RGJRA In the News

1.         General

 The Rifles are organising a Battlefield Tour (BFT) of some of the Peninsula War Battlefields surrounding Salamanca prior to taking part in the bi-centenary celebrations of the Battle of Salamanca.  The planning for this event has already started as facilities such as hotels and flights need to be booked well in advance. 

 2.         The official celebration in Salamanca on the 22^nd July 2012 will involve uniformed personnel from Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom thereby promising a unique and unforgettable event.  I have listed below the event details together with important administrative points.

 3.         Aim

 The aim of this letter is to provide sufficient information to a wide audience to both inform and enable individuals to decide whether they would wish to attend the BFT and official commemorations.  This is easily formalised by submitting the return at Annex B.

 4.         The programme (provisional)

            This will be:

            Wednesday 18^th July               -           Fly out from UK to Madrid

                                                                        Coaches to Salamanca

            Thursday 19^th July                   -           BFT – Fuentes de Onoro & Ciudad Rodrigo

                                                                        Evening free in Salamanca

            Friday 20^th July                       -           BFT – Salamanca Forts

                                                                        Afternoon/evening free

            Saturday 21^st July                   -           Salamanca

                                                                        Evening – Official Rifles Dinner

            Sunday 22^nd July                     -           Official Celebrations (all day)

            Monday 23^rd July                    -           Return flights from Madrid to UK

5.                  Flights

For those wishing to take up the flight option seats will be pre-booked from UK to Madrid.  It is difficult to predict exact costs, but we are estimating £200 per person (inclusive in the overall provisional cost) for a return ticket.  Others may wish to join the tour in Spain, either at Madrid airport or in Salamanca.  All those travelling separately will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements.

6.          Hotels 

We are hoping to use hotels situated in the heart of Salamanca’s monumental and historic district, these include the Hotel NH Puerta de la Catedral and Hotel NH Palacio de Castellanos.  Both hotels are within easy walking distance of each other.  Negotiations are currently taking place with the hotels in an attempt to secure a group discount.  A letter detailing all costs will be sent in early November. 

7.         Coaches

Air-conditioned luxury 50 seat coaches will be provided with a tour guide (inclusive in the overall cost). 

8.         Entertainment

            It is difficult at this stage to go firm; however the intention is to hold an official dinner on the evening before the official Salamanca celebrations on Sunday 22^nd July.

9.         Medical Insurance      

This will be compulsory and once committed to the tour everyone will be asked to produce a copy of their certificate prior to departure.

10.       Fitness

Some of the sites that we will visit will require a fair amount of walking.  These include some inclines, hills and some distance from the bus to the site.  Before making a commitment to attend the celebrations due consideration should be given to both the physical aspect of the programme and the likely average temperatures in the area in July. 

11.       Notice of Attendance

I appreciate that 2012 is some time away, but we need to start the more detailed planning now and I need to have some idea of likely attendance.  I would therefore be most grateful if you would complete the attached Performa HERE, which will assist me in the planning process.  During November I will write again requesting confirmation of attendance which will include a request for a deposit.

Completing Annex B at this stage does not act as a firm commitment by you to attend as I am aware circumstances may well change between now and November 2011.

In order to help you to come to a decision, you should estimate the cost of the trip to be in the region of £700-£800 (this includes flights, accommodation based on 2 sharing, lunches, official dinner and coaches).  However we are currently in negotiations with the hotels etc to try and reduce these costs.

12.       Summary  

2012 promises to be a very grand occasion and I know that the Mayor of Salamanca and the local residents will make visitors very welcome. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Tracy Froud on 01962 828523 or email tracy.froud565@mod.uk .