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WW1 Battlefields Experience Testimonials
| Absolutely fantastic: wo well organised. Des is so enhtusiastic you would have thought that this was the first trip he had taken and not the umpteenth. Thank you | Mr Arthur Bourne (Adult) |
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| A very interesting and moving experience leaving us all withg much to think about and remember. The variety of the visits and the personal stories made it even more memorable. the supporting materials of appropriate videos, songs and information booklets made us realise that much thought and preparation and enthusiasm had gone into the planning and execution of our Battlefields experience. Thank you very much | Mrs Shiela Allan (Adult) |
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| A smooth campaign and edifying experience. Thank you. | Mrs Barbara Gibbons (Adult) |
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| I've heard 'The Flooers o the Forest' before but on this tour I heard and saw. | Mr James Moffatt (Adult) |
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| A magnificent tour: thorough, detailed and comprehensive. | Mr Brian Rooney (Adult) |
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| My eyes were opened and my heart moved. | Ms Pamela Quinnie (Adult) |
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| I know now what I cam from - they led the way and my gratitude knows no limit. Your interpretation of the war is so well delivered, Des: Thank you. | Mr Keith Chamberlain (Adult) |
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| This trip has been an emotional one for me as I found out the fate of three of my relatives. I am honoured to have known Margaret as she has made me understand that even the invaders are humans and not monsters. | Drew Tranent High (School Student) |
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| Knowing that millions of innocent men will never live their dreams because they were 'doing their bit' will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thanks Margaret | Chris Tranent High (School Student) |
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| This experience was life changing. The adventure was very emotional and matured me so much. I left Scotland as I boy. I left Flanders a man. Thank you Margaret: you really got usinto the seriousness of the war. | David Tranent High (School Student) |
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| Thank you so much for this amazing experience which would never have een the same without you, Margaret, and Paul. You have changed my views and opinions on things and I now at things with a different perspective. My life will never be the same. I will cherish memories of this trip forever and hope to be able to pass this down. | Chelsea Tranent High (School Student) |
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| Thank you. this experience was everything - emotional, cheery, fun, laughable, criable, sad, educational. I have learned a lot that will help with in my Higher History. | Claire Broxburn Academy (School Student) |
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| Another wonderful tour, Margaret, made even more special by your kindness and consideration. The students' diaries are by far the best I have seen on any West Calder trip which is a tribute to your expertise and inspiration. | Dave West Calder High (School Leader) |
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| Thanks for this great experience. Now I will think about things more carefully | Andrew West Calder High (School Student) |
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| The accommodation and travel arrangements were excellent. Pupils enjoyed visiting the sites, especially the Menin Gate ceremony where they laid a wreath. | A Hutcheson's Grammar (School Leader) |
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| The Battlefields Experience is very well thought out. I really enjoy the mixture of songs, videos, visits, and the enthusiasm of the guides (Des this time). The best part is the way you gradually see the effect the tour has on the students: how moved they are and the way they express their own feelings and shock and regret. | Christine Oban High (School Leader) |
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| The carefully planned itinerary gave students an amazing variety of experiences in a short space of time. Our exceptional tour guide, Des, explained the importance of each place we visited. | Kirsteen Oban High (School Leader) |
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| I will take back two memories of this trip - the feeling that the students and I had grown (in a range of ways) personally - and hence we had a real sense of pride in our 'battalion'. | Anne Monifieth High (School Leader) |
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| Although I have undergone the experience twice previously there were still fresh facts of history I was made aware due to our first-rate accompanying guide, Jim. | John Dunblane High (School Leader) |
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| Every aspect of the tour was excellent - the sites visited, the stories told, the activities to encourage reflection: all contributed to an excellent learning experience. Our thanks go to our guide, Kate. | Terry Kelso High (School Leader) |
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| The whole experience was very well presented and well paced. Students were fully engaged with activities and very effective use was made of empathy: excellent teaching. Thank you Kate. | Joan Kelso Grammar (School Leader) |
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| It is very touching and emotional to watch the students' reactions after visiting the cemetries and monuments. | Irene Dunbar Grammar (School Leader) |
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| In our opinion Mercat Tours International are simply superior to their peers. | Tim Walton High (School Leader) |
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| Liz's impeccable attention to detail, her enthusiasm and friendliness and the variety of learning experiences all made the trip for us. | Steve Walton High (School Leader) |
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| The level of involvement by our students was an eye opener. | Chris West Calder High (School Leader) |
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| The tour was well organised and appealed to all the senses. There was a good, positive atmosphere and Faith was an experienced and knowledgeable guide. | Monica International School of Aberdeen (School Leader) |
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| Thank you, Faith, for your command of the history, your delivery of various anecdotes, and your flexibility in allowing for the reading of poems at various sites: much appreciated. | Jim International School of Aberdeen (School Leader) |
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| The behaviour, attitude and dignity of our students were ABOVE excellence. Pride in being part of the company was the overwhelming emotion. | J Buckhaven High (School Leader) |
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| Ending with the Menin Gate was a fantastic way to finish the Battlefields Experience. S6 students participating in the ceremony was a great honour for them and the school. | M Buckhaven High (School Leader) |
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| The Mercat Tours Battlefield Experience is the finest school trip of its kind. | Graeme Buckhaven High (School Leader) |
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| The knowledge of our guide, Sandra, and the breadth of the visit were excellent. We covered an awful lot into a very short period of time. | Simon The Glasgow Academy (School Leader) |
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| After seven previous tours we know to expect (1) development of students' knowledge and understanding (2) emotional development (3) bonding of the group (4) pleasure. The whole four days are designed so that the group is led through the experience. | George The Edinburgh Academy (School Leader) |
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| Amazing experiences, amazing stories, truly emotional every day | Greg Broxburn Academy (School Leader) |
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| Neither I nor the pupils would have gained nearly as much without our experienced and capable guide, Margaret. She gave a personal touch to the experience. There were many individual, personal stories about a variety of soldiers. The students were very touched by the experience. | Yvonne Ross High (School Leader) |
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| You really made the trip a memorable experience for us all, with a perfect balance of fact, feelings and fun. A difficult task to achieve but you carried it out to perfection. thank you Jim. You're a star! | Anne Dunblane High (School Leader) |
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| I've been going trips with pupils for 30 years and this was by far the best. Well done Jim. | Merv Dunblane High (School Leader) |
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| I will always remember the effect the Great War had on everyone and I will never forget the thousands that went missing at the Somme.... but we will only remember it because of the way you taught us: so thank you Jim. | Hayley Dunblane High (School Student) |
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| Jim: this trip has sure changed my life. I have much more respect for my mates and have noticed myself become more mature. Thank you for the best time in my life. | Matthew Dunbar Grammar (School Student) |
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| Thank you greatly for what you taught me. Not only do I respect the men who died for us but I also respect you for showing us there is more to find if you look deeper. | Holly Dunbar Grammar (School Student) |
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| This trip has been exceptional, not because of the food, hostel or the bus journey but because of what you did, taking us to all those amazing places and telling us about the war. The trip was very special. | Simon Dunbar Grammar (School Student) |
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| Jim: you made me realise how bad the war actually was. I have learned loads. It's been a lot better than I expected it to be. | Helen Walton High (School Student) |
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| This last week has been truly amazing and it wouldn't have been possible without you, Jim, as 'Field Marshall'. Thanks for the unforgettable trip. | Chloe Walton High (School Student) |
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| Thanks so much, Jim, for this amazing trip and for helping me understand about The Great War. Thanks for some of the stories of the soldiers who fought there. You have definitely changed me. | Dominic Edinburgh Academy (School Student) |
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| This trip was 100% amazing, the best I have ever been on. I wish we could do it all again. | Jim Edinburgh Academy (School Student) |
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| Excellent experience, very informative, enjoyable and humbling. Great tour, great hotel, great pals. A 'cunning plan' expertly carried out. We plan to re-enlist! Thanks to Des and Chris. 'Keep the home fires burning'. | Mrs Liz Allan (Adult) |
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| This WW1 tour will ever be Held very special and close to me We've learned so much in one busy week Moved so much at times no-one could speak We laughed, sang and cried and made new friends Nations will be remembered to the end. | Ms Nikki Smith (Adult) |
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| We really felt we were taken back to a past time and learned a tremendous amount about The Great War from a brilliant guide, Bibby's was awesome too. Thanks Des and Chris. | Ms Fiona McPherson (Adult) |
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| Highly enjoyable and well planned (unlike many of the things we learned about!) First class presentation. Bibby's are brilliant! | Mr Roger X (Adult) |
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| We have learned more on this trip than all previous trips to The Western Front put together. Excellent organisation. Will recommend this 'experience' to others. | Mr Ian Gourlay (Adult) |
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| I did not study History to Standard Grade so my knowledge of World War 1 was quite poor - until June 2006. Des, you should give yourself a pat on the back as you made it fun! I have never been so intrigued and never wanted to learn more. I would not/ could not forget this experience. You not only taught me about the war, you taught me about life. 'Everything tells a story' - that quote has had such an impact on me. | Leanne St Augustine's High (School Student) |
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| Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had an amazing time and learned so much about World War 1 and what man is capable of. I have a lot of respect for the young men who gave their lives. None of this would be possible without you. thank you for teaching me so much. | Claire St Augustine's High (School Student) |
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| Dez: thanx for being the best tour guide we could ever have asked 4. At the start of the week you said we would be changed. I believed that might mean slightly but I was totally wrong. I feel absolutely changed and now realise how lucky I am to be here. | Melissa Oban High (School Student) |
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| I came on this trip knowing it would be upsetting but I never thought that in only three days I would have such a different outlook on life. Des: my life has been changed thanks to you and your enthusiasm. You said to us at the beginning that you were going to try and create the past using music, videos etc. To be honest I just though 'Yeah, right'. but you did and no-one will forget what you have done for all of us. | Abby Oban High (School Student) |
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| Des: Memories fade - but how can I forget such a wonderful experience? You have opened my eyes to so much and inspired us all. thanx for making this such a fabilicious time | Jade Oban High (School Student) |
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| Liz: Thank you so much for such an enthralling experience. When I hear about people being killed in wars now I will give them a lot of respect. | Connor Dunbar Grammar (School Student) |
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| Many thanks for yet another rewarding experience courtesy of Mercat, presented in impeccable style and with great panache. Thanks for the stoicism, tolerance and good cheer. | Steve Walton High (School Leader) |
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| Reading about World War 1 in history books is one thing but actually seeing the places the soldiers fought, the places they suffered, the places they are buried is quite another. Seeing such places brought the reality of the War home with quite shocking clarity. Now we can appreciate a little of what the soldiers felt during the War. | Stuart Penicuik High School (School Student) |
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| These last few days will make a huge difference in History for me in the next two years. Thanx | Ross Firrhill High School (School Student) |
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| During the last three days we have learned a lot, not only about the War but about ourselves. This is and will always be a very memorable trip. Thank you. | Lenny Firrhill High School (School Student) |
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| Liz: I have never learned as much in three days as I did on this trip - I will NEVER forget it. I changed inside thanks to what you taught. | Gianpiero International School of Aberdeen (School Student) |
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| Thank you so much for one of the most amazing trips I've ever been on. You and your actions made the trip even more special and enjoyable. No words can express the feelings I had: they will stay with me forever - along with the soldiers. | Lucy Broxburn Academy (School Student) |
