LindaSeaton Posted 20 October , 2005 Share Posted 20 October , 2005 Wondering if anyone can help. I want to take my Father (who is 81, very able to walk but not fast!) on our first trip to the memorial at Pozieres - his Uncle died on 1/4/1918 - I have the grave reference from the CWGC. Am thinking we would like to 'go it alone' rather than go on a tour (although if anyone has any suggestions for a good one?) - would prefer not to drive but take trains etc. If anyone has any suggestions of how we can get there/where we can stay it would be most appreciated! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Poilu Posted 20 October , 2005 Share Posted 20 October , 2005 The Somme area is not the easiest place to get around by public transport - a car is really the ideal means of transport. However, I seem to remember trains run into Albert station from Lille and Arras main stations. I cannot be sure but buses must run from Albert to Bapaume right past Pozieres memorial - Paul Reed will know more I am sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 20 October , 2005 Share Posted 20 October , 2005 You can indeed get a train to Albert, the nearest town, but there haven't been buses on the Somme since the 50s and 60s; there is no public transport at all. It means taking a taxi, I am afraid. One way from Albert to Pozieres will probably be in the region of 15 Euros. To hire a taxi for the day will be a lot more, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Poilu Posted 21 October , 2005 Share Posted 21 October , 2005 Thanks Paul. I must admit I have never seen any buses on that road but it does seem extraordinary. When you consider the superb French school bus system you would think there would at least be a bus between Bapaume/Albert/Peronne etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 21 October , 2005 Share Posted 21 October , 2005 The French all have cars - and have lost the 'bus culture' it seems. Except in some cities such as Amiens and Arras. The school bus system isn't that great either; my lad used to have to leave home at 7.00am every morning and get home around 5.30pm - and that was from the age of five! It was also prone to strikes, as indeed is much of the rest of France these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSeaton Posted 21 October , 2005 Author Share Posted 21 October , 2005 Many thanks for the replies people!! The best thing to do then would be to go on a 'tour' of some sort? Have 'googled' tours for WW1 and there seem to be quite a few about!!! I think a short tour would be more than manageable for my Dad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Poilu Posted 21 October , 2005 Share Posted 21 October , 2005 Linda, Have a search on this very site for 'tour' and you will find lots of good advice and people able to help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSeaton Posted 21 October , 2005 Author Share Posted 21 October , 2005 Will do, many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willy Posted 21 October , 2005 Share Posted 21 October , 2005 Linda when are you thinking of going to the somme? Will do, many thanks! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSeaton Posted 23 October , 2005 Author Share Posted 23 October , 2005 Willy Would have to be next year sometimes when the weather warms up a bit for my Dad! Was thinking maybe March/April sometime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlington Posted 23 October , 2005 Share Posted 23 October , 2005 Willy Would have to be next year sometimes when the weather warms up a bit for my Dad! Was thinking maybe March/April sometime! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Linda It can still be pretty chilly on the Somme even at the end of April/beginning of May. Last year I was really very cold at the beginning of May as I had not brought enough cold weather gear. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSeaton Posted 23 October , 2005 Author Share Posted 23 October , 2005 Martin, thanks for letting me know, I will make sure he wraps up warm!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willy Posted 24 October , 2005 Share Posted 24 October , 2005 Hi Linda, if you send me a pm, i may be able to help you out willy Martin, thanks for letting me know, I will make sure he wraps up warm!!!!! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted 30 November , 2005 Share Posted 30 November , 2005 (edited) Many thanks for the replies people!! The best thing to do then would be to go on a 'tour' of some sort? Have 'googled' tours for WW1 and there seem to be quite a few about!!! I think a short tour would be more than manageable for my Dad! Linda I have taken my mum (78) to the Western Front for a number of years ( last year it was the Somme) we go on an organised tour, which alieviates some of the difficulties with getting to places we want to see and walking problems. Many of them will take you to your specific destination or personal visit. It might be worth contacting your nearest Western Front Association Branch to find out if they organise trips. Ours does here in North Lancashire and thats who i go with now. its good as they cater for all abilities and its a little more tailored to your needs. I dont know where you are location wise but just type in Western Front Assc and you can search the site for your nearest branch.The link westernfrontassc Edited 30 November , 2005 by Lindsey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw Posted 30 November , 2005 Share Posted 30 November , 2005 Linda, I note that the CWGC make a special point of saying that wheelchair access is impossible to the Pozieres Memorial but that probably just means steps and no ramps. I think a Somme tour would be best for you. Of course, most tours are delighted to accomodate a personal visit - indeed they welcome them and Pozieres being on the main axis road of the Somme attack is very easy to visit with no detour needed. Of course, your relative will have been fighting a fair way further east of Pozieres. Perhaps your research will tell you where. It might be nice to visit a grave of a member of the battalion killed on the same date and buried near the fighting. Good Luck. I am sure you will both enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willy Posted 4 January , 2006 Share Posted 4 January , 2006 Hi Linda, if you are still planning to go to the Somme March/April, send me a pm, i may be able to help. Willy Wondering if anyone can help. I want to take my Father (who is 81, very able to walk but not fast!) on our first trip to the memorial at Pozieres - his Uncle died on 1/4/1918 - I have the grave reference from the CWGC. Am thinking we would like to 'go it alone' rather than go on a tour (although if anyone has any suggestions for a good one?) - would prefer not to drive but take trains etc. If anyone has any suggestions of how we can get there/where we can stay it would be most appreciated! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSeaton Posted 10 January , 2006 Author Share Posted 10 January , 2006 Hi Willy, just picked up your message, sorry for delay, been busy. Am still hoping to go maybe in April or maybe May, funnily enough I was just looking at Eurostar! Was thinking maybe either to Lille or Paris, must get myself a map of France!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve fuller Posted 14 January , 2006 Share Posted 14 January , 2006 Linda Get in touch with Avril at Ocean Villas guest house (in Auchonvilliers) too - she may be able to help & its not far from pozieres at all. If Id have seen this, I was there this week - could have taken a piccie for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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