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• WATCH CRICKET IN THE WEST INDIES
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THWACK of ball against willow, a green sward, a long drink, and a clear blue sky: God’s in His Heaven and so is the cricket fan in this vision of a cricketing setting, as typified on the village green.
Alas, many village greens have been sold off, local players are too busy commuting and the clear blue sky, even in these global-warming days, is never assured in England. But for the holiday of a lifetime to the dedicated follower of cricket, there is the option of attending the Cricket World Cup in April in the idyllic grounds of Antigua and Barbados.
In the islands where cricket is a passion, and which created such cricketing legends as Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Garfield Sober, Sporting Tours Ltd has arranged a 24 night programme that takes in 10 nights in Antigua and a further fortnight in Barbados, with reserved tickets for a total of nine matches.
England will be playing five of the opening matches, which decide who will make it to the semi finals. Reserved tickets are based upon the teams expected to proceed to the Super 8 Stage: in Antigua, India vs New Zealand, England vs Sri Lanka and Australia vs England; in Barbados, England vs India, Australia vs Pakistan, India vs Pakistan, South Africa vs England, West Indies vs India and West Indies vs England. A veritable feast of cricket accompanied by the odd Pimms and rum punch.
There will also be some opportunity for exploring the islands between matches. This particular tour takes off from Gatwick on March 31, returning April 24, or from/to Manchester. Accomodation is at the 4-star Grand Royal Antiguan and at the newly opened Almond Casuarina resort in Barbados. Prices based on twin share accommodation and all-inclusive start from £6,495 per person, including international and inter-island flights. They offer various other tour options, as detailed on their site -www.sportingjourneys.com
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• Going fishing the number one sport
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CRICKET may appear to be the quintessential English sport but in fact angling is the most popular. A few hours spent quietly contemplating the prospect of catching a fish and then returning it to the water once caught remains one of the most favoured relaxations throughout the UK.
There has been alarm recently at findings that show recent arrivals to the country from less fortunate lands are prone to not following protocol in certain areas and actually eating their catch. Not cricket.
Accordingly, the Environment Agency and other local bodies are making efforts to acquaint immigrants with the UK’s rules on fishing, and as to what and where fish may be taken.
A sustainable ‘no-kill’ policy also operates at a lovely resort in the French Alps, on the freshwater Lake Tueda – which prides itself on its efforts to provide entertainment for members of a dedicated angler’s family. While he is attached to his rod, there are all sorts of other sports and spa treatments available in the village of Meribel to keep wife and off-spring happy.
A week’s stay at the Altiport Hotel, which has fantastic views of the mountains and is on the edge of the Fontany Forest, starts at £413 per person half board; a week at the chalet-style Le Parc Alpin family-owned hotel is from £309 per person, bb. Flights and transfers extra.
This is also a great setting for a winter sports. Bookings for this coming season are already strong but the Meribel Tourist Office says there are still some nice chalets and hotel accomodation available.
For winter and summer details contact www.meribel.net.
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::
Fly in a D-Day Dakota :: |
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BATTLE buffs can combine the experience of flight in a wartime Dakota with a visit to the D-Day beaches in special trips organised by Leger Holidays.
Launched this year, these four or five-day trips provide accommodation and a one way flight to or from Normandy, coach the other way, and flight over the battlefields, with expert guide, from £359 and £419 respectively. They start again next Spring.
New next year from this travel firm will be visits to the Falklands.
www.legerbreaks.info
Special house for hire
STEEPED in history, the wonderful Archerfield House near Edinburgh provides the opportunity to hold a memorable house party.
Dating back to the the 17th century, it is said to be situated on and named after the site of Edward l's army in 1298. Remodelled by Robert Adams in 1790, it was rented by various famous names, including Prime Minister Asquith and was visited by Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt.
Amazingly, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair but has now been restored to its former glory after a 5 year refurbishment programme.
It is a stunning setting for a really special personal gathering or a top corporate get-together, and comes complete with
staff whose aim is to make everyone feel at home.
Contact on www.archerfieldgolfclub.com
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