Huge thanks to @LargeAddick for organising it all and to @SE7toSG3 for the planning, the talks and recommendations of where to eat etc even if he and @charltonnick went AWOL yesterday to visit Germany.
@BartramBlitz on Walter Tull was fascinating as we stood close to where he fell and possibly still lies as he has no known grave.
Amiens is a beautiful city in its own right and I wish I'd had time to visit inside the cathedral.
glad everyone enjoyed the trip and it was a pleasure organising it. Watch this space for details of the next one. Hope everyone go home ok, especially those travelling long distances like Grantham and Barry. It was, as usual, a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.
Just to agree - immaculate organisation, great work by Clive. Brilliant mix of authoritative knowledge and personal stories. Highly recommended. Thanks to all involved.
I too would like to express my thanks to Neal and Clive. My fourth trip, and I look forward to any fifth trip.
Three quick reflections:
1. I think the Germans on the trips add great value. This time they provided poignant musical accompaniment.
2. I’m glad I’m not a coach driver getting through some of the tight spots Clive directed him through. I struggle reversing the car out of the garage!
3. I think we’re lucky that Clive’s a Charlton supporter, bringing his knowledge, experience and passion for the benefit of the club and its supporters.
Back home in Dorset. Just to echo, my thanks as well to @LargeAddick and @SE7toSG3 for their immaculate organisation and presentation. Thinking back to when I visited Auschwitz, I'm not sure that "enjoy" is the correct word to describe such a trip, but I do feel so glad and indeed privileged to have been a part of this experience.
As a non-military man and committed atheist I was still fascinated to see the Muslim graves in amongst the French, and the Jewish graves in amongst the German dead, and to learn that these warriors were treated with the total respect that they warranted by those who came after them, a quarter of a century later.
The story of Walter Tull as related by @BartramBlitz reduced me to tears, and reaching for the away fixture list for next season.
And lastly a joy to make the acquaintance of fellow (mostly senior) addicks.
I too would like to express my thanks to Neal and Clive. My fourth trip, and I look forward to any fifth trip.
Three quick reflections:
1. I think the Germans on the trips add great value. This time they provided poignant musicalSX_Addick said:
I too would like to express my thanks to Neal and Clive. My fourth trip, and I look forward to any fifth trip.
Three quick reflections:
1. I think the Germans on the trips add great value. This time they provided poignant musical accompaniment.
2. I’m glad I’m not a coach driver getting through some of the tight spots Clive directed him through. I struggle reversing the car out of the garage!
3. I think we’re lucky that Clive’s a Charlton supporter, bringing his knowledge, experience and passion for the benefit of the club and its supporters.
Special thanks to Neal and Clive.
Thanks to Tom Tom Sat Nav and Google maps, on two phones.
After Clive left it provided just enough information to direct Delle home.
It was, as usual, a very informative trip presented brilliantly by Clive. The personal anecdotes are always insightful and thought-provoking. On top of that the whole trip was very well organised by Neal as it is every year. This year we had the added bonus of two musicians who added a great atmosphere to two of the visits. Proof that there is, indeed, a lot of hot air spouted when Charlton Life people get together. The Walter Tull story was inspirational. Thanks to everyone.
Great trip again! Thanks to Neal and Clive for putting it on. Also thanks to Clive, George and Nick for letting me tag along with them for the evening beers! Cheers Dean
Thanks for all the photos. I couldn't commit myself this year as my other half was on a waiting list for shoulder replacement . Looking forward to the 2025 trip already!
Comments
Better than in Blighty.
Just got back to Dover and it is pissing down
Huge thanks to @LargeAddick for organising it all and to @SE7toSG3 for the planning, the talks and recommendations of where to eat etc even if he and @charltonnick went AWOL yesterday to visit Germany.
@BartramBlitz on Walter Tull was fascinating as we stood close to where he fell and possibly still lies as he has no known grave.
Amiens is a beautiful city in its own right and I wish I'd had time to visit inside the cathedral.
Looking forward to Stalingrad in 2026.
Great trip again, well planned and we got through so much. For once I actually made some half decent notes as well.
My personal highlights are always some of the personal Vets stories that Clive tells from those he met and there were plenty of them.
Couple of photos below including one inside the cathedral for you Ben!
You can read more about him below
From Workhouse to Walworth and Western Front - The Fred Chick Story — Charlton Life
He was great company.
1. I think the Germans on the trips add great value. This time they provided poignant musical accompaniment.
You can book on an existing tour or arrange a personalised trip.
Home - Battle Honours (battle-honours.co.uk)
On top of that the whole trip was very well organised by Neal as it is every year.
This year we had the added bonus of two musicians who added a great atmosphere to two of the visits. Proof that there is, indeed, a lot of hot air spouted when Charlton Life people get together.
The Walter Tull story was inspirational.
Thanks to everyone.
Thank you for sharing, fpg.
£400.00 - Charlton Park RDA (Riding for the Disabled Assoc.) in memory of Dave Thomson
£400.00 - The Upbeats
£289.75 - Charlton Athletic Museum
Thanks for your support of both the trip itself and the above charities,
Neal and Clive