14 Kenley Close Radyr Way Cardiff CF5 2PA Tel: 02920 564169 (H) 07795 431230 (M) 30 Jan 2018 Dear ADMIN ORDER RE: WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION BATTLEFIELD TOUR HECHTEL-EKSEL & CAMBRAI: 8-12 SEPT 2018 It is my pleasure to invite you on the Association Battlefield Tour to Hechtel and Cambrai. Currently a space has been kept for you because you have expressed a wish to attend or have already paid a deposit to reserve your place. Please confirm your attendance by completing and returning the attached proforma (this return is essential even if you have already paid your deposit). If you have not already paid a deposit, I would be grateful if you could include your deposit with the proforma. Your prompt reply would be appreciated to aid the planning of the trip. BACKGROUND TO THE TOUR The Welsh Guards Association and Regiment have for many years maintained a close relationship with Hechtel. This is a regular focus of the tour and WG veterans of the battle and their families were regular attenders for many years. The Mayor and the people of Hechtel commemorate the anniversary of their liberation every year and extend a warm invitation for members of the Welsh Guards and their friends and families to join in the ceremonies. We are always hosted extremely well with huge warmth and generosity and we are committed to maintain this strong bond with Hechtel into the future. The second part of the tour varies in theme each year. In 2018, we will base our attention on WW1, visiting sites at Sambre and Cambrai where the Regiment were awarded battle honors in 1917 and 1918. With 2018 being the centenary of the final year of WW1 it is appropriate that we visit areas where the Welsh Guards were involved.
AIMS OF THE TOUR To remember the locals and Welsh Guardsmen who gave their lives for the liberation of Hechtel and ensure that the spirit and legacy of those veterans (who made this tour an annual pilgrimage) continues into the future To support Colonel Bonas and the Secretary General in maintaining the strong bonds between the Welsh Guards Association and the Mayor and community of Hechtel To facilitate a learning experience through incorporating an educational aspect to the tour, learning about events in Hechtel and the Regiment s activities in WW1 To complement the Association s wider activities through an annual opportunity for members from various branches to spend time together on an organized tour To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience through great fun and great comradeship and to hopefully welcome you all back on the 2019 tour. Joining Instructions: Please complete the enclosed joining instructions and return to me at the above address by 28 February 2018. Deposit: 50 (non-refundable). Please return by 28 February 2018 and make your cheque payable to Welsh Guards Association. Alternatively, payment can be made by bank transfer to Sort Code 30-11-75 and Account Number 00647065 using the reference BFT2018. Total Cost: 330 (for those sharing) 380 (for those who have been allocated single rooms) Balance: Remaining balance (minus amount paid for deposit) to be paid in full by 1 July 2018 as per payment options above. You may pay in instalments if you wish. What is included in the tour: Transport 38 seater executive coach incl toilet with driver and ferry crossings Teas and coffees on the bus 4 nights accommodation in hotels Professional Battlefield Tour Guide Evening meal at Watermolen hotel on arrival 3 course dinner on final evening at Hotel Beatus A lunch provided at Hechtel Community Centre (courtesy of the Mayor) PLEASE NOTE: Individuals should be prepared to cover any additional costs on the tour themselves (e.g entrance to museums, additional food, drink etc).
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Passport: Please ensure that you will hold a valid in date passport. European Health Card: Please ensure that you will hold a valid in date EHC. Travel Insurance: It is the responsibility of each individual person to have this arranged. Dress code: Please wear Suits / Blazers with Regimental ties and medals for the main wreath laying ceremonies. Casual dress for all other times. Further details are provided on the itinerary. Departure: from Maindy Barracks, Cardiff where secure parking will be available on site. A secondary pick up point is available at Dover where a limited amount of secure parking has been arranged at the Army Reserve Centre (ARC). There is also an opportunity for a pick up at Cobham Services M25. Transport: provided by Mainline Bus Company with a 38 seater executive coach with toilet to include a dedicated driver. I am pleased to confirm that Brian (who has been our excellent driver for the last few years and who has become a part of the tour) has been booked. Accommodation: 1. Sporthotel De Watermolen, Monshofstraat 9,3950 Bocholt (Reppel), Belgium. Telephone 0032 (0)89 480000 2. Hotel Beatus, Cambrai Telephone +33 327814570 Rooms are mainly based on two people sharing with breakfast included. One room in Hotel Beatus will host 4 persons sharing. Vacancies: Limited to 37 to be filled on a first come first served basis. I very much hope that you will be able to attend. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely, Lyndon Davies CAPT QARANC (Army Reserve) Associate Member Welsh Guards Association Battlefield Tour Project Officer
RETURN PROFORMA Please return this slip no later than 28 February 2018 to: Lyndon Davies 14 Kenley Close Radyr Way Cardiff CF5 2PA I,.. WILL / WILL NOT (please delete as applicable) be attending the battlefield tour on 8-12 September 2018. I enclose / have already paid (please delete as applicable) a non-refundable deposit for. made payable to Welsh Guards Association. OR I confirm that I have transferred.. deposit by bank transfer. (This will be confirmed to me on receipt of funds by the Assistant Regimental Adjutant). LOCATION TO JOIN THE TOUR AND PARKING Make and Colour of Vehicle: Registration Number: Names of passengers in your vehicle: I WILL / WILL NOT (please delete as applicable) require parking at Maindy Barracks. I WILL / WILL NOT require pick up at Cobham Services M25 I WILL / WILL NOT be joining the bus at Dover I WILL / WILL NOT require parking at the Army Reserve Centre (ARC) in Dover. Please note: Parking at Maindy Barracks will be organized by Capt Lyndon Davies from the details provided on this form. If you require secure parking at ARC Dover, I will forward your details to the RQMS who is responsible for liaising with that location.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please provide details of any special dietary requirements e.g allergies, vegetarian. The evening meal on arrival at the Watermolen Hotel will consist of a buffet: Pork Fillet with Hunter Sauce, Chicken Fillet with oriental sauce, Fries / croquets & Salad bar The evening meal on our last night at Hotel Beatus will include a starter, main course and desert (same choice for all participants except for those with any allergies or vegetarians). The menu for this meal will not be available until May 2018. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS CHECK Please confirm you are in possession of the following: 1. Valid in date passport YES / NO 2. Valid in date European Health card YES / NO 3. Travel insurance for the trip YES / NO MEDICAL CONDITIONS / REQUIREMENTS If you have a medical condition / requirements or disability where you feel it is relevant to make the tour organizer aware in order to help ensure your safety and comfort, then please be assured that you may share this information with Captain Davies in the strictest confidence, either on this form or in person. Please state below if you would like to discuss any requirements with the tour organizer. Please confirm your address and contact details below in the event we need to contact you: ADDRESS. TEL: EMAIL:. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER / NEXT OK KIN:..