Testimonials 2006
Graeme – very many thanks for providing yet another excellent Battlefield Tour. The attending "Chunderers" were all suitably impressed and many were still commenting on the excellent programme as they left the bus last night – and it's quite right that they should do so. You and Mike make an excellent team and, as individuals who are clearly independent of the Sqn, your comments reinforce and expand the work conducted by the permanent staff. I am most grateful to you both for all your efforts, whether it is sorting out the meal tickets or conjuring–up the horrors of the battlefield. You make my trip very easy and most enjoyable.
Commander D W Bridger Royal Navy
Defence Technical Undergraduate Squadron Scheme – Southampton University Leadership Tour of Somme and Ypres 10–12 Nov 2006
First of all a huge thank you from all the Wolstenholme's for such a fantastic trip to the battle fields of the Great War. It really was such a special few days for us all. I personally learnt so much and was fascinated to relate some of the leadership and decision making aspects of such a complex and massive campaign to today's world.
Such a lesson to us all, and such a great way to receive it by visiting the places where it all took place. We are indebted to you for making it possible, and for making it real, and for getting everybody involved. I will remember always the walk to where Arthur died, and to read the letters about his death on the way there. When I read my own Grandfathers log book 'the road to Serre' means so much more now. As you said at the start, your job was to show us the ground and to tell us the story – we had to use our imagination and somehow put in our own context. You did a brilliant job.
Andrew Wolstenholme – Bespoke Tour in the Great War Footsteps of Hugh Barnes MC – The battlefields of The Somme, Loos and Ypres. 26–29 Oct 2006
'Antonia has been telling me what a wonderful Battlefield Tour you arranged for them and in particular Johnny's parents. I know they not only found the way you describe events very moving but also they appreciated the huge care which you took on researching the details of Hugh's family. So many thanks for what was for them and I dare say it my grandchildren a very memorable visit'
FIELD MARSHAL THE RT HON LORD INGE KG GCB DL - Bespoke Tour in the Great War Footsteps of Hugh Barnes MC – The battlefields of The Somme, Loos and Ypres. 26–29 Oct 2006
'I can't thank you enough – it was such a moving and hugely educational trip – and I am wearing my poppy with immense pride and feel humbled by the whole experience. Hope your ears are burning – everyone has been singing your praises'.
Antonia Barnes–Yallowley
Bespoke Tour in the Great War Footsteps of Hugh Barnes MC – The battlefields of The Somme, Loos and Ypres. 26–29 Oct 2006
"Fantastic! Just come from a Slovakian Armed Forces day and many deputies came up and waxed lyrical and how much they enjoyed last Friday, courtesy of you. I did too; only sorry I had to cut short the afternoon and miss Vandamme. Big thanks again. I will long treasure your W'loo tours and definitely keen to do Salamanca.
Brigadier Nigel Hall
NATO Military Representatives Waterloo Tour – Waterloo 29 Sep 2006
"Thank you for your time and expertise today in educating us Deputy MilReps about Waterloo...I'd spent lots of time on the battlefield before, but today was the highlight. I'll go back many more times, and you've given me many enjoyable and productive threads to follow."
Brigadier General John Adams
Deputy US Military Representative NATO Military Representatives Waterloo Tour – Waterloo 29 Sep 2006
"Informal, informative, knowledgeable, professional, approachable. In every way excellent."
Clive Allens – Sawbridgeworth
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Excellent Day. The icing on the cake was our Standards at the ceremony at the Menin Gate"
Eunice and John Woolmore –Brentwood, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Well organised and a real pleasure to attend. Will recommend to friends and family."
Clive Selby – Matching Green
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Excellent Guide: His superb presentation of information, historical background and stories made the tour for us. Nothing was too much for him. A great day. Informal but very informative. Great atmosphere"
Mr J Ireland – Sawbridgeworth
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"A Great day out. I would recommend it to my branch and other Legion members"
Alan Richards – Abridge, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable day"
Liz and Julian Woor – Elsenham, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Brilliant"
Mr & Mrs Poulter – Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Excellent, informative. A great day out. Looking forward to the next one."
Sheila & John Wileman – Brentwood, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Conveyed that passion and knowledge very well. A excellent day out. Thoroughly enjoyable"
Chris & Ernie Field – Harlow, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Graeme was excellent as usual"
Brenda Allen – Harlow, Essex
Royal British Legion Tour to Ypres 27 Sep 2006
"Just a quick note to thank you for an excellent tour of the Waterloo battlefield, like I've never heard before despite numerous visits. I'm only sorry that I had to bail out at lunchtime."
Commodore Nick Harland RN Dep UK Military Representative EU, Brussels
Waterloo 15 Sep 2006
"Many thanks again for Friday I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. I believe I missed the fun in the afternoon with your surprise. A lot of people have mentioned to me how much they enjoyed the whole day and how excellent you were at bringing the whole thing alive."
Lynne Russell, Foreign & Commonwealth Office , HQ NATO, Brussels
Waterloo 15 Sep 2006
"Brilliant day! Really appreciated by everyone; long to be remembered"
Brigadier Nigel Hall, UK Military Representative HQ NATO, Brussels Waterloo 15 Sep 2006
"This was my first coach tour and far exceeded my expectations. A lot of thought had been given to the tour beforehand and it showed. The overall care and individual concern was first class.
Anne Stewart, Epping, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"An excellent tour. Time well spent, which will give us much to look back on and enjoy.
Jack Stewart, Epping, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Knowledgeable, lucid, concise" were his comments on the Guiding. "Already have," were his comments when asked "Would he recommend Cooper's Waterloo Tours to others?"
Bruce Littley Guild of Battlefield Guides – Kidderminster
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Thank you for your professional leadership of the weekend. It was not just the organisation and presentation of the whole visit that was appreciated but also the details; the representatives of the Imperial Guard; the library; nice, busy, yet relaxed timing; avoidance of queues, etc.."
Rob Brooks, Greensted, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Extremely good. I came on this trip with an extremely limited knowledge and returned enlightened."
Shirley Fisher, Toot Hill, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Hmm – hard to comment. But if pushed. Absolutely superb, extremely knowledgeable"
Mike Buckmaster–Brown – GBG, Lowther Hill, London
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Excellent. Had a superb weekend – A great experience. Could literally feel the ground shaking beneath my feet."
Jens Brooks, Belmont Hill, London
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Excellent and well worth it"
Alan Fisher, Toot Hill, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Excellent. A really good tour, it really gave me an idea of scale of the battle and of the intricate detail. Graeme's enthusiasm for the subject rubbed off onto everyone in the group "
Robin Fisher, Toot Hill, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Excellent. Very enjoyable 3 days and a good friendly group"
Martyn Lockwood, Chelmsford, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Oh Please" was the reply to the question 'Would you recommend Cooper's Waterloo Tours to others?'
Sue Brunt – Guild of Battlefield Guides, Sittingbourne, Kent
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"A great time"
Ken Meredew, Saffron Walden, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Insightful–first class."
Frank Toogood – Guild of Battlefield Guides – Bocking, Essex
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"Usual fine performance"
Mike McCarthy – Guild of Battlefield Guides, Chandlers Ford, Southampton Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006
"A really excellent tour presented by a thoroughly professionally guide with a deep understanding and empathy of the campaign and battles. The subject was delivered with consistent enthusiasm and good humour."
Adrian Clark – Morden, Surrey
Waterloo 1–3 Sep 2006.
"I enjoyed myself immensely and have seen sights and scenes that will stay with me forever."
Shauna Bonnar–Ford – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – August 2006
"He personalised several aspects of the tour from his own Regimental History which gave the method of instruction much more realism. Always punctual and professional in his manner he steered the week with very little pfaff involved. Excellent week. Well worth investing time and Personnel in. Brought out good qualities in leadership discussions."
Lee Ashcroft – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – August 2006
"Very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."
Simon Tomlinson – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – August 2006
"A fountain of war knowledge. I was very impressed and amazed at everything I saw and heard on the tour. Many thanks to Coops and my recommendation will be going out. A very good tour and guide. A real eye opener that won't be forgotten."
John Adams – RAF Marham – Leadership Tour
D Day Beaches Normandy – August 2006
"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk. Your photographs – they were so impressive and eloquent. Your Waterloo shots are also terrific ....... really captures the battlefield experience. I was also taken with the statue of Napoleon at Craonne.
Ronni Schwartz – MIT – Boston
Wellington Congress 13 July 2006
"Oh Lord, YES" was the reply to the question 'Would you recommend Cooper's Waterloo Tours to others?'
Helen McNeeley – Oro Station, Ontario, Canada
'In the Footsteps of James Morrison' 16–18 June 2006.
"Excellent. Very detailed – which I enjoy. I do not see how it could be improved."
Ken McNeeley – Oro Station, Ontario, Canada
'In the Footsteps of James Morrison' 16–18 June 2006
"I can't think of a way that the tour could be improved for me. Very helpful and an awareness of individual needs. Extremely patient. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I felt very much looked after.
Valerie Beagley – Croydon, Berkshire
'Sunrise on the Somme' 9–11 June 2006.
"Excellent – emphasis on 'seeing the ground' is exactly the right approach. We were very privileged to be in a small chauffeur driven group. Appreciated the number of personal stories, overall strategies and 'ground' detail"
Pauline Collis – Magdalen Laver, Essex
'Sunrise on the Somme' 9–11 June 2006.
"Excellent. Well adapted to the interests of the participants, with commendable flexibility when desirable. Very enjoyable experience in absorbing a lot of information on a key part of the 20th Century in such a short time. Questions answered with commendable authority. The small party was ideal"
John Collis – Magdalen Laver, Essex
'Sunrise on the Somme' 9–11 June 2006.
"I loved it – informal and totally competent. Built up the development of the battle and its final climax. My chums all enjoyed it."
Peter Speer – Sutton Coldfield
Waterloo 5–8 June 2006.
"Would be difficult to find one better. We almost lived the battle."
Stuart Sykes – Burton on Trent, Staffs
Waterloo 5–8 June 2006.
"Excellent. I now have an understanding of all the battles fought around Waterloo. Many thanks."
Nigel Pettmann – Solihull
Waterloo 5–8 June 2006.
"Very good"
Nigel Brough – Lichfield
Waterloo 5–8 June 2006.
Very clear and considerate presentations, and also meticulous appreciation of client's physical capabilities and interests. A very relaxed and relaxing appreciation of the campaign area – especially important to the quality was the ability to 'Tweak' in relation to the wishes of the clients.
Dr Bob Presley – Gloucester
D–Day 1944 – Normandy Landings Tour 26–30 May 2006.
Excellent. Great tour, as usual.
Colin Thompson – Moreton, Essex
D–Day 1944 – Normandy Landings Tour 26–30 May 2006.
Knowledgeable, helpful and very good company. It was a most enjoyable tour, perhaps we were spoilt by having such a small select band!
Sue Presley – Gloucester
D–Day 1944 – Normandy Landings Tour 26–30 May 2006.
Excellent!
Graham Wright – Matching Tye, Essex
D–Day 1944 – Normandy Landings Tour 26–30 May 2006.
"Fascinating trip to Waterloo– very informative guiding and tailored to please a diverse private group– thank you"
Mrs Emma Clarke – Hurstbourne Tarrant
Waterloo 11–13 May 2006.
Thanks so much for the photos, they turned out really good didn't they! I had a terrific time that day & have certainly been derelict in sending my thanks to you. When I got home that evening I rang my brother & we talked for about two hours about everything I had learned from you. I can now truly understand the glowing testimonials you receive on your website. Walking the battlefield with you was a unique experience ..... I had the uncanny feeling that I was with someone who had been there on the day. Thank you very much for that. Hope to see you again soon.
Cheri Sweet – La Haie Sainte
Royal College Defence Studies Tour of Waterloo April 2006.
"Follow that star". Yes I know it is over 2000 years since first used, but we did indeed follow a star last week. As a veteran of quite of quite a few trips to Waterloo, yours must rank at the top – enjoyable, informative, challenging in scope and so many new things.
Lt Col Simon Ward
Royal College Defence Studies Tour of Waterloo April 2006.
Very excellent all round. Brilliant content. You made the past relevant to 'day to day' experiences. I really enjoyed every aspect.
Matt Bloomfield – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
'Thanks for a great tour. Excellent, very enthusiastic, informative, enlightening, educational and inspiring. Great fun too!
Marv Scenters – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
Excellent – Very Informative and good social atmosphere.
Michael Newnham – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
Very informative and in depth. Excellent Teambuilding and real time walking the paths of history.
Al Scott – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
Excellent
Lee Moncuit – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
'Excellent to a very high standard. I felt a part of history itself and never realised the extent of World war two'.
Russell Cole – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
'This tour was great'.
A Douglass – RAF Marham
Leadership Tour – D Day Beaches Normandy – February 2006
"Many thanks for the excellent talk you gave on Friday evening. It raised £40 for the Luncheon Club"
Mrs Pat Williams
Kelvedon Hatch Village Society, Brentwood, Essex – January 2006
