Ardres 2016: Travel itinerary (provisional); clothing orders

This is the expected itinerary, although it is officially "provisional" at the moment. Any updates will, of course, be posted.

Monday 30th May 2016:  Outward journey

06:30  Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach
07:00  Depart from Shoreham College
09:10  Arrive at Dover DFDS ferry terminal
10:40  Depart from Dover
13:10  Arrive at Calais, disembark in coach, head to Ardres  (French time)
14:00  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 3rd June 2016 Return journey

10:00  Depart from the Ardres activity centre
10:55  Arrive at DFDS terminal, Calais
12:25  Depart from Calais
12:55  Arrive at Dover, disembark in coach, head back to Shoreham  (English Time)
15:30  Arrive back at Shoreham College

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

I will confirm this itinerary nearer the time and will post blog updates during the actual journeys.

I am also pleased to report that I did eventually receive everyone's clothing orders and we have been able to put in the order in plenty of time to ensure they can be made and delivered before we go. Thanks for your prompt attention to sorting that out.

Serre Chevalier 2015: Travel Itinerary, videos

We have now received all the details about the travel arrangements. Any updates will be posted here. Please watch this blog for any delays or alterations to return times.

Saturday 12th December 2015   Outward journey
06:20   Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach.
06:40   Leave for Gatwick
07:40   Check-in at Gatwick North Terminal
09:40   Depart from Gatwick, flight BA2754 for Grenoble
12:30   Arrive at Grenoble, get luggage, depart by coach for Serre Chevalier
16:15   (approx) Arrive at Clubhotel Frejus, Serre Chevalier

Please note that a packed lunch will be required, as the first meal provided is in the evening, although there will be food of some sort on the plane. We suggest buying a bottle of water at the airport after passing through security checks.

Saturday 19th December 2015   Return journey
08:55   Depart from Serre Chevalier
11:55   Check in at Grenoble airport
13:55   Depart from Grenoble, flight BA2755 for Gatwick
14:35   Arrive at Gatwick, collect luggage, board coach and depart for Shoreham
16:30   Arrive back at Shoreham College

All times quoted are local times, i.e. times in France are an hour ahead.
Hotel Address: Clubhotel Frejus, Villeneuve, 5240 Serre Chevalier, France
School trip phone (always carried by a member of staff on the trip): 07854 983257

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 Saturday.

Here is a video from Skibound showing the Clubhotel Frejus:

- and a video showing the skiing at Serre Chevalier:

Ardres 15: Travel information etc.

I received some details at the end of the week from Acorn about bags. They recommend packing one soft bag of maximum size 40x50x70cm, max weight 20kg.  That is actually quite large and if your bag is smaller and the sleeping bag doesn't fit inside, please make sure that you name the bag containing the sleeping bag as they can easily get mixed up.  I do have one luggage label for each person.  One small piece of hand luggage and the pillow is recommended to be carried inside the coach, but put the pillow in the main bag if you prefer (and it fits!).  Please bring some food and water.  Acorn have confirmed that the first meal at Ardres will be in the evening, so the children will need to bring their own packed lunch (not to be eaten on the coach!).

I heard one of the children mention on Friday the intention to travel in a onesie.  This would not be acceptable!  The headmaster has reminded the pupils that they are representing the College, particularly when travelling on the public ferry, and they do need to be acceptably dressed.  The trip clothing would be ideal as it would make it easier for the staff to spot the pupils.  (Any clothing not collected on Friday will be given out on Monday morning).

Please make sure that any medicines which need to be taken regularly are handed to a member of staff with clear instructions about doses and times.  Thanks to those parents who have already emailed me with instructions.  Pupils requiring inhalers should also bring adequate numbers and we would recommend giving staff a spare, labelled one.

I have been checking the weather forecast and it has been getting gradually more optimistic,  now predicting plenty of sunshine on Tuesday and Wednesday in particular, with probably a nice breeze (for the sailing activity).  This is excellent but does mean that the children are likely to be outdoors in the sunshine all day with limbs and faces poking out  -  hopefully getting tanned rather than burned, so please bring some high factor waterproof sunblock.

Good news regarding tents.  I have been in touch with Acorn and they are able to let us have a couple of extra tents since the other adjacent village is not occupied, and this gives us a bit more flexibility.  I have been able to accommodate people's wishes (although there are some conflicting requests!) and we can hopefully be fairly flexible with those who did not express a preference as we do not have to squeeze everybody in to fill all the tents.  I will be discussing and finalising the arrangements with some people during Monday's journey.

We will have five groups for the activities and these will be announced and finalised on arrival.

Whenever we need to collect everyone together and check people, the pupils will need to report to the member of staff listed below.  There is no need to stay together in these groups, they are simply to allow us to tick everyone off on our lists efficiently. I have given Mr Ritchie all the girls (since he is not likely to know pupils and this will make it easier), and the others have been arranged alphabetically.  Please report to this person on arrival on Monday morning.

Mr Ritchie
Saffron Ahern, Bebe Bernstein, Aimee Cheeseman, Lilia Erskine, Rebecca Hemingway, Maddie Marinko Maechler, Amber Spicer, Lili Veness

Mr Batstone
Thomas Adlam, Finley Allen, George Cameron, Mackenzie Cannon, Ben Christie, Henry Clark, Michael Cunningham, Josh Davison, Luca Falletti

Mr Court
Beau Fletcher, Max Gausden, Martin Green, Ethan Highwood, Jonny Hood, Moctar Johnson, Llewy Jones, Alfie Lucas, Charlie Metcalfe, Eden Montrose

Ms Morgan
Joe O'Dell, William Orams, Harry Parker, Oliver Patey, Thomas Prate, Torin Seagrove, Dylan Shane, Matthew Sharp, Alfie Simpson

Mrs Salih
Levi Smith, Zachary Tarry, Harry Taswell, Patrick Taylor, Jack Teale, Svante Wallseth, Fred Wilson, Tom Wootton, Oscar Worley

I look forward to seeing you all at 6.30 on Monday morning.  Please drive in to the College car park and avoid parking in St Julian's Lane as the coach is likely to need the space in the road to manoeuvre.

Ardres 2015: 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 25th May 2015 Outward journey

06:30 Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach
07:00 Depart from Shoreham College
09:15 Arrive at Dover DFDS 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 29th May 2015 Return journey

11:30 Depart from the Ardres activity centre
12:30 Arrive at DFDS terminal, Calais
13:30 Depart from Calais
14:00 Arrive at Dover, disembark in coach, head back to Shoreham
16:30 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 2015: Information evening, kit list.

Many thanks to everyone for turning up to the information evening tonight.

If you were unable to attend and didn't sign the behaviour form, I will be giving those to your offspring and sending you a PDF version.

Here is the promised kit list:

• Sleeping Bag (it may be quite cold at night, so a "3 seasons" one) 
• Pillow 
• Nightclothes (onesies are good) 
• Bath towel / hand towel (several) 
• Casual clothes for evening 
• Disposable camera/films 
• Insect repellent 
• Old T-shirts/shorts (many) 
• Rash vests (recommended as they dry very fast) 
• Jumper(s) and/or fleece(s) 
• 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) for activities if it rains 
• Shoes (not open toed) for wet activities 
• 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 (there is a tuckshop).. 

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. There will also not be facilities for charging things up.

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.

If you have your own "shortie" wetsuit, you might want to wear it for some of the activities (although wetsuits are provided). If you bring yours, be prepared to take it home wet!

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.

Alpe d'Huez Ski Trip 2014: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS & FINAL DETAILS

STAFF: MR COURT, MR EDLIN AND MRS LILEY

OUT BOUND:  SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2014

To meet at the Departures drop off point at Gatwick Airport  NORTH Terminal at 0445.

CHECK IN: 0525

FLIGHT NUMBER FROM LONDON GATWICK: BA2736 British Airways             
FLIGHT TIME: 0725
ARRIVAL TIME AT GENEVA: 1010
ARRIVAL AT CLUBHOTEL BELLE AURORE: 1500 (approx depending on baggage handling, passport control & traffic)
Due to the arrival time at the Hotel please would you supply your child with a packed lunch as their first meal at the Hotel will be dinner. Please also read the information below on Airport restrictions with regards to hand luggage (volume of fluids).

INBOUND:  SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2014

FLIGHT NUMBER FROM GENEVA: BA2743 British Airways         

FLIGHT TIME: 1255

ARRIVAL TIME AT LONDON GATWICK: 1340
PLEASE COLLECT YOUR CHILD FROM ARRIVALS  (inside the airport) AT 1415

Please note that the airport/airlines have very tight restrictions on liquids and creams/pastes in hand luggage, so please pack any such items into the suitcase and also make sure there are no scissors or pointed objects in the hand luggage or pockets. It is a good idea to have a pair of ski socks in hand luggage as sometimes we have a ski fit on arrival before unpacking suitcases.

Skibound state that pupils are permitted one medium sized case and one item of hand luggage with a combined weight of 20kgs.  Excess baggage charges are very high, so please be careful. We are currently waiting on Skibound to confirm luggage allowances for the British Airway flight and if this information differs from above we will let you know. 

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 07854 983257

This will be manned 24hrs.

HOTEL ADDRESS:

Belle Aurore Clubhotel

Route du Signal

Alpe d’Huez 38750

France

Contact Number : 0033476803317

Alpe d'Huez Ski Trip 2014: Kit List

This is the basic list that has been emailed to parents.  We are expecting the resort to be snowy and the weather when skiing will be cold, so the thermal base layers and really good gloves will be important.

We don't recommend taking mobile phones and other expensive electronic paraphernalia as some of it always gets lost.  The staff will not have time to look for lost gadgets, so please only bring things that are heavily insured or that you are prepared to risk losing.  If pupils do bring mobile phones, we will be asking for their numbers.  If parents want to speak to a member of staff during the trip, one of us will have the College mobile phone, the number of which is 07854 983257.

General:

Normal everyday clothes for wearing around the hotel
Normal washing equipment for use in the hotel
Nightwear
Towel
Swimming kit (in case a visit to the local pool is arranged)
Outdoor clothes and suitable footwear for use in snowy conditions
Hats, scarves, gloves etc.

For the skiing:

Thermal base layers
T-shirts, sweatshirts
Salopettes or ski trousers
Ski socks (several pairs)
Ski jacket
Ski gloves
Ski goggles
Balaclava or thermal face protection would be useful
(We will be wearing helmets, so most hats will not fit inside)
Ski goggles (normal sunglasses are not appropriate)
Sun cream, lip balm

We will have medical kit with us, but if pupils require us to look after any medical requirements whilst away, please clearly name and hand to a member of staff.  Mr Edlin and Mrs Liley both hold current first aid certificates.

Equipment provided at Alpe d'Huez:

Ski boots
Ski poles
Skis
Helmet

Happy packing and please remember that there are airline restrictions on luggage. You may find this link to the British Airways website useful (please copy & paste into your browser):

http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/checked-baggage-allowances

Alpe d'Huez Ski Trip 2013: Final Details

STAFF: MR COURT, MR EDLIN AND MRS LILEY

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

OUT BOUND:  SATURDAY 14^TH DECEMBER 2013

To meet at the Departures drop off point at Gatwick Airport  NORTH Terminal at 3.30AM.

CHECK IN: 04.05

FLIGHT NO TO GRENOBLE:  EZY8941                         FLIGHT TIME: 06.05

INBOUND:  SATURDAY 21^ST DECEMBER 2013

FLIGHT NO FROM GRENOBLE:  EZY8942                   FLIGHT TIME: 07.25

ARRIVE GATWICK: 10:00AM

PLEASE COLLECT FROM ARRIVALS  (inside the airport) at 10.30AM

Please note that the airport/airlines have very tight restrictions on liquids and creams/pastes in hand luggage, so please pack any such items into the suitcase and also make sure there are no scissors or pointed objects in the hand luggage or pockets. It is a good idea to have a pair of ski socks in hand luggage as sometimes we have a ski fit on arrival before unpacking suitcases.

Ski bound state that pupils are permitted one medium sized case and one item of hand luggage with a combined weight of 20kgs.  Excess baggage charges are very high, so please be careful.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 07854 983257

This will be manned 24hrs.

HOTEL ADDRESS:

Belle Aurore Clubhotel

Route du Signal

Alpe d’Huez 38750

France

Contact Number : 0033476803317

Ardres, May 2013: Information Evening

Many thanks to everyone for turning up to the information evening on Tuesday.
I went over some details which I shall post here for reference. 

Firstly, the kit list:

• Sleeping Bag/Duvet (it may be quite cold at night)
•  Pillow
•  Mattress cover (sheet)
•  Nightclothes
•  Bath towel / hand towel  (many)
• Casual clothes for evening
• Disposable camera/films
• Insect repellent
• Old T-shirts/shorts (many)
• Rash vests (recommended by Mr Edlin as they dry very fast)
• 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 (including a €5 note in readiness for a possible giant ice cream).

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.  There will also not be facilities for charging things up.

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.

If you have your own wetsuit, particularly of the "shortie" variety, you might want to wear it for some of the activities (although wetsuits are provided).

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.

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.