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TRAVEL
- PROVISIONAL
TIMETABLE
Coaches leave from the
areas shown on your travel documents on Tuesday
27 July at around 7.00pm. Mass will be celebrated at most
of these places before departure. The coaches board P & 0/Stena
ferry at Dover early the following morning and on arrival at Calais
take us to Calais Ville Station from where the pilgrimage train
departs at about 6.30am. Arrival at Lourdes is expected to be 2.30pm
on Wednesday 28
July. Coaches will be waiting at Lourdes station to
transfer us to our hotels which are reserved for 6 nights.
For the return journey the
train leaves Lourdes at 2.00pm on Tuesday
3 August to Calais from where the coaches board a P &
O/Stena ferry to Dover at 10.00pm. We should arrive at the same
place we departed from at breakfast time on Wednesday
4 August. It is recommended that you leave Wednesday free
of commitments.
For pilgrims travelling by
air the chartered plane departs Liverpool
John Lennon Airport on Wednesday
28 July at approximately 7.00am to arrive at Lourdes
Airport at 10.00am. For
the return journey the plane departs Lourdes Airport on Tuesday
3 August at 4.30pm to arrive at Liverpool Airport at
5.30pm. Pilgrims are reminded that they are responsible for making
their own arrangements to get to and from Liverpool Airport and must
be able to board the aircraft unaided.
DETAILED
TIMINGS AND LOCATIONS OF EMBARKATION / DISEMBARKATION POINTS WILL BE
INCLUDED WITH THE
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
HOTELS
All the hotels listed are
within easy walking distance of the Domaine. On arrival the first
meal will be evening dinner (lunch for air travellers) and on
leaving the last meal will be lunch.
ASSISTANCE FROM HOTELS
Our young volunteer
helpers will assist handicapped and infirm pilgrims staying
in hotels to attend the services, provided we have been informed
in advance through proper completion of the Booking and Medical
Forms. This year, we are obliged to restrict this service to hotels
nearest the Domaine due to the distance of some hotels and the
timescale involved in ensuring that everyone arrives for the start
of services. These hotels are clearly identified on the Booking
Form.
PILGRIMAGE PROGRAMME
The Pilgrimage Programme
will be published in full detail nearer the date of departure when
the precise times and locations of the various services will be
known. The programme will consist of daily Mass, including the
International Mass on Sunday, and on various days a Penitential
Service, a Healing Service, Holy Hour, Stations of the Cross, visits
to the Grotto and Baths, and Youth Liturgy. Shrewsbury will process
as a diocese in the Blessed Sacrament and Torchlight Processions on
dates to be specified, although pilgrims are invited to participate
on other days. Daily
notices giving times and places of events during the week will be
posted in hotels.
PILGRIMS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Any pilgrim currently
receiving any medical treatment MUST
complete the Preliminary Medical Information form on Part 2 of the
Booking Form. At the discretion of the Pilgrimage Doctor a further
form may be sent to you requesting more information from you and
your own doctor. All
information is treated in the strictest confidence.
Failure to disclose a medical condition may invalidate your
Travel Insurance.
FOR PILGRIMS WITH HEARING DIFFICULTIES
An Induction system is
fitted in most of the places where services will be held.
PASSPORTS
Passports
are required.
If you need to obtain or renew one, apply early to avoid delay. Non
EU citizens should check with the French Embassy if they require a
visa and should apply at least 2 months in advance.
WHEELCHAIRS
Wheelchairs will be
provided if requested on the Booking Form. Should you need to take
your own special chair please make sure that all detachable parts
are individually and clearly marked with your name, address and
hotel. Wheelchairs will not be allowed on the aircraft.
MEDICINES
Take an adequate supply of
medicines, tablets and medical dressings to last 10 days.
Keep enough of these for the journey, with cash, valuables
and passport in hand baggage.
BAGGAGE
It is in your own interest
to keep baggage to a minimum as there is limited space for luggage
on the train. We recommend one normal size suitcase and, for
travelling, a small bag for valuables, passport, medicine, food,
drink and toilet articles. Your baggage is your responsibility at
all times.
INSURANCE
Insurance and Premium
Taxes are included in the cost. You should also obtain Form E111,
available free at any Post Office. Forms should be renewed every two
years.
WHEN TRAVELLING
A packed meal will be
provided on the homeward train journey. Light buffet facilities will
be available on the French train on both journeys. Food and drink
can be purchased on the ferry but can be expensive. It is not
intended to make motorway stops for meals so we advise you to take
sufficient food and non-alcoholic drink with you.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served during flights.
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