3 day trip to The Somme. It
was riveting!! We visited everywhere on your programme but
the second day was very rushed with Delville Wood getting
only 15-20 minutes! Aside from Newfoundland Park I thought
Mametz Wood was beautiful - very peaceful, very very
atmospheric and I wanted so much to stay longer and just
soak up the atmosphere. I hope to go back with my partner
Sue in August. The Royal Picardie is an excellent hotel; a
superb room. The restaurant IS very expensive as you say but
the standard of the food is superb!
What
restaurant would you recommend in Albert James? Was it La
Basilique?
We visited
Avril's B&B and had her egg and chips - delicious. Mind you
she seemed to think your favourite was the omelette (I had
that the second day!!) We met her - she's very friendly and
chatty - it was her birthday on the second day we visited
her cafe!
I will do
your tour of Ypres one day in the very near future and I'd
really like to do a conducted tour of your's one day.
Thank you
once again. Brilliant!
|
|
|
Conducted tour 12-14 May 2006
(Click above letter) |
|
|
Conducted tour 30 May - 1 June 2006
 |
|
|
E-mail 22.6.06 19.59 hrs re
Self-Drive tour June 2006
Dear James
Thank you for
all you did to make our 3 days so successful. We used a
fraction of your guide so will have to go back.... that
doesn't mean it wasn't excellent, it really helped us
understand both battles better, just too much for the 2 and
a bit days we had!
When we were
at the Somme the temperature was around 33 degrees then it
dropped to 13 degrees and poured with rain in Ypres - made
us all realise the huge variations in climate that the
soldiers must have experienced, and the mud after 24 hours
was bad....
The museum in
Ypres was particularly good - beautifully organised and very
visual/tactile for children, they also enjoyed the one in
Albert.
Both hotels
were fine - Ariane obviously the more comfortable - we
actually bought 2 fans in Albert to make our second night in
Peronne (sp?) bearable.
Sorry about haste - dinner needs
attention!
Best wishes
Clemancy Gordon-Martin
|
|
E-mail 24.8.06 ref Somme & Ypres tour 14-16 July
2006
James, thanks again to you and Annette for an
absolutely incredible trip. Here is the web site to the
video I was speaking of. I checked PBS and Amazon. It
still does not to appear to be for sale. I will have mine
copied by my son onto DVD and send off to you.
Pip, pip, cheerio!
Tom
 |
|
E-mail 19.8.06 ref Somme & Ypres tour 14-16 July 2006
John & Pat Slater (Australia)
Dear James,
It now seems to be an age
since we spent a short time with you and your son on the
Somme.
We have just returned this
last few days to Australia.
On behalf of Pat and I may
I thank you for the special opportunity of being with you on
the 14th July tour.
It was a special occasion
most effectively organised and the past brought to life. You
do a great job...one which I would highly recommend to
others.
The vehicle was
comfortable, the service efficient, the company pleasant and
the facts and story great.
I have attached some
snaps...a few of many, which will bring back the memories.
We may be back!!!!!!!!!!!!
but it a long way
|
|
E-mail 31.8.06 ref Somme & Ypres
tour 24-26 July 2006
James and Annette,
Thank you both very much for the fabulous
and informative trip in July, we both thoroughly enjoyed it
and it sparked a thirst for knowledge about the subject
generally. Denise still hasn't found any information about
where her Great Grandfather was killed in WW1 or which
regiment he served with, but continues to search.
We just remembered that we said we would
send you the ISBN number for the guidebook around the
seedier areas of London !
The book is called 'Walking Notorious
London' by Andrew Duncan, New Holland Publishers UK - ISBN 1
85974 464 8.
Hope you are both keeping well and
enjoying more trips to France and Belgium.
Kathy and Denise
 |
|
E-mail 3.9.06 20.03 hrs re
Self-Drive tour August 2006
Dear James,
We really enjoyed
our Battlefield Tour even though we got rather wet at times. The
hospitality at Le Macassar was wonderful, and Ian and Miguel
proved to be kind and considerate hosts not to mention providing
excellent food and plenty of drink! Your directions and
instructions were easy to follow and we enjoyed getting off the
beaten track following up some of your additional information.
Thank you ,
Bill and Joan Edwards
|
|
|
Hand written letter re tour 22-24
August 2006
|
|
E-mail 19.9.06 ref Somme & Ypres
tour 16-18 September 2006James,
May I just say a huge "thank you" for the
tour.....it was absolutely fascinating and I came back full
of admiration for the fallen and their sacrifice.
I also came back very struck by your
passion for, and knowledge of, the whole subject. It's
people like you - and I have no idea how many you number! -
that keep their memory alive and help us understand what it
was like. Your depth of knowledge and delivery are
outstanding (Great portable PA system!). Long may you carry
on giving people that insight. It was a pleasure to have you
guiding us through the story of the Somme & Ypres.
As predicted, I woke up this morning and
quite missed not jumping into the "battle-bus"!
Regards & have a well-earned rest!
Johnny
|
|
E-mail 11.10.06 ref Somme & Ypres
tour 6-8 October 2006
Dear James,
Thank you for
an excellent tour of the Battlefields. Its something we
will always remember particularly the excellent company. The
fact that several had returned to do the same tour again
speaks for itself.
With kind regards,
Christine and Martin
 |
|
E-mail 11.10.06 ref Somme & Ypres
tour 6-8 October 2006
Hi James
Now we've had time to
collect our thoughts, please accept this email as a very
sincere thank you for presenting us with information
and scenarios which were humbling and probably life
changing, at the weekend.
We have barely stopped
talking about it. We felt you were superb. Your choice of
places, maps and photographs were so helpful in enabling us
to begin an appreciation of events surrounding 1914-18.
We were extremely
impressed with the hospitality arrangements you had made, as
well. Being physically comfortable plays such an important
part in any visit, and your preparations certainly ensured
the inner man/woman was well cared for.
So, well done, and
no doubt we'll be contacting you again soon for another
visit.
Phil has downloaded his
photos onto photobox which you are welcome to visit.
With kind regards and
best wishes
|
|
E-mail from Dr D Ward ref
Self-Drive tour October 2006
Dear James
I know you
already have many well-deserved testimonials, but after our
recent self-drive tour of the Somme I shall have to add to
them. My wife and I found it a very moving and
absorbing three days - the human detail in your guide as
well as the fascinatingly detailed pictures and maps enabled
us to at least try and visualise all that happened there.
The bits that stand out on reflection were: being alone in
the wood at Sheffield Park at the end of the first day;
Teddy's detailed tour and knowledge of the excavations
in Thiepval Wood; the peace and beauty of so many of the
cemeteries; the depths of Delville Wood in solitude at
dusk. We read your guide from cover to cover, talked at
length about the facts in it and I'm sure will use it again
in future.
All the
arrangements and instructions were faultless and the Hotel
St. Claude were very welcoming. Thanks for making such an
important part of our history accessible and real.
|
|
|
letter from Major A Lewis ref
Self-Drive tour October 2006
|
|
|
letter from Martin Jenkins ref
conducted tour tour 6-8 October 2006
|
|
|
E-mail from Mrs Valerie Wright re tour
March 2007
Sent: 02 April 2007 18:17
Dear James and Annette
We want to thank you so much for a great
weekend in France.
Your knowledge and energy
made it such an interesting experience. You'd only need to hear us
telling friends and family about the tour to know how much we'd
enjoyed it and learned from it. It was thoroughly professional and
the attention to detail left nothing wanting.
Our group was also a delight
to be with - you obviously attract great people!!
We wish you well with the rest of the year,
Regards Valerie & Frank
 |
|
|
E-Mail from Mr Lightfoot re tour 11-13
May 2007 James,
Over a week has
passed since we returned from our tour of The Somme and Ypres and,
among other things, it has been a time for reflection. So where
should I start with this note? Well, from our collective point of
view the weekend was an outstanding success and there were several
reasons why, including:
-
The planning,
attention to detail and great care taken by you and Annette in
seeing to the tour being an unforgettable experience
-
Your
encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject at the macro level and
indeed perhaps even more impressively at the level of the
individual soldier made a huge contribution to us gaining a
deeper and more profound understanding of what went on in July
1916 at the Somme and from 1914 to 1918 at Ypres.
-
The reverence
that you have for the memory of those who fell was demonstrated
in a number of ways; including the accounts you gave of what
happened and the simple but generous act of taking photographs
of headstones for those who cannot make the journey.
-
Your willingness
to adjust your plan to allow more time at places in which we
expressed interest, including diversions to the memorials for
the 51st Highland Division, near the Newfoundlanders Memorial,
the Pipers memorial in Longueval and Delville Wood.
I wrote this to a good friend over
the weekend:
"Our visit to the
Somme and Ypres last weekend was a huge success. James Power of
Somme Battlefield Tours, our tour organiser and guide, with his wife
Annette, provided a complete and thorough service. The six of us,
Jackie, the boys and myself, with my parents, were picked up at 0600
on Friday. The eurotunnel service was trouble free and after a quick
lunch in Albert, we were on the Somme that afternoon. James has an
encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject and as well as giving good
historical accounts of what happened, to whom and where, was able to
personalise much of the experience by singling out individual
soldiers or asking us to consider quite ordinary things in the
context of that fateful day, July 1st 1916. We visited Serre No 2,
Thiepval (73,000 names of the missing from the first battle of the
Somme) and other cemeteries. The memorial to the Newfoundlanders,
where trenches are still in place, was particularly sobering as
nearby there were memorials to the 51 Highland Division. The battles
for Beaumont Hamel were of interest since it was the 9th Scottish
Division that finally took the village in November 1916. The village
of Longueval gave us pause for thought as it has a memorial to
Pipers. Delville Wood was chilling; it is estimated that at least
5,000 are interred there, most of them South African.
The second half of
the tour took us to Flanders and Ypres. First stop, the Menin Gate
to hear the buglers play Last Post. I have heard it played many
times but never as well as on Saturday evening. It was spellbinding.
On Sunday we visited the infamous Hill 60, overlooking Ypres
(another 5,000 or so) and then later followed the line of battle up
to the village of Passchendaele, where my grandfather was badly
wounded. Thankfully he survived the War. The penultimate stop was
Tynecot Cemetery, where the headstones of most of the 12,000 buried
there carry the inscription "A Soldier of the Great War". One of the
headstones belongs to an A Lightfoot of the North Yorkshire
Regiment, which my father happened upon. Another belongs to an
Australian Sgt who was killed taking a German bunker. That same
bunker is within the walls of the cemetery, so the Australian who
was awarded the VC for his gallantry is buried where he fell.
And then on the
way from Ypres to Calais we pulled off the road and called in at one
of the many small cemeteries that dot the landscape and paid our
respects at the grave of Captain Noel Chavasse of the Army Medical
Corps, attached to the Cheshires. He was the only VC and bar of the
Great War - a non-combatant."
[.....]
I congratulate you in
achieving what many can only dream of: turning a deep interest in a
particular subject into a highly successful business. What you have
created with Somme Battlefield Tours is very special, at a personal
level. One is left with the sense that you care for each and every
individual, known or not, who fell in the Great War because your
interest extends beyond knowing the facts.
[....]
Please pass on my
very best wishes to Annette. So all that remains, at least in the
context of this inadequate note is simply to say "Thank you".
Archie
|
|
|
E-Mail from Mr & Mrs Fripp (Self-Drive
tour 2007)
Dear James
We have just returned home after a fabulous holiday in France,
starting with the Somme and then touring down south and then into
the Dordogne for a cooking school.
We just want to say thank you for an excellent set of self guided
instructions which took us along some great little tracks we would
never have found by ourselves and isn’t it wonderful to see a small
memorial in the middle of a farmers lot? Its like the living
surrounding and protecting those fallen.
The 4 days were both sobering and educative and we learnt lots.
Your notes and the extracts from soldiers on both sides of the
conflict came to life for us as we stood in the fields and lanes
that we found following your clear and concise instructions. In
particular the Newfoundland Park has a special aura and we also
managed to get to Bullicourt given the family connection.
We got to meet Avril Williams who is doing a terrific job and we had
a lovely chat and lunch.
Kind regards and Merry Christmas
Carol and John |
|
|
E-Mail from Mr & Mrs Palmer (October
2007)
Dear James,
This Email is just to let
you know how much Jean and I appreciated and enjoyed our visit to
the Battlefields of WW1, and also our thanks for the detour and the
departure from your usual route that you made to allow us to locate
and visit the grave of Boyd C. C. Thomson, and the other grave
concerned in the “mix up” and confusion with his burial.
I am enclosing a few
extracts from the book “Somme Mud” which includes some details of
just what was involved in some of these battlefield burials. It is
no wonder there was some confusion. There are also examples of
battlefield humour and other graphic examples of front line
activities.
These first hand examples of
life in the front line back up and support much of the material
covered in your tour.
Best regards,
Geoff and Jean Palmer.
(Australia) |
|
|
E-Mail from Mr & Mrs Sainsbury
(Self-Drive tour 2007)
Hello
James,
It is now
a few weeks since we came back from our visit, and I must say how
much we both enjoyed it.
Your maps
and instructions were excellent and precise, and we took two days to
go around the planned route, then we did a bit of exploring on our
own and turned up quite a few interesting items – I think we could
have spent the whole week there!
The
Albion was also very good and they looked after us with great
courtesy & friendliness. Old Tom was also a great place to eat – I
can see why you use it!
Needless
to say, we didn’t get as far as the Somme, but we have decided to
make a separate visit there next year.
Thanks
again for your organisation and help.
Best
regards
Peter
Sainsbury
|
|
|
Click to enlarge
|
|
|
E-mail from John & Jennifer DUCE re Somme
Self-Drive tour January 2008
Dear James,
We just wanted to drop you a line to thank you so much for
arranging the most wonderful weekend for us.
Le Macassar was quite the most beautiful place we have ever
stayed - Ian and Miguel made our stay so enjoyable and were
every bit as attentive as you said they would be: perfect hosts.
The pack you prepared for us worked brilliantly. We found all
the sites easily, thanks to your detailed directions, and the
information you gave was always interesting and very relevant.
It was very moving to be on the battlefields themselves,
particularly as we were all pretty well read on the subject
before venturing out. The little hints and tips you gave made
it even more special though, and all four of us were extremely
impressed with the quality of the tour.
We shall, no doubt, be contacting you at a later date for
information on the Ypres tour but, in the meantime, thank you
again for a truly memorable weekend.
Kind regards,
John and Jennifer Duce and
Robert and Victoria Eamey
|
|
E-mail from Mr & Mrs King-Cox following tour 6-9 July 2007
Dear James and Annette,
We just had to write and thank you so
very much for our wonderful trip to The Somme.
Never having experienced a small group tour
before, we didn't know quite what to expect but had at the same
time eagerly awaited July. Any expectations we did have were
far surpassed by your care, consideration, knowledge
and attention to detail in both our comfort and the history we
had come to see and hear about. Apart from your excellent
knowledge, bringing the area and period to life with photographs
and maps, your descriptions of various battles and the
experiences of those who fought them were sympathetically but
practically told. To stand just at the side of a country road
and be told we were now standing on what had once been the
British front line trench, showing us how a battle unfolded was
quite something. Each place we stopped you found something for
all of us to be interested in. The quiet word here or there
made the trip feel very personal. From helping us find my
grandfathers name on Thiepval monument to finally showing me
where, within a few hundred yards, he would have lost his
life are experiences that will remain with me forever.
It has been 10 days since we returned and my
mind is still full of the whole experience weather out and about
during the day or our pleasant, delicious, evening meals
together, the whole trip was more interesting and enjoyable than
we could have imagined. We would recommend anyone with even the
slightest interest in WW1 to join you and have even done so
already! We look forward to coming with you again, back into
history.
When you have your prices set for 2008 we
would be pleased to hear from you. Thank you, again.
Kindest regards to you both.
Penny and Brian
p.s. Brian says can he be sweetie monitor again!
|
|
|
E-mail from Martin Oley following Somme
Self-Drive tour July 2007
James,
Just got back after a great [self-drive] weekend. Your
maps / guide notes were brilliant, we followed them to the
letter and by the end of day 1 had a real picture of how
everything fitted together / who was where/when etc (Deville
wood / Africaan memorial and Hunters Lane/Sunken Road seemed
very real to me. On day 2 we located the (exact) spot where the
22nd advanced from on 01/07, as you said there are no real signs
of the past but we got a real understanding of why its called
'The Mound' with its vantage point looking down on Mametz
(whilst walking around the fields we even found a shell casing
that is now at home with me!).
Having now seen the Somme it makes me want to
know a bit more - would you have any idea how I could find out
when my grandfather enlisted and his regiments movements up to
July 1918?.
Overall I'd like to thank you for all you've
done. As I've said, the guidenotes were excellent and your added
descriptive a real bonus.
Sincere thanks and kind regards
Martin
|
|
|
E-mail from Mrs Diana Pelly re tour
17-19 April 2007
Dear James and Annette
Here I am back again, this
time to say a proper thank you!
Thank you for giving us all
a totally fascinating and absorbing three days.
You made it so interesting
with the perfect combination of 'chat', photographs, drives and
walks. It truly was the best of history lessons in every way.
Annette, your tlc was
wonderful! There would definitely have been some flagging without
our coffee and tea breaks. Roley's going to miss your spoiling bag
of sweets every afternoon!
It's still quite hard to
believe I stood in the Burial Ground on that beautiful Spring
afternoon looking down at Billy's grave. I cannot thank you enough
for making that special detour.
|
|
|
E-mail re Somme
Self-Drive tour January 2008
Dear James,
We just wanted to drop you a line to thank you so much for
arranging the most wonderful [self-drive] weekend for us.
Le Macassar was quite the most beautiful place we have ever
stayed - Ian and Miguel made our stay so enjoyable and were
every bit as attentive as you said they would be: perfect hosts.
The pack you prepared for us worked brilliantly. We found all
the sites easily, thanks to your detailed directions, and the
information you gave was always interesting and very relevant.
It was very moving to be on the battlefields themselves,
particularly as we were all pretty well read on the subject
before venturing out. The little hints and tips you gave made
it even more special though, and all four of us were extremely
impressed with the quality of the tour.
We shall, no doubt, be contacting you at a later date for
information on the Ypres tour but, in the meantime, thank you
again for a truly memorable weekend.
Kind regards,
JD
|
|
|
E-mail from Wesley Pierpoint re Somme
Self-Drive tour June 2008
Many
thanks for all your information, had a fantastic time, weather
good, maps were easy to follow, saw most of what we wanted to see.
Your guides were very good and easy to follow.
Will
be going again.
Once
again many thanks and all went very well.
Wesley
|
|
|
E-mail re Somme
Self-Drive tour June 2008
Dear James,
Just to let you know that my husband and I had a very pleasant
weekend in France. We followed your route, visiting monuments,
cemeteries and museums as well as Avril’s tea room. We also
found time to visit Arras, Amiens and the gardens at Valloires
on our return journey.
The Hotel de la Basilique was very comfortable and the food
excellent. We feel that your remarkably detailed guides not only
helped to put everything in context but also enabled us to make
the most of limited time. Our thanks for making the weekend so
easy to organize.
Best wishes,
Jane Veal
|
|
|
E-mail re Somme
Self-Drive tour June 2008
Dear Mr Power
The tour guides made it an experience that we will never forget.
The details and itineraries you provided enabled us to visit
areas where we were often the only two people around.
We went to Newfoundland Park straight from Calais and then
stopped off for tea at Avril Williams.
[...]
Delville Wood was deeply moving and we used your excellent
directions to take the time to find the hornbeam tree you
mentioned
[...]
In summary, we found it a deeply moving experience and would
highly recommend your tours to our friends and relations. (On
more than one occasion, we heard another visitor say " we have
to be going now as the coach leaves at ...". Your guides enabled
us to move at our own pace.
Thanks again for making it such an experience which my son and I
will never forget.
Yours Sincerely
Andy Hardie
|
|
|
E-mail re Somme
Self-Drive tour 6 June 2008
Hi James
Hefin and I got back from
our battlefield tour last night and wished to say thank you
arranging the hotels etc and providing such excellent guides. We
had a really great time and both learnt a lot - a memorable
holiday. Again many thanks for all the hard work and research you
must have put in to create such an integrated and rounded package,
one I would recommend to anyone with an interest in this period of
our history.
Regards
Huw and Hefin Gulliver
|
|
|
E-mail
from Lydia Rettelet re Somme
Self-Drive tour July 2008
Dear
James,
Just to say thank you for arranging a very successful weekend for us
in the Somme. We were very happy to stay in Péronne, followed your
recommendation and ate at Brasserie Centrale, and also appreciated
being so near the WW1 history museum. Incidentally, we also had a
very nice meal at Le Saint-Vincent, in Bld des Anglais, overlooking
the water - lovely location, delicious food.
My husband André was impressed with the self-drive tour, and really
enjoyed having the events and places he'd read about so many times
brought to life. The background info, and photos, landmarks and
front-line markings were a great help to non-experts like me, as
were the very thorough road directions.
We will certainly recommend your tours, and will get back to you if
we visit Ypres and the Belgian battlefields.
Many thanks again, and best wishes
Lydia
|
|
|
Email from
Rachael Passmore
Sent: 20 August 2008
Dear James,
Just a quick email from myself, my mother and father to say a huge
thank you for arranging a very successful battlefield trip for us
last weekend. The trip was extremely organized and efficient and my
father especially thought the self drive directions were brilliant.
The accommodation was good and our guide was utterly fantastic. All
in all we had a brilliant weekend and learnt so much from it, many
thanks once again for being so helpful and providing us with this
great trip.
[...]
Best wishes,
Rachael Passmore
|
|
|
Email from
Colin Passmore
Sent: 18 August 2008 12:04
Dear Mr Power
Just a quick note to tell you that the trip to Ypres over the
weekend that my daughter Rachael organised through you was
FANTASTIC! Great guide (Jacques), very good hotel, excellent
paperwork and directions and smooth all the way. Thank you very
much indeed.
You should campaign to ensure every school child in the country goes
to Ypres or the Somme. Truly awe inspiring and humbling.;
Yours sincerely
Colin
Passmore
|
|
|
Email from John Severson (USA) 4 September 2008
James,
We just returned to our home in Oregon, and I wanted
to thank you for the wonderful trip we had to the Somme
Battlefield. Janice and I had high expectations on this trip, and I
must say they were all exceeded. The material you sent as
background was most informative, in-depth and easy to follow. The
hotel accommodation at Le Macassar were simply superb. What a great
job they have done in restoring that place. Ian and Miguel both made
us feel part of the family when we arrived. We had such a relaxing
and interesting time with them and the other guests each evening we
were there. They pointed us in the right directions for dining and
gave us some good background on the surrounding area. Our room was
the best we stayed in during our 25 days in Europe. But the best
was yet to come.
As a West Point graduate and 20 year army veteran, I
was extremely interested in finding out more about the battle of the
Somme. We met Martin, and right away we knew we were in for a super
day. He did everything just right. He gave us background on the
events leading up to the battle, outlined the order of battle and
then led us on a most interesting and insightful tour. I wanted to
see where the British lines were and where the Germans were lined up
against them. He showed us that time after time and flavored the
tour with personal stories of soldiers and units that added so much
to our time on this incredible piece of history. He brought the
battlefield to life. He pointed out machine gun positions,
trenches, strong points, and many other features of the battlefield.
You could tell he loved what he was doing and what he was doing he
knew extremely well. Thanks for arranging for Martin to lead us
around the battlefield. I wished that several of my old army buddies
had been there with us to soak in this history.
[...]
Again, thank you so much. If you ever want a
reference/endorsement call on me. I would be happy to support you
in any way I can.
John Severson
USMA 1967
|
|
Email from
Peter Kearns
Sent: 9 September 2008
Good Morning James,
Just a quick
note to say many thanks for the guide books and tour, it
all worked extremely well and really gave the
opportunity for a much deeper understanding of the
battle sites. There were many highlights over the
week-and much emotion. The accommodation reserved for us
was excellent.
Thank you for
highlighting the Irish elements, particularly the Ulster
Monument where we met and spent some time with the
curator and his wife.
Again many
thanks James.
Kind regards,
Peter Kearns
|
|
|
Email from
Ronald Hewitt
Sent: 12 September 2008
Dear James.
We just wanted to let you know that we had a memorable two days
touring the Somme &Ypres battlefields. We could not have a better
guide than Jacques, who is so passionate & knowledgeable that he
left us with memories that will last a life time. We shall never
forget the emotion of visiting my grandfathers grave for the first
time .
Thanking you & best wishes
Ron & Lesley
Hewitt
|
|
|
Email from
Keith Devlin
Sent: 8 October 2008
Hi
James
My
son (Fraser) and I had a great trip last weekend. The documentation
and itinerary you provided were excellent and made the visit very
worthwhile, a very emotional, humbling and informative experience. I
found my grandfather's name on the memorial at Vis En Artois which
was especially poignant given that it was the 90th anniversary of
his death, What a beautiful memorial it is - the nicest one we saw.
I was so impressed with how well all the cemeteries are maintained
by the CWGC. It must be very comforting for relatives that visit the
graves.
Fraser bought lads of books and DVDs and is very determined to
really make WW1 his speciality and visit many more times.
Thank
you once again for the excellent service and comprehensive
documentation you sent.
The
only suggestion I would make is that if anyone is staying in Peronne
that they know there is a market on all day Saturday and will not be
able to park in the normal car park for the Best Western hotel.
Best
Regards,
Keith |
|
|
Email from
Sedja Hunt
Sent: 10 October 2008
Hi James
Just a note to advise you that our trip went like clockwork ,
hotel was excellent and your itinerary was most useful.
We did not get to see all that we wanted and so a return trip is
most likely. We want to visit the Somme next year so I will be
in contact with you early next year.
One bonus for us was that Harry Patch was at the Menin Gate on
the Sunday evening.
Thank you for all of your assistance.
Kind regards
Sedja
|
|
|
Email from
Dr Alan Barge
Sent: 2 November 2008
Dear James,
Just a brief eulogy to thank
you for a superb itinerary and guide for our trip to Ypres and The
Somme this week.
We had a superb time, and
really enjoyed everything. The Hotel Albion in Ypres was delightful
and the proprietors could not have been more helpful. The self-drive
guide around Ypres was superb, and we visited all of the sites that
you recommended. The Menin Gate was particularly moving on both
evenings that we were there.
Peronne was equally
interesting, and the Musee de la Grande Guerre was very impressive.
Your guide and itinerary were
superb - excellent level of detail and directions as well as
remarkable background.
We really appreciate all of
your hard work and thank you again.
Kind regards and best wishes
Alan & Katie Barge
|
|
 Letter
from Mr E H Booth reference self-drive tour March 2009 (click to
enlarge)
|
|
|
Email from
Jonty Crosse
Sent:
17 April 2009
Just a quick word to say thank you very much for last week. We had a
delightful stay at La Basilique and of course a marvelous experience
at Le Macassar!!
Peter Smith did an amazing job last Thursday and took us on the
‘hidden’ route to some of the battlegrounds. He went to a lot of
trouble to help us find the places where my great uncles fell and had
a great attention to detail. Plus a good bloke!!
Your self guides were much better than any published guidebook and I
can quite see how the knowledge therein has been gleaned from your
decades of travel to the area. I am still going through them and
because we were only there for such a short time, they have given me
the impetus to go back again for more!!
All the best
Jonty
|
|
|
Email from
Mr & Mrs Gregory
Sent:
15 April 2009
Just a note to say how very much we enjoyed the holiday! First of all,
thank you very much for reorganising the dates at short notice. We got
lovely weather which threw it all into counterpoint and enabled us to
see much more in greater comfort - a good decision all round!
The quality of information you provided really made this a special
holiday for us; we would never have found out so much by ourselves.
The additional detail enabled us to understand much more what had
actually happened - we should have missed half of it otherwise. I
really feel that I now understand so much more about the poets'
responses.
I personally found the large military cemeteries impressive - but the
most moving were the little battlefield sites with perhaps 12-20 men.
In the middle of ploughed fields, the sun shining, spring flowers
blooming, the swifts flying and other birds singing...... They were
exceptionally moving.
[....]
So once more may we say thank you - a wonderful experience which we
shall never forget thanks to your informative and personal guide - it
was just like having you there beside us. I would recommend your
company to anyone considering a similar visit.
Kind Regards
Gail Gregory - on behalf of Mike too.
|
|
|
Email from
David & Brenda Williams
Sent:
15 April 2009
Good afternoon James
On behalf of my wife and
me we would like to take the opportunity of thanking you and your team
for being a major contributor in ensuring we both enjoyed our recent
holiday in the “Battlefield of France / Flanders ”.
We found the information;
maps and sundry items supplied by your company were so informative
that to do the same trip without such detail information would not
have been so ‘enjoyable’.
The experience was
‘enjoyable’ but also very moving and at time made us both very cross
when one sees the total stupidity of the so called Offices/ Generals
some 11 miles away from the front lines issuing the orders with out
consideration that sent large quantities men from both sides to their
death.
On the positive side we
found my wife’s Grandfather Name at the ‘ Tyne Cot Cemetery ’, a
period of the holiday which along with the playing of the ‘Last Post’
at the ‘Menin Gate’ memorial, we both found very emotional.
Again thank you for
facilitating the experience for us, one which we feel we may continue
again next year.
Again
we thank you
Yours
sincerely
Dave & Brenda Williams
|
|
|
Email from
Claire Dove
Sent:
2 May
2009
Dear James,
We got back from Ieper
yesterday and just wanted to say what a remarkable time we had. The
travelling was well organised and trouble-free with excellent
directions. The hotel [Albion Hotel, Ypres/Ieper] was really lovely
and the Belgian people couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. We
were blessed with glorious weather apart from one rainy morning but we
were glad to have had a taster of what the poor soldiers had to
endure. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour around the sites and managed to
find our way to one or two extras too. We appreciate that 3 days is no
where near long enough and only scratched the surface but it was great
to be there and get the feel of the place. The Menin Gate ceremony was
so moving and we managed to find the names of some distant family on
the gate too. Your information guides are excellent at filling in all
the details. We flicked through that book so many times looking at the
maps trying to orientate ourselves. My Mum & Dad were very moved by
the whole thing and couldn't believe how relaxed it all was - totally
unlike the coach tours they have been used to.
So thank you for all your
efficient organisation and advice. You helped make our trip really
memorable. We cannot speak highly enough of your company and the tour.
Kindest Regards,
Claire Dove.
|
|
|
Email from
Judith Kinnear (Australia)
19 May
2009
Dear James
Thank you for making the
arrangements for us regarding the three-day battlefield tour in
Belgium/France last month.
Your detailed notes were most
useful in providing background and context for the sites that we
visited. In terms of accommodation, the Ariane Hotel was delightful,
providing just the friendly atmosphere that was needed.
As you may see from the message
below, the expert guidance of Jacques Rykenbosch was indeed inspiring,
consummately professional and exceeded my expectations. You could
not have chosen a better guide for us as his passion for WWI and his
expert knowledge meant that every site we visited came alive in
various ways.
I would very much like to return
to the area one day.
Kind regards and renewed thanks
Judith Kinnear
|
|
|
Email from
David Shawyer (UK)
30 June 2009
James
My wife and I wanted to thank you
so much for your excellent guided self drive tour. We did not manage
to do absolutely everything but we certainly gave it a good shot! We
probably spent too much time in the museums in Albert and Peronne
(which were both excellent in their different ways) and ran out of
time. It was so good that you so often took us off the beaten track
and we were able to wander around just smelling those wonderful roses
of Picardy in the graveyards and listening to the birdsong ( so
different from July 1 1916!) We really did have an enjoyable ( if that
can be the right word)- certainly moving – time.
[...]
Finally – we have to thank you so
much for recommending Le Macassar- it was excellent. Ian and Miguel
were so friendly and helpful. We had a most enjoyable and relaxing
stay with them.
Thank you
|
|
|
Email from
Simon Littlejohns and Margaret Ricketts (New
Zealand)
12 July 2009
Dear James
We have now returned to New Zealand, and wanted to express our
sincere thanks to you for the wonderful tour that you organized
for us: your documentation and maps are so thorough and really
make the landscape come alive.
We were also so very impressed with the excellent service that
was provided by Jacques and Genevra - that excellent team really
do go "the extra mile" to tailor tours to one's particular
interests - we could not have wished for a better, more
thoughtful guide, and the picnic lunches were just
delightful! Through Jacques, we learnt so much and were shown
so many sites, with detailed explanations that we would not
otherwise have had access to. Genevra was just wonderful, she
was able to locate additional information for us about our
relatives buried there, as well as providing personal touches
like a poppy wreath that we could place on the graves. We, and
our friends from Australia, have many, many wonderful memories
and will certainly recommend your company to friends and
acquaintances wishing to tour Flanders and the Somme. Thank
you again,
With all good wishes,
Simon Littlejohns and Margaret Ricketts
|
|
|
Email from
Hilary Rowark
19 July 2009
Dear James,
I have copied, below, the email that I sent to Genevra and
Jacques tonight [personal tour]. I also wanted to thank
you for your fantastic organisation for our tour. It far
exceeded our expectations - the admin was great and everything
went like clockwork.
thank you so much
With best wishes
Hilary
|
|
|
Email from
James Cornish & family
24 July 2009
Dear James,
We have just returned from our
trip to the Somme and would like to forward our thanks after a great
trip.
The directions were brilliant,
ensuring that we stayed to plan on the entire trip while the
information gave a fantastic insight into the landscape nearly 100
years ago. In fact everything worked to plan.
Thanks to your directions we
found my father in law's uncle's grave, a moving experience as the
family only discovered that he had a grave following some
investigation into the family tree over the last 6 months. The first
trip from the family to the grave in over 90 years.
[...]
Many thanks
James Cornish (& family)
|
|
|
Email from
Derek Brown OBE
4 August 2009
James
We have just
returned from a hugely successful tour. The itinerary and arrangements
all worked exactly as they should and we all agreed that nothing could
have been done better. I even managed to persuade Teddy [custodian
of the Ulster Memorial] to take us into the wood and as my friends
had a Grandfather who fought with the 16Bn RIR at Thiepval it proved a
very sobering experience.
The hotel in
Peronne, which although it gets poor reports on the web, was exactly
what we needed and they looked after us extremely well. Certainly no
complaints from us.
An outstanding
weekend.
Derek |
|
|
Email from
Nick Baldwin 13.8.09
(Self-Drive Tour August 2009)
James
This is say thank you for
organising our Somme battlefield tour. All of the travel arrangements
worked well and our accommodation was excellent. But best of all were
your marvellous guides - they really helped us find our way around and
understand what we were looking at. We also found the museums in
Albert and Peronne very interesting - with a strong preference for the
one in Albert. We found the name of my wife's great uncle on the
memorial at Thiepval, which brought home the personal contact with the
battle. It is a very sobering experience to see the memorial to the
missing and all those graveyards packed with the bodies of young men.
Thanks again - we will recommend you to our
friends.
Best wishes
Nick |
|
|
Email from
Steve KIRWAN
25.8.09
(Self-Drive Tour August 2009)
Hi James, just a short note to
let you know how much we enjoyed the trip to the Somme and Ieper. The
guides were fantastic and allowed myself and Nick to imagine the
scenes in 1916 .
The hotels were perfect and the
weather great. The next plan is Normandy at some point next year.
All in all excellent value.
Many Thanks
Steve |
|
|
Email from Mr J Scarsbrook (Self-Drive tour October 2009)
Dear
James
First
of all my apologies for the delay in contacting you since our return
from France. I had some work-related catching up to do, and I was in
Scotland last week without e-mail access. However, things have
levelled out a bit now and I must write to thank you for arranging a
most enjoyable three days for us.
I know
that I speak for the four of us when I say that the experience far
exceeded our expectations - it was awesome!
We
travelled to Folkestone on Sunday evening and stayed overnight just a
short distance from the tunnel terminal. Checking in and crossing to
France was effortless, as was the journey to Peronne. We arrived
before lunch, but could not have access to our rooms at the Best
Western until 3pm. We took the opportunity to visit Peronne museum,
which is well laid out and very informative. I was amazed at the
'openness' of it. In England everything would be behind glass and
remote to deter vandals and thieves! In Peronne the lack of barriers
gave a greater sense of reality and authenticity.
The
Best Western is adequate, as you indicated in your literature, but
there are better places to eat in the evening. We found a good Bistro
just round the corner and ate very well.
The
tours were excellent. We didn't manage to quite complete the full
itinerary in the time, but found that it is not an experience to be
rushed and would take more than one visit to really appreciate
something of the enormity of what took place in the locations we
visited.
Newfoundland Park is so atmospheric and riveting we stayed longer than
we should. We walked up to Hawthorn Ridge and down into the mine
crater - incredible! We found it impossible to drive past the many
cemeteries along the journey, each has a poignant story to tell so we
stopped at each one, if only briefly, to spend a few moments in quiet
reflection on the enormous cost of freedom.
On the
second day we found Avril Williams' coffee shop, you were certainly
right about the omelettes - great! We arranged with her to return
that evening for a meal and she showed us round her recently acquired
museum.
Maybe
because I live near Sheffield and seeing the trenches from which the
men of Sheffield and the Barnsley pals fought, we found Serre and
Sheffield Park in particular, very moving. To try and take in that it
took eight months to gain some 150 yards with such incredible loss of
life just leaves the mind reeling.
We
visited Sequehart on the Wednesday to try and find where my friend's
grandfather won his VC. We could not determine quite where Mannequin
Hill was, but found a couple of cemeteries with men of the
Staffordshire Regiment to which he belonged, so we knew we were not
far away. we returned then to the Ulster Tower and on to Thiepval,
another location which cannot be rushed, not least for the excellent
book shop in the visitor's centre.
We had
to visit Mametz Wood to satisfy the Welsh member of our party, and
we reluctantly left France on Wednesday evening with
unforgettable memories, many captured on camera, determined to return
God willing next year.
James, to just say 'thank you' seems inadequate. It was an
unforgettable, unmissable experience and we are deeply appreciative of
all your help in making those few days so very very special - it was
worth every penny!
With
our grateful appreciation once more,
John,
Richard, Mark and John.
|
|
|
Email from Jane Webb following Self-Drive tour 7 November 2009
Dear
James
Just a
few words of thanks and appreciation for helping us realise an
ambition to visit the Ypres Salient, something we have been talking
about for several years.
Your
directions, maps and explanations helped us to fully appreciate the
horrors that took place ninety years ago. We spent the first two days
of our stay completing the driving itinerary and then spent Thursday
in Ypres itself, mainly at the Flanders Fields Museum and exploring
the cemeteries in the town, even managing to navigate ourselves to the
cemetery at Essex Farm and discovering the bunker where John McCrae
wrote the famous poem.
We were
fortunate enough to see the ceremony at the Menin Gate on two
occasions, learning from the first visit the best position etc., and
found it very dignified.
The
Ariane Hotel is excellent in every respect and will be even better
when the new reception area is completed.
The
weather was very kind to us, sunny every day and not a drop of rain
during daylight hours.
We
found the contrast between the Commonwealth Cemeteries and the German
one at Langemark quite striking. Having visited other CWG sites in
association with the Lancastria Association, it is always quite moving
to see the care with which they were created and are maintained. At
one cemetery we were lucky enough to see two stonemasons re-engraving
stones which had become weathered and were able to chat to them.
All in
all we were pleased to be able to draw on your knowledge and expertise
and will certainly recommend your service to others who may be
considering a similar trip.
With
very grateful thanks.
Jane
Webb |
|
|
Email from Philip & Amy Alfeld following Self-Drive tour March
2010
Mr
Power,
My wife and I are just returned from our self-drive tour of the Ypres
& Somme Battlefields. We are very pleased with every aspect of the
tour we booked through you. The selection of battlefield sites,
explanations and directions simply could not have been better. The
itinerary gave us time to pause and reflect upon the unrelenting
horror experienced by the soldiers of the BEF, as well as their allies
and enemies. The accommodations were very pleasant and the staff in
each of the hotels were very friendly and helpful. We managed to find
a few artefacts, although in the end I had to abandon a small (but very
heavy) iron wheel picked up in the vicinity of the first
tank attack. I'm convinced it was a tank component. Avirl Williams'
guesthouse was a delight for lunch. My wife has a genuine interest in
the Great War and this was her birthday present. Amy says it is
the
best such present I have given to her. Thanks from both
of us.
Philip
& Amy Alfeld
|
|
|
Email from Mr & Mrs Kirkland following Self-Drive tour March
2010
Dear James
Just a quick note to say thank you very much for the holiday we
arranged through you. Neil and I returned last Sunday and can
honestly say the holiday was exactly what we were looking for.
The arrangements you made were very well thought out indeed. We
didn't get lost once, nothing unexpected happened, we found all
hotels. battlefields and places of interest with great ease.
We will definitely recommend you to any friends who might be
thinking of taking a similar trip.
As far as I was concerned the "thing" that made the whole
experience complete was the personal accounts that you
had interwoven amongst all the military detail you provided.
Anyway, thanks once again - the holiday was really something
special and we will remember the experience for the rest of our
lives.
Kind regards, hope the Falklands trip was a success for you.
Alex Kirkland
|
|
|
Email from Mr S Fielding following Self-Drive tour May
2010
Hi James
A quick note to let you know that my son James and I thoroughly
enjoyed our Somme visit which was an unqualified success and
very moving experience due mainly to all your
initial preparation, maps, Channel crossing bookings etc etc - a
really worthwhile and enjoyable visit with everything going like
clockwork. I had also forgotten how easy the French roads were
compared to the M6, M25 and M20.
We both thought that the absolute highlight of our trip was the
day we spent with Peter Smith who was so amazingly enthusiastic
and knowledgeable and worth every penny - otherwise it would
have been confusing looking at the French countryside without
having his initial introduction. The next day we spent the whole
day in the field and it started to make sense on our own but it
would have been difficult without his earlier input.
Many many thanks again from us both - the trip left us both
wanting more!
Kind regards.
Stephen. |
|
|
Email from Mr J Lamb following Self-Drive tour May
2010
Dear Mr Power
I thought you might like to
know that we are safely home after, inter alia, our battlefield
tour which we thoroughly enjoyed – if that is the right
expression for a trip of that nature. Your route instructions
were spot on and so easy to follow and the Part 2 Guide will be
a permanent reminder in our bookcase of the stories and horror
behind it all.
The weather was very cold
for the time of year but perhaps that was why it was so quiet –
a real bonus. Only saw two coaches the whole way round!
Sincerely
John Lamb.
|
|
|
Email from Mr P Sinnott following Self-Drive tour May
2010
Dear James,
Just a quick line to let
you know that we had a great time visiting the Somme and Ypres
battlefields. Your itinerary, directions etc. were excellent.
I shall be pleased to
recommend your company if asked.
regards
Patrick Sinnott.
|
|
|
Email from Mr & Mrs Widdup following Self-Drive tour June
2010
Dear James,
We would like to express our thanks for such a professionally
organised trip that ran like clockwork. The amount of
information supplied was more than adequate and struck the right
balance in allowing us to explore to a depth that suited us and
we felt comfortable with.
This is the first time we have spent much time in this part of
France and Belgium and to see all the red poppies in full bloom
made us appreciate more why this flower has become so
emblematic. Also seeing the spectacular countryside it was
difficult and sad to envisage what it looked like 90+ years ago
and the horrors mankind can inflict on one another.
To say we enjoyed the break does not sound appropriate but we
have no regrets in what could have been a very melancholy tour.
We certainly came away better educated and fulfilled
appreciating more the pleasure of living in peacetime.
Keep the good work up and your recommendation of where to eat
was spot on. Thank you all round for what you did.
Meena & Alastair
|
|
|
Email from Scott Phillips following Self-Drive tour July
2010
Hi James,
A belated email to say
thank you for the amazing work you did on the tour information
and the accommodation choices for our recent trip. As you know,
it was a bit of a whirlwind visit, but we found the information
you prepared to be amazingly informative, detailed and very
helpful.
The hotels you chose were
fantastic, with the staff at the Ypres hotel as helpful as any
throughout our entire European holiday, and the location and
restaurant at Albert second to none!
The tour was sobering and
awe inspiring, and we would have missed most of the key sites
and context were it not for your very thorough information.
Thanks again!
Scott Phillips |
|
|
Email from Mr & Mrs Wadeson following Self-Drive tour June
2010
I
just wanted to thank you very much for a wonderful battlefield
self-drive experience. Everything just worked out so well thanks
to your hard work and organization on our behalf.
The hotels were just great in every regard. We particularly
loved the Ariane at Ypres and I would like to thank you for your
efforts in getting us in there - my husband enjoyed it so
much-it just made so much difference to be in a lovely hotel.
Your battlefield itineraries were so interesting and helpful-you
must have put a great deal of work into them. Thank you.
We have begun to think ahead and because we enjoyed it all so
much my husband was wondering whether you have any details of
the Battle of Waterloo - hopefully accessing the site from the
Ariane if that is possible.
We did also wonder whether you do similar tours for the World
War two sites.
Thank you again for all your help,
Peter and Patricia Wadeson.
|
|
|
SOMME BATTLEFIELD
TOURS LTD
.jpg)
