Essex Farm

Essex Farm is where the famous WW1 poem 'In Flanders Field' was written and also where Valentine Strudwick, a 15 year old soldier, is buried. 

As you can see, the weather is being much kinder to us now!

Morning mass

A lovely service in a fantastic church. 

The boys were very respectful. 

Wake up call

Early morning wake up call today.  Breakfast at 7.15 then a mass at the church next door before we depart for the first destination of the day. 

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to Danny! Thanks to Jay who brought a cake to celebrate.
Everyone has gone off to bed now, so hopefully they will sleep well.

Arrived at hotel

All 4 coaches arrived at the hotel at the same time. Perfect coordination! Time for dinner now. 

Detour

Small detour due to a massive crane blocking the road 3 miles from the hotel! Dinner awaits us. 

En route to hotel

We are now en route to the hotel in Belgium. 

Arras Cemetery

A visit to Arras cemetery including a study of the soldiers buried there. 

Vimy Ridge

The weather wasn't as good as we had hoped at Vimy, but maybe more authentic. The boys saw the memorial as well as reconstructed trenches. They are building a new visitor centre ready for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge (9th April 1917). 

Weather

I think it would be fair to say that the weather has taken a turn for the worse. However Mr Doran's app says it will be fine by the time we get to Vimy Ridge. Let's hope so.