Testimonials

 Somme and Ypres Weekend -October 2009

My weekend spent in France and Belgium was wonderful. Thanks to Bina and Mick. Your combined knowledge of the First World War battlefields is extensive. You both presented it in informative, easy to understand talks.
Thank you for taking me to the 'Aussie' sites.

 See you again soon, Kris

Ypres Day Trip -September 2009

Thanks for a wonderful trip, it was a great birthday present and one of the best days of my life! 

 It was great that you were able to tailor the trip to include a visit to John James Keeling’s grave. I have since found out that his parents visited Belgium and therefore I am sure his grave almost every year until they died in the 40’s. I have visited the National Archives as you suggested and read the war diaries for his regiment. No mention of any Other Ranks dying that day – typical!

 Regards, 

 Stephanie

The Normandy Weekend - July 2009           

The trip was pleasantly relaxed but focussed enough to give anyone an informed understanding of D Day. The information given emphasised the human element of history, which I really appreciated and was supported by visits to key sites and great local museums, all of which just let me wanting to know more. Stand on Omaha beach and you cannot fail to feel the history made under your feet.
Peter Provins (Berkshire)

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The Somme Weekend -June 2009

Just a short note note to say a big thank you for the wonderful weekend to
the Somme. The other people on the trip were most friendly and excellent
travelling companions.

My Dad and I had a truly rewarding experience. It was both informative and
eye-opening but also friendly and considerate. The passion you feel towards
the soldiers and civilians who were caught up in the conflict shone through
the whole weekend.

I would like to thank you particularly for being so kind to my Dad who isnt
always the easiest person to deal with. He keeps telling me and the family
what a marvellous time he had and thinks everyone should do it, for the
experience.

Thank you again and I will certainly use your company again when I make
another visit, hopefully, in the near future.

Yours most sincerely, Ann Shepherd  (Croydon)

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Ypres and Somme  - April 2009

As promised I enclose a copy of the Spring 2009 Probus Club Magazine, which I am sure you will find useful for advertising to attract other Probus Clubs.

My brother Mike and  I found the trip to the Somme and ypres Battlefields to be a most marvellous experience and we forward our thanks to you and your colleagues.

We look forward to an other trip with Spirit of History next year.

Tony Ashby (Lindfield, W Sussex)

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Dunkirk Trip  - January 2009

You took our group to Dunkirk and La Panne to trace Auntie Silvie's father on the Waverley. You asked me to email you for the list of books you had on the subject and the ones you had on the day.

Thank you for a wonderful day, we are still talking about it at this moment.

Thanks again, Roger Baker  (Basildon)

 Ypres Trip - August 2008

Many thanks for giving us a wonderful day that we will never forget, and we will recommend you to anyone else who wants a battlefield tour.

Best Wishes,M and R McPhail  (Oldham)

 Ypres Trip - May 2007

This is just a note to say 'thank you' for organising the trip to Ypres. My husband, Bob and I really enjoyed the day and found the visits to the cemeteries, interesting and very moving........

Thank you again, Best wishes, Marion and Bob Crust (Croydon)

 Somme Battlefields Trip - June 2007

Thank you so much for organising another trip to the battlefields this year. It was every bit as enlightening as the first. Indeed, having witnessed the horrors of the Ypres area, it felt even more harrowing, if that is possible, seeing all the names and graves in this region.

Seeing my grandfather's name on the Thiepval Memorial was a really overpowering experience. I have always had an interest in the First World War, having studied it at school and read extensively on the subject. No amount of reading, however, prepared me for how I felt when I was there at the Memorial. It was also lovely to have the rest of the group there, as I laid the wreath near his name. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.

Meeting all the other parents has also been a wonderful experience. I certainly felt that I have made some lovely new friends. I hope you are planning a trip next year, as they have become something to look forward to!

Warmest Regards, P. White.  (Wallington, Surrey)

Visit to Russia - October 2006

We thought we would write to tell you how much we enjoyed the recent history trip to Moscow and St Petersburg. Having been to Russia during the Communist era in 1991, we were pleasantly surprised to see how much the place had developed, at least in the town centres. St Petersburg has all been done up beautifully and you can really see the amazing architecture of the buildings. There is so much that is interesting to see and it was made more so by all of your and the other guide’s explanations about what happened there in the past. The Hermitage Museum felt even more wonderful than it seemed previously. It must be the most sumptuous place on Earth!

Please do the China trip you talked about!

See you soon, Ada and Peter Cave (Surrey)