Great news! Lottery cash for funding of WW2 Vets+one spouse+one carer to return to the scene of their heroics now available. Application forms available to download from the following link. http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_heroesreturn_application.pdf Mine's in! Les
Dr D - as always - one has to be resident of the Uk and have the potential to invest in the lottery to be eligible - no arguement with that as it is only right and proper - same as last time which cost me over 2000 GBP to go back to Italy - although the 1425GBP ($ 2800o) would come in handy...good luck with your trip. Cheers
Sorry Tom, it's so rare that we get owt for nowt over here that I got overexcited and forgot you great guys (who helped us out ). "They also serve who only stand and wait" - glad you didn't wait too long, though! Thanks to you all Les
For those without a computer they can telephone: 0845 0000121 and get application pack posted to them!!!
Les Many thanks for the info. I've been to the link you supplied and have downloaded the pdf file so that I can study it at my leisure. I see that there are no drastic changes to the "Heroes Return 1" and, all being well, I might very well take advantage of the scheme to visit the Eastern coast of Sicily in 2010 and do the ferry trip from Messina to Reggio di Calabria. I did the trip once before in Sept 1943, admittably in a TLC, and I want to show the area to she who must be obeyed Cheers Ron
Now that it is confirmed that the American and French Presidents will be attending the 6h June commemoration ceremony at the American Normandy Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer it seems that NOBODY knows what form of security passes will be needed for those attending this; nor who is responsible for issuing them, nor where or by what means to apply for them. Enquiries at the US Defense Attache in London, US Dept of Defense, State Department, US Navy and Marines organisations, the usual French D-day ceremony organisers, local Mayors, etc, etc., have all proved clueless Has ANYBODY got ANY contacts who can help in this increasingly urgent issue? One of the above sources even suggests that the passes will need to bear the name and PHOTOGRAPH of individuals but none of my British, French or American contacts have been able provide any information whatsoever! Les
Les, im sorry to hear that you are not getting anywhere with this, I take it that Peter H couldnt help? Phil
Les, just rang Peter myself, and under the guise of my mother going for the commerations, he knows im on Holiday, he has pointed me in the direction of this web site. D-Day 65th Anniversary Events 2009 « Visit Normandy-Pays de Loire Not sure if it will help, but certainly lots of contact numbers. Good Luck Phil
Les Is this link any good to you ? Although it looks as though it is strictly for "local" use, they may be able to give you other connections ? The National D-Day Memorial Foundation Ron
Appointment : Cimetière Américain 14h30 American Sector: OMAHA BEACH Normandy American Cemetery : Ecumenical religious ceremony, Laying of wreaths. Phone : 0231920026 (Comité du Débarquement)
Hi Ron and Phil Thanks for your posts. Yea! I've already tried them all plus. Comite du Debarquement was my first port of call many weeks ago, at behest of US Defense Attache in London. This is the office that handles the annual event and provides facilities for visiting veterans. They'd already reserved placesfor us at both Bayeux and American Cemetery; but emphasised at that time that if any presidential involvement transpired they, themselves, would be out of the equation as they envisaged the same FBI/CIA inspired security arrangements,as for Bush, would prevail. My American contact who is arranging US Veterans to participate in thse events is tearing her hair out. I'm reinforcing my earlier requests. Thanks Les PS Something wrong with the clock. I posted this Sunday 00.03am
Les, sorry I cant be of anymore assistance, although I did hear a rumour that Obahma was not now going ? In Peter Hodge's own words, the whole thing has become a political roadshow, with the Veterans being pushed down the priority list If I do get anymore info, I will post / pm you Phil
Les Thought you might like an update of the Lottery's "Hero's Return No.2" All being well I will be visiting Sicily in September this year and have already been given what I consider to be a generous grant by the organisers. Part of my holiday will be a a Ferry trip between Messina and Reggio di Calabria to make the comparison between my last sailing, on the same waters, in a TLC ! I will certainly take some pics and post them here but in the meantime you may be amused/interested to see what the organisers have already sent to my wife & I for use on the trip. The pack even included sun lotion ! Best wishes and thanks for giving me the tip-off in the first place Ron
I was recently asked for some info on the Heroes Return scheme by the son of a veteran who's father had emigrated to Canada after the war. The query, fairly obviously, related to whether or not his dad qualified for a grant from the scheme. I made enquiries and was pleased to receive today the following ruling from the Big Lottery Fund: Our guidance for the programme states that only those veterans resident in the UK (or Eire) are eligible for the programme and, sadly, this would exclude veterans who no longer reside here. The reason why we have to be so specific about the residency criteria is that the Big Lottery Fund is bound by legislation only to make grants to organisations that are based (or individuals resident) in the UK. We are only able to support veterans in Eire, for example, because our funding is directed via the Royal British Legion, which is a UK-based organisation. We have explored possible solutions that might enable veterans who are not living here in the UK to obtain financial support for their visit. One possible solution is outlined below for your consideration. We are able to fund organisations that are based here in the UK. In the past, we have been able to fund people resident outside the UK but only if they have been travelling with other veterans as part of an organised visit that is managed by an organisation based here in the UK. The UK‑based organisation would need to submit the application form to us. Therefore, if the veteran is aware of UK-based organisations who are already, or who could consider, organising a commemorative visit, then we would certainly consider their application. Having now used this brilliant scheme to make visits to both Cassino (1955) and Sicily I am only too happy to recommend it to others and make further enquiries on anyones behalf. Ron
Bumping this thread just in case there are any vets out there who have not made use of this generous scheme. Heroes Return: Funding - Big Lottery Fund As previously reported, I have and can only say good things about this splendid scheme that really does what it says. If anyone needs further advice come back to this thread and I will point them in the right direction. This also applies to relatives of veterans who would need support for a possible trip. Ron
