Looking Forward to 2014

Posted on 28th February 2014 by Julie and David Thomson in General News.

Looking Forward to 2014

While we have not had the devastating weather the UK has had, we have had a bit of rain and breezy days here on The Somme, but nothing like as cold as last winter.  In fact we really do feel as though spring is just around the corner.  The daffodils are coming out and buds of blossom are on the trees.

We have already welcomed our first guests to No.fifty6 and are very much looking forward to seeing returning guests as well as new guests in the year ahead.

1st March is a key day here on the Somme as it seems this is the date that some of our favourite places reopen again after the winter break.

Ulster Tower reopens on 1st March, with Don and Maureen Mitchell back as custodians of the Tower and Thiepval Wood.  It is a favourite place of ours to go in for a cup of tea and a chat, as is Old Blighty Tea Room in La Boisselle run by Alison and Jon Haslock.

Also reopening after a major refurbishment is the Historial Museum in Peronne. We hope to get along there soon to check out the new displays.  Thiepval Visitor Centre has also reopened after the winter break.

With the Centenary of 1914 now with us the work to improve some of the local roads is nearing completion.  The road from Pozieres to Thiepval has been widened and the area around Mouquet Farm memorial improved. The road from Thiepval past Ulster Tower has also been widened and improved.  Works at Villers Bretonneux are ongoing but will be finished in time for the Anzac Day service in April.

At Mametz Wood a new staircase has been put in up to the Welsh Dragon Memorial and the Dragon himself was taken away for refurbishment but he is now proudly back on his plinth looking splendid.

Later this month work is being carried out at Lochnagar Crater by the Friends of Lochnagar to improve the entrance area leading up to the Cross.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission have continued their excellent work to maintain the Military Cemeteries.  Ovillers Cemetery is currently undergoing maintenance work and headstone re-engraving.

So we hope to see old friends and new at No.fifty6 in the year ahead and share this remarkable place with you again, or for your first visit.

 

 

 

 

Comments (6)

Rob Kirk says:

Thanks for the updates. Looking forward to our visit in May.

Pete Williams says:

Great to have updates of places close to you. We retain vivid memories of Lochnagar Crater and the most sticking Welsh Dragon I have ever seen.

Brian Janman says:

Ferry booked already. Really looking forward to my visit to No Fifty6 in September to honour my Great Uncle. See you then.

Ashley Atkinson says:

Thanks for update
Looking forward to trips later in year
Best wishes for now
Ashley

Judith says:

Looking forward,very much,to seeing you later in the year. X

Wendy says:

We are looking forward to our visit early April very much

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