An Introduction from Gary Bunkell
160 Squadron Heroes Return 2
Introduction
At the September reunion I outlined some provisional ideas about a further trip to Sri Lanka during March 2010 (exact dates to be agreed). The purpose of this note is to initiate the application process for assistance from the Big Lottery Fund under the Heroes Return 2 scheme.
Eligibility
Heroes Return will provide support to World War II veterans who wish to make commemorative visits to their theatre of operations. Veterans may be accompanied by a spouse and/or a carer. Widows and widowers of World War II veterans are also eligible and may also take a carer.
Level of Grant
If the application is approved the sums available are up to £2,000.00 for the veteran, £3,700.00 for a veteran and spouse and £5,500.00 for a veteran, spouse and carer.
Provisional Costing
Indus Travel who organised the 2005 trip has indicated a cost of per person of £1,695.00 assuming two people sharing a twin/double room. The supplement for a single room is £350.00.
So for example the cost for a couple would be £3,390.00 and the grant up to £3,700.00.
Other Costs
You need to budget for the cost of travel to London Heathrow and any overnight accommodation should you wish to travel to the airport the night before. Travel insurance is not included but see separate item below.
During the trip you should allow for the following:
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, camera fees at monuments;
The cost indicated by Indus includes transfers, tours, excursions and admission fees. It also covers accommodation charges, breakfast and dinner throughout but lunches and drinks will need to be funded personally.
Passports
A separate visa is not required but you will need to have a valid passport, which should have at least 6 months validity from the date of our proposed visit.
Through the RAFA travel for over 84’s is available from “SEIB”
Tel:0845 450 7882
Or visit www.rafa-affinity.org.uk
Please note these are only suggestions, you should shop around to secure the best deal).
(For your own peace of mind you may wish to consult with your doctor as to any medical conditions to be taken into account but please do not hold up returning the application form on this account).
Carers
If you are a veteran or widow/widower of a veteran who wishes to go but does not have a carer do not be put off. We may well be able to access support from medically trained personnel who would be very keen to work their passage and act as carers.
Next Step
It is acknowledged that you will want to check various points before committing to travel. However I would like to submit the application as soon as possible. Whilst it is possible to withdraw it is not easy to add additional applicants once the process is under way.
If you wish to be included on the application please complete the attached form showing the name of the veteran, spouse and carer where appropriate. If you wish to add additional people who will be self-funded (i.e. not eligible for support from the lottery) please let me have a separate note of their names.
If you need any further help before reaching a decision please feel free to contact me.
Gary Bunkell
16 Thorney Road
Capel St Mary
Ipswich
IP9 2LQ
Tel: 01473 312244 Mob: 07836 214811 Email: garybunkell(at)aol.com (please replace (at) with @)
Detailed Itinerary (Pdf file, 500k)
Application form for grant submission. (Pdf file)