awakefield Posted 5 January , 2012 Posted 5 January , 2012 Just to flag up that I'm taking a group out to the old Salonika battlefields between 2 - 8 May this year. There are a few spaces left and I thought I'd see if any forum members might be up for it. We'll be visiting all the main British areas: Doiran, Struma Valley, part of the Vardar sector. Will also be getting up to Skopje. Anyone interested in receiving more details should PM me with an email address and I'll pass an itinerary and expected costs on. ALAN
madgarry Posted 5 January , 2012 Posted 5 January , 2012 Wish I could make it as my great grandfather fought in Salonika. If your visiting the Doiran cemetery any chance of a headstone photo . Garry
awakefield Posted 5 January , 2012 Author Posted 5 January , 2012 Hi Gary, yes, should be able to take the photo for you. Let me have the details.
Rockdoc Posted 5 January , 2012 Posted 5 January , 2012 I went with Alan last May and had a fantastic time. I really urge anyone who has the slightest interest to go. It's so much easier to make sense of your research when you've stood where the troops stood. Quite apart from any WW1 associations, the scenery is wonderful, the flora and fauna exceptionally plentiful and the people are very welcoming. Keith
MartinWills Posted 6 January , 2012 Posted 6 January , 2012 Rockdoc neglected to mention that the food is cheap and excellent and meals can be gargantuan, not to mention the excellent Macedonian wines and Raki ..... Opportunities to tour the Salonika/Macedonia battlefields are few and far between and the local guides used for the tour know most areas intimately and are able to take visitors to places most visitors would never find.
centurion Posted 6 January , 2012 Posted 6 January , 2012 I would be interested. Can you let me have details please?
Rockdoc Posted 6 January , 2012 Posted 6 January , 2012 Martin, you're right. That's one aspect I hadn't mentioned. As you say, the quality was pretty good and there was plenty. Indeed, the meat for our meals usually appeared to be the end product of several herds of animals! The fish was also plentiful and the salads weren't too shabby either. Centurion, you won't be disappointed. I have a "diary" of my trip on my website if you'd care to have a browse. It'll give you an idea of what you need to take. Keith
Guest Borderer68 Posted 7 January , 2012 Posted 7 January , 2012 I would also be interested my great grandfather buried there could you send the details please.
centurion Posted 7 January , 2012 Posted 7 January , 2012 Martin, you're right. That's one aspect I hadn't mentioned. As you say, the quality was pretty good and there was plenty. Indeed, the meat for our meals usually appeared to be the end product of several herds of animals! The fish was also plentiful and the salads weren't too shabby either. Centurion, you won't be disappointed. I have a "diary" of my trip on my website if you'd care to have a browse. It'll give you an idea of what you need to take. Keith Well I've booked. I'll have to do some training between now and then to cope with the walking (eating and drinking I'm already skilled at). I haven't been able to get away for a real holiday for over 12 years so quite looking forward to it. I take it you flew back to Gatwick to collect the bike? Both Gatwick and Luton are near impossible from here by train so I'll need to use the car (had to give up the bike when I got married and haven't ridden since).
awakefield Posted 7 January , 2012 Author Posted 7 January , 2012 (edited) WO2 I see you can't use the PM system so email me at aj.wakefield AT* talktalk.net and I'll forward details. ALAN *insert @ Edited 7 January , 2012 by Kate Wills modified e-mail as anti-spam measure
Rockdoc Posted 7 January , 2012 Posted 7 January , 2012 Well I've booked. I'll have to do some training between now and then to cope with the walking (eating and drinking I'm already skilled at). I haven't been able to get away for a real holiday for over 12 years so quite looking forward to it. Training's a very good idea. We started going to the gym about 7 months before we left and we were very glad we did. Alan doesn't set a hard pace and there are quite a few stops along the way to talk about various relics and events nearby but it was quite warm most days - high 20s - and many of the paths had a steady gradient so we were glad we'd done something in preparation. Decent walking boots are a must, to protect your ankles on the rough surfaces, as is a medium-sized haversack to take your lunch and the vital extra drinks, waterproofs and so on. I used a salts replacement called Hi-5 Zero - Alka-Seltzer style tablets you drop into your water bottle. It was recommended by our trainer, who uses it on his triathlons. I found a walking pole handy, though Ruth tried it and found no need. <Shrug> I take it you flew back to Gatwick to collect the bike? Both Gatwick and Luton are near impossible from here by train so I'll need to use the car (had to give up the bike when I got married and haven't ridden since). We used the car but, yes, we flew in and out of Gatwick. I'd strongly recommend the Ifield Court Hotel, whose room rates include parking and the taxi firm they use for transfers were excellent. I'd also recommend the home-made steak and Stilton pie in the restaurant. As usual, I have no connection and am simply a satisfied customer. Keith
Kate Wills Posted 7 January , 2012 Posted 7 January , 2012 No, cucumber is to Macedonia as chips are to Britain. Shopska salad How about Stork? - (the avain type, not the stuff any twerp can tell from butter) Like them? The storks will be nesting in May, and every wall will and window will be plastered with swallow and martin nests. Last year I saw a swallow tail butterfly for the first time in my life, and the wildflower meadows are stupendous. Tortoises roam the hills, and last year Keith nearly got run over by an eagle. So aside from WW1 treats, it will also appeals to naturalists, archeologists, and lovers of good wine.
centurion Posted 7 January , 2012 Posted 7 January , 2012 No, cucumber is to Macedonia as chips are to Britain. And in Glasga I'm sure you can get deep fried cucumber. There used to be a supper bar in Paisley where you could get anything deep fried, absolutely anything.
keithmroberts Posted 8 January , 2012 Posted 8 January , 2012 I have just signed up as well. I can travel easily to Gatwick by train, and have not made up my mind whether to book a cut price Travelodge room (no deals on parking), or just to turn up on a late train the night before and wait in the airport. Decisions decisions. I too need to get some training in. South Downs here I come. Keith
awakefield Posted 8 January , 2012 Author Posted 8 January , 2012 Keith If you turn up for the overnighter in the airport there will be a few of us there, including myself! Looks like we will have a good mix of Salonika veterans and newbies on this tour. ALAN
keithmroberts Posted 9 January , 2012 Posted 9 January , 2012 That settles it then. See you at Gatwick. Flights booked, all I need to do now is get out on those hills. Keith
Guest Borderer68 Posted 8 March , 2012 Posted 8 March , 2012 Hi troops, Cant make this years trip unfortunately but would it be possible if someone could take a photograph of memorial with my Greatgrandfathers name on it and upload it onto site , that would be much appreciated his details are the following , 225333 Pte Hugh Douglas Hogg 10th (Lovat Scouts) Bn The Cameron Highlanders Age 49 KIA 6th Dec 1916 Cemetry Dorian Hope you all have a fantastic trip All the best Dave
Jonathan Saunders Posted 9 March , 2012 Posted 9 March , 2012 Hi troops, Cant make this years trip unfortunately but would it be possible if someone could take a photograph of memorial with my Greatgrandfathers name on it and upload it onto site , that would be much appreciated his details are the following , 225333 Pte Hugh Douglas Hogg 10th (Lovat Scouts) Bn The Cameron Highlanders Age 49 KIA 6th Dec 1916 Cemetry Dorian Hope you all have a fantastic trip All the best Dave Dave - I am sure this can be done but a reminder a few days before departure might be a good idea. Regards, Jonathan S
MartinWills Posted 10 April , 2012 Posted 10 April , 2012 Everyone seems to be set fair for Salonika now. It may just be possible to squeeze a couple of late entries in but if you are interested you will need to contact Alan Wakefield very swiftly ....
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