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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
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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
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Jackie Winspear
2004
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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 |
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 |
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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
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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
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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
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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...). |
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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 | |
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