Year 8 Trip to Normandy France July 2003

22 pupils in Year 8 and 4 members of staff stayed at at a youth centre in Asnelles near Arromanches in Normandy from Monday 30th June to Thursday 3rd July.

This was where the D-Day Landings of Allied troops occured in 1944 during the second world war and our hostel on the beach overlooked the remnants of the famous Mulberry harbour that was constructed as part of the programme.

During our stay we visited a local oyster farm and biscuit factory, and a cider factory nearby. We were also able to see the famous Bayeux tapestry depicting William the Conqueror's expedition to England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

We were able to fully appreciate the historical significance of the D-day landings with visits to the 360 degree cinema at Arromanches, Omaha beach, and the Peace museum in Caen. It was particulary interesting to discover more about the construction of the Mulberry harbour and the role of the French Resistance in the second world war.

We also had time to for shopping in French towns, sampling the famous French crêpes, and for many walks and games on the beach.

Photos by Martin Hugall

Click on the pictures below to see enlargements.

Our beach in front of our hostel

Our coach	Village square of Asnelles	Our Hostel	Back of our hostel	One of our bedrooms

Our hostel is second from the right overlooking the beach

A meal in our hostel	Our local biscuit factory	Talk in the biscuit factory	A chance to make our own biscuits

At Arromanches	Arromanches	Free travel	Viewing the Mulberry Harbour remains	Part of the Mulberry Harbour

	A walk from the hostel	Hostel reception	Football at a coach stop

Talk at the cider factory	Cider factory tour	A picnic or 'pique-nique'	Now be sure to pick up your litter

At the Peace Museum in Caen	At the Crêpe Restaurant	Fab

Playing 'It'?	Outside the Bayeux Tapestry	A wait	A walk near our hostel	A talk with the locals

Walking to the Oyster farm	Looking at the finishing tanks		Oysters being harvested	Pallets of oysters harvested from the oyster bed

This is how you open an oyster

So who is for an oyster? Most tried one - some had more.

The sun did shine at times	Paddle but don't get your clothes wet!	Now dry yourselves off before getting into the coach

		Henrietta's birhday	Monsieur and Madame Searle-Barnes

A French picnic from the hostel		Baguettes to make your own sandwiches	Not to everyone's liking

Thanks to Gisèle Searle Barnes for organising the trip and to John Searle-Barnes, and Martin and Rosemary Hugall for their help.