Thiepval memorial Closed

[toofatfortakeoff]

I arrived by Thiepval last week to find that the great memorial is being treated chemically and therefore is shuy until 7th JUNE...very disappointing for folks from Australia as I found out. Cycling from Albert was a bit of a rotter too. Mpore info later

[Guest KevinEndon]

Very annoying to find a huge memorial like Thiepval closed. I was out in March last year and couldn't even see the brickwork as it was covered. On the last day of the trip we could hear the scaffolding being taken down but alas too late for us.

I take it you missed this thread

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...thiepval+closed

I hope it hasn't spoiled too much of your trip. As for cycling from Albert to Thiepval, you are a braver man than I.

Kevin

[toofatfortakeoff]

Thanks mate it was unwise of me not to have a last look but the man in thee shop is veryy helpful-yeh did the journey taking in Contalmasion La Boiselle and did Villers Brettoneux in the rain-gave it a big atmosphere-missed Pozieres which was open dammit but got the camcorder out and all was worthwhile> Got a huge file of photos-firrst time on the Somme so have to go back poor connectioons to Peronne eh?

[salientguide]

Its a pity more advanced notice was not given about this closure. This caused us some concern on the Big Bike Ride until the day before our Army escort met some CWGC officials and persuaded them to open it up for us to have a visit and ceremony there, see Big battlefield Bike Ride thread. SG

[59165]

I remember my dad,an engineer,being mightily peed off when a rd. in Hexham was dug up to do a pre ordained pipe repair.They had just resurfaced it the week before.

Why didn't someone do the mould spraying etc./whatever when the memorial was closed for roof repairs?

Save a few quid & a coupla weeks closure.

[toofatfortakeoff]

As the saying goes. Not my job mate. In their defence the spray is pretty toxic hence the closure and takes a while to settle-BUT if you go early and insist they WILL open up for you-a bit off putting when the French sprayers are singing their heads off in there anyway.

[Simon Jones]

We found it open yesterday at midday with no sign of spraying, barriers or notices. We had already re-scheduled the tour timetable and were just making a photo stop but found nothing to stop us visiting. You could try calling the visitors centre to find out what is actually happening.

[blue red blue]

was up there this sat and sun, all fully open