Testimonials 2001



"The Belgian hiccups and sunburn served not at all to dull the sheen of the occasion improved so much by the quality of the guide. It was amazing to be able to live the battle as if in the ranks on the day and survive, this even after being charged by some re–enacting cuirassiers! Money was never better spent and will, I hope, have occasion so to be again."
Bill Little Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"What an experience. To be there on the day itself and to see the Imperial Guard present was wonderful; in Graeme you have found a jewel, in the heat of the day he made everything come alive, even though we didn't make all the walks."
Max Vernon and Lucy Miller– Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"We have been on almost 20 battlefield tours over the years but I can honestly say that none have given us as much pleasure as the trip to Waterloo. The arrangements worked like clockwork, the company was very good and Graeme Cooper a most informative guide."
Bill & Sylvia Marsh –Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"It absolutely poured with rain the whole time and the shuttle was seriously delayed but t hanks to the magnificent Graeme Cooper everyone had a terrific time. He was brilliant! If I can be guaranteed he will lead the tour I will go every year. Congratulations on an excellent level of service."
Dr David Hipshon – St James Independent School

"There is no doubt that it could not have been done as effectively without your keen insight into military history and your outstanding ability to present your knowledge in such a way offering a perfect balance of fact and analysis, and in such a digestible form. You had a difficult task in satisfying the needs of a varied group and it was very much due to your credit that not only was the tour academically and professionally rewarding but it also offered a perfect opportunity to engage the civilian component of the Headquarters in understanding military matters."
General J D Moore–Bick CBE. GOC Headquarters United Kingdom Support Command (Germany)

"Excellent best yet. Will definitely book again".
C Roscoe

"What a leader and inspiration! He took us 'over the top' at Serre on the Somme and his information flow was non stop action. He gave tutorials, mini scenarios, re–enactment of actual events and was compassionate and understanding when events were inevitably sad and made one despondent. His inside information on the military thinking of events was second to none. He gave us poetry, literature references, quotations , maps. What an excellent communicator. We salute him!" On behalf of the Manchester Pals – Pte John Richardson

"Having such a guide as Graeme Cooper for the Saturday, who gave such a description of the events, along with his passion for the subject, made us visualize the battle and was one of the highlights of the weekend."
Steve Moore and Elizabeth Thomson–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"Our tour guide Graeme Cooper inspired our group to have a very interesting and informative trip. His obvious passion for the subject matter was delivered in a way that was enthralling for all, young and old knowledgeable and not".
J Wanless –Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

The holiday was made better than we imagined by a very enthusiastic courier".
Gordon Alcock–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

I taught 19th Century history for fifteen years, often to not overenthusiastic adolescents and it was difficult to convince them that history was just not remembering dates. I found myself wishing that they could have been with me hearing you bring this great event to life. Your love of this period of history and your enthusiasm would have created a whole new slant on the subject for them as it did for me. All the tour was alive with atmosphere as it was easy to leave the 21st Century behind and travel back nearly 200 years in time. We spent a remarkable few days with you which we shall never forget.
Graham BA (Honours) History. University of London

"I have been there several times before, but your superb analysis and description of the events of June 1815 truly brought the battle to life."
Air Commodore Nigel Day CBE BSc(Eng) ACGI RAF

"We are extremely fortunate to have Graeme Cooper as our Battlefield Guide. He is not only enthusiastic, knowledgeable, sensitive to the needs and wishes of the group but also friendly, helpful and sincere. He explains events clearly, objectively and answers queries thoroughly and intelligently It is indeed your good fortune that a man of such calibre is willing to take tours like this. We would go on another one if led by him.
Geoff and Eileen Coombes

"Would you be good enough to pass on our grateful thanks also to Major Graeme Cooper who certainly gave us a vivid and exciting explanation of the battle and the battlefield."
Derek & Cynthia Ringrose

"It was quite a unique and humbling experience brought to life by your ability to describe such a complex period of history clearly and with power."
Wing Commander P C Osborn RAF

"Please pass on our thanks to Major Graeme Cooper for his excellent battlefield tours and friendliness."
Phil Carvallo and Jill Field –Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"We wanted to thank you for your truly excellent and gripping tour of the Waterloo battlefield yesterday. It was indeed a day to remember."
Raymond and Hilary Green

"Finally can you send me the full name and address of our guide. I thought that he was tremendous, and wanted to pass on my thanks."
Matt McVeigh–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"Please could you pass on our thanks to Graeme, he really did bring the battlefield to life."
Andrew & Kay Herbert– Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"It would be too good if Graeme Cooper could give us another guided tour. I learnt so much on this trip, and started to get a much clearer picture of events."
Suzanne Brunt– Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"I have visited the field several times but never have I felt that I knew the exact course of events. Through Graeme and his wonderful way of positioning you there", he made it possible.
Geoffrey Ansell–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"Thank you for devoting so much of your time and effort into educating us in the finer points of the Battle of Waterloo, your enthusiasm for this subject is a joy. I am sure ours will not be the only note from a grateful public. I suggest you get a bigger scrapbook!"
Neil & Anne Zurbrugg–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"I was very pleased to make your acquaintance during the Waterloo trip and I am indebted to you for the extended visit around the battle field. Your comprehensive tour extending even to Papelotte and Frischermont, took me to places not seen before and the unscheduled visit to La Haye Sainte was just breathtaking."
Gerry Murphy–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"Just a note to thank you for so kindly escorting a bunch of Dukes round the battlefield of Waterloo. You imparted a great deal of information with skill and enthusiasm and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it, as well as learning a great deal in the process."
John Greenway
Editor, The Iron Duke

"Your enthusiasm for your subject was perfect – it was a splendid time and I shall never forget it. Thanks for being such an excellent guide that weekend."
David & Janet Bromley–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"A day never to be forgotten. We all thoroughly enjoyed every bit – you have kindled a genuine long–term interest – and we cannot thank you enough for your expertise (PhD level), charming delivery, and first class company – as always!"
Colonel Nigel St J Hall, late The Duke of Wellington's Regiment

"I must write and thank you for a tremendous day last Friday. For me and Roger especially, it was a fascinating and most interesting afternoon. It will surely not be long before I am back again – like so many things now there is a good foundation to build on, taking it further becomes so much worthwhile. For me it could not have been a better day."
Major David L J Harrap
Regimental Secretary, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment

"David Hobden and I could not have been looked after better and we were particularly impressed by the weather and your extensive knowledge of events 185 years ago."
Colonel John Goodsir CBE late Army Air Corps

"You were instrumental in overcoming our disappointment in the lack of a major re–enactment. Besides rendering Muffling a new heroic image, I have a new appreciation of what the torrents of rain on June 17 must have been like. I have every intention of returning to Waterloo where I hope to join one of your tours.
Mike Driessen USA

Having such a guide as Graeme Cooper for the Saturday, who gave such a description of the events, along with his passion for the subject, made us visualise the battle and was one of the highlights of the weekend. For him to give up his Sunday appointment to be with us and walk the battlefield for those of us that did not go to Brussels was an added bonus..
Steve Moore and Elizabeth Thompson–Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

"We have just returned from our battlefield tour which we enjoyed far beyond our expectations. Our excellent Tour Guide was Major Graeme Cooper who made history come alive and with his enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject was outstanding.
Elizabeth and Ray Gocher

'I was very satisfied with the holiday and in particular with the efforts of the guide Graeme Cooper who worked hard to ensure we saw everything in the itinerary as well as some additional sites.'
Neil Hardwick –Association of Friends of the Waterloo Committee Tour 16–19 June 2000

 

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