It is that time of year when wallets have to be opened, diaries dusted off – and money to be paid.
A reminder that we are travelling to Normandy this year June 4th – June 8th. There will be the usual two collection points on June 4th: 10am at the Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, Waterloo and the second at Portsmouth at the ferry terminal at about 1pm. We are using Amport & District coaches as usual as they have always proved reliable and met our needs.
We are staying, again as usual, at the Hotel du Golf where we are always well looked after & welcome. I will need your room requirements, though. There are a couple of family rooms (note they have steep stairs) but most are either singles or doubles.
Costs and Payment
As we all expected, especially with fuel costs having climbed so high, prices have increased for both coach and ferry, so the cost we have to charge this year will be £500 per person. This covers all travel & meals. The only spending money you will need is for any meals on the ferry or drinkies at the hotel bar. I think we nearly drained their supplies last year!
So, for those signing up to share another wonderful and moving pilgrimage, we require a deposit of £100 per person paid into our account by March 31st – preferably before. Please contact Paul (dtpaul@hotmail.co.uk) or myself (admin@9thparabattalion.com) for the account details.
The balance, (£400 per person) will need to be paid by May 1st.
If there is anyone who wishes to pay by cheque for these amounts, please make them payable to 9th Parachute Battalion Reunion Club and post them to our Treasurer, Michael Woodcock, 2 Victoria Gardens, Westergate, Chichester, West Sussex, P020 3YL.
Dietary Requirements
If you have any food allergies it is important that we are notified so that we can inform the French accordingly.
Health Insurance
It is essential that you have at least 6 months validity on your current passport & it would be sensible having your Health Insurance Card or applying (at no cost) for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad – NHSBSA will take you to the correct site. This card is NOT travel insurance.
Travel Insurance is mandatory for our trip. I will be in contact requesting passport details & your travel insurance policy details etc after you have signed up.
Note Regarding the 80th Anniversary (2024)
Next year (2024) is the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and there is going to be a LOT of interest both from the UK and internationally. Pressure on bookings will be very high for the ferry & hotels, so priority will be given to our regular pilgrims, and those on this year’s pilgrimage, over those who just want to travel in 2024.
We are all looking forward to seeing you again as we keep alive the memories of our veterans and what they achieved on June 6th, 1944.