Rifleman Tours - Tour Updates November 2013 - Armistic Tour, Ypres | Page 2

Last year’s Armistice Tour, Ypres 2012
Hello Tony and Allison, Just wanted to send you my own word of thanks, as well as Kevin and Roisin's, for a memorable and poignant tour of the WW1 Battlefields last weekend. I was deeply touched that you used the term "pilgrimage" when you introduced us to each other on the bus. That's what it was for us, so much more than a journey or a tour, culminating in a most emotional wreath-laying at our grand-father's grave supported so respectfully by you both and our companions. Your incredible knowledge of the battles on Flanders fields made me feel that they had happened only recently instead of nearly 100 years ago. We had a wonderful time at the concert on Sunday and attended the Last Post ceremony every evening. The hotel was very comfortable and breakfast plentiful and enjoyable. We also had the most delicious dinners in different restaurants each evening. Once again, your deep knowledge of WW1 contributed to the group's understanding of the cataclysmic events of the time and your profound final summation and exhultation in Poperinghe Cemetery to "remember them" will not easily be forgotten. Thank you both and until the next time.... With kindest regards, Mairead, Belfast
Hi Tony and Allison, Just a note to thank you both for a most enjoyable few days. The trip was both enjoyable and I informative. The informality (especially the little nips) added greatly to the overall ambience. Best regards, Ken, Belfast

Above: the group waiting to join the Poppy Parade Below left: our wreath with the many left at the Menin Gate

on 11th November

A big thank you to Allison and Tony for making a good weekend even better. Remarkable, unforgettable and emotional as well as educational. Just some of the words to explain the 2012 Ypres Armistice Tour. You’re both smashing people. George Lowe, London Dear Tony and Allison Many thanks for a great trip. You both went the extra mile for us all. Your grasp of that whole situation made it more clear just what had gone on. I am very glad I made the trip so many thanks again and best of luck with future tours. Regards Stanley, Belfast

Hi Tony and Allison. Roisín and Mairéad and I would like to thank you both, most sincerely, for the unforgettable experience which was our WW1 Battlefields tour. It was most kind of you to collect us from the airport and drive us to our hotel. Tony, your knowledge of events and locations involved was inspirational. Your obvious enthusiasm was infectious and you were able to stimulate our minds and hearts to participate in this wonderful experience. Alison, your attention to detail and to ensuring the comfort of the group added so much to the enjoyment of the tour - and this was not just the coffee, tea, whiskey and brandy - and the chocolate biscuits! Your insistence that comfort breaks were essential was much appreciated! Roisín and Mairéad would like to say a special thank you for the respect shown to their grandfather by Rifleman Tours and the group as a whole. What a great group they were! We really enjoyed their company. We will always remember this tour - the pomp and ceremony of the Armistice celebrations, the emo F????B??v??7??bF?Rw&VF??????r???V??V?6?FVR?BF?Rv&?F??B6??&FW6???bF?Rw&?W2v???R???6Rv???F?????Rf?"G'V?v??FW&gV?W?W&?V?6R??Wf???B&??<:???6?WF?W&??&V??@??&?v?C?6?7FW'2&??<:???B??,:?B???&W2?VgC?F?????F?R6?V?BF?&?B??W6R??W&??vP???