Ulster Tower.

[old-ted]

Just to let all Pals know that the Ulster Tower will be closed after 29th November. Teddy & Phoebie will be returning home and have booked a well earned holiday. The good news is they will be back to open up again in 2010. Thanks to both of them for all of the hard work they have put in to making the Tower the welcoming place it is & to Teddy for his wonderful tours of Thiepval Wood.

Regards to all

John

[keithfazzani]

Great to hear they will be back in 2010, I trust they will have a relaxing holiday in the meantime.

[cockney tone]

John,

wishing them a nice break, any idea what date it will be open again in the Spring please?

Regards,

Scottie.

[GlenBanna]

Having hiked the Somme area for the first time last Summer, my visit to the Ulster tower and Teddys tour was the highlight. they are great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and deserve a well earned rest.

Glen

[balbeggie]

Ted and Phoebie usually return in March.

[Gunner Bailey]

I was there on 11/11/09 and had the pleasure of buying tea and coffee from Phoebie, who was so kind and attentive I could have been visiting a long lost relative. I've called in about 5 times this year and every time I've come to love the place more.

John

[The Incomer]

The Old Blighty Cafe,Alison & Jon Haslock,at La Boisselle closes tomorrow until early February.

Les

[Chris_Baker]

Ah, the Somme as it used to be - not a cup of tea for miles!

[old-ted]

Ah, the Somme as it used to be - not a cup of tea for miles!

Back to the days of the little gaz stove and the camping kettle.

[1690philip]

Thanks for the advance warning Ted.

Regards,

Phil

[The Incomer]

Back to the days of the little gaz stove and the camping kettle.

Still got mine in the loft.I remember back in the late 70's cooking our evening meal one Sunday in our bedroom at the De La Paix

Les

[Nigel Marshall]

I hope the rain in Norn Iron settles itself down a bit otherwise they might be glad to get back up that tower out of the way!

Cheers,

Nigel

[inishowen]

I'm going to be in that area again in early Feb. Is there anywhere around there similar to the Ulster Tower thats happy enough to accomodate a groups of 20 -30 people with their own packed lunches, who in return are happy to buy cups of tea/coffee and souveniers/posters ?

[old-ted]

You could try the Old Blighty tea rooms in La Boiselle ( opens on 27th January for 2010 season), but it is a cafe that sells food so give them a call first to check. There is a room at the Museum in Albert but again you would need to check first.

Regards

John

[inishowen]

Many thanks John,

In order to keep costs down we would generally stay in Belgium and get a packed lunch for the visit to the Somme. Teddy and Phoebe were always happy enough to let us sit down either outside or inside as most of the people would buy a cup of 'real' tea or coffee and then many would also pick up souveniers or posters etc. I suppose the fact that most of us would be from Ulster helped too! In fairness I've always found the staff at the Thiepval Visitors Center very helpful too, but as its the start of February I think people would like a decent cup of cha rather than something coming out of a vending machine. I'll certainly give the Old Blighty people a call, and thanks for the advice.

Fearghal.

[bruce]

Fearghal,

One other spot you could try is.....dare I say it....Tommy's.

School parties are allowed to eat packed lunches there, by prior arrangement, so long as they buy a drink. Being a coffee drinker, I can't vouch for the tea, but it might answer your need. It is also warm and dry!

Bruce

[old-ted]

Tommy's has gone very Scottish with a wonderful tartan carpet & a stage for performances. Take your pipes.

John

[angelab]

Isn't Avril's open in winter? They have picnic tables outside, so maybe would be agreeable to letting a group use them if they bought at least a drink. Ocean Villas tearooms

Angela

[inishowen]

Thanks folks, i'm really starting to look forward to this now. (the snow here in Donegal is SERIOUS at the minute)