Ardres 2012: the clothing has arrived

The T-shirts and hoodies for the Ardres trip were delivered this afternoon and we will be giving them out, hopefully, on Monday morning.

Ardres 2012: Travel Itinerary

This is hopefully the final version of the itinerary.  Any updates will, of course, be posted.  Also, watch this space for updated return times.

Monday 4th June 2012   Outward journey
05:45   Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach to leave by 06:15
09:15   Arrive at Dover P&O Ferry terminal
10:15   Depart from Dover
12:45   Arrive at Calais, disembark in coach, head to Ardres
13:30   Arrive at the activity centre in Ardres

Please note that a packed lunch will be required, as the first meal provided is in the evening.

Friday 8th June 2012   Return journey
08:00   Depart from the Ardres activity centre
09:00   Arrive at DFDS terminal, Dunkirk
10:00   Depart from Dunkirk
11:00   Arrive at Dover, disembark in coach, head back to Shoreham
14:00   Arrive back at Shoreham College

All times quoted are local times, i.e. times in France are an hour ahead.

I will be able to update this blog via smartphone during the journey if there are any alterations to the expected return time, so it would be a good idea to watch out for updates on the Friday.

Ardres, June 2012: Information Evening

An excellent turnout for the 2012 Ardres trip information evening tonight, many thanks to everyone for turning up. Some information was distributed, which I shall also post here just in case. 

Firstly, the kit list:

•        Sleeping Bag/Duvet

•        Pillow

•        Mattress cover (sheet)

•        Nightclothes

•        Bath towel / hand towel  (many)

•        Casual clothes for evening

•        Disposable camera/films

•        Insect repellent

•        Old T-shirts/shorts (many)

•        Jumper(s) and/or fleece(s)

•        Pen & paper

•        Bin bag(s) for dirty/wet clothes

•        Socks

•        Sunglasses

•        Sun hat

•        Swimming gear

•        Tie-on for glasses/sunglasses

•        Toiletries

•        Torch and spare batteries

•        Tracksuit bottoms

•        Trousers/jeans/shorts

•        Underwear

•        Waterproof sun cream

•        Waterproofs (top & bottoms)

•        Shoes (not open toed) for wet activities (many pairs)

•        At least one pair of dry footwear (not open toed)

•        It would be advisable to bring school polo shirt and shorts as backup

•        A small amount of money changed into euros

Please do not bring expensive electronics such as iPods, cameras, games consoles, mobile phones or jewellery, as these will not be covered by our insurance.  Tents are not very secure, and if you choose to bring valuables we cannot be held responsible for their loss.

I would stress that at least half the activities are likely to involve a dunking in the lake (or at least a significant splashing), so plenty of shorts and T-shirts will be required so that you have dry clothes to change into whilst the wet ones are drying.

Please pack a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase as luggage space on the coach will be at a premium and soft bags are more efficient and easier to stow. 

Itinerary to follow.