When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the British government had already given considerable thought to evacuating civilians from the big cities. The lessons from the Spanish civil war were there for all to see, and the authorities had a detailed evacuation plan already in place.

In fact, the first evacuations began in June 1939, although the first official movement of civilians did not start until September 1st 1939, just two days before the declaration of war.

From London and the other main cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow and Birmingham, priority class persons (children, pregnant women, mothers with infants, and the disabled), boarded trains and were duly transported to rural towns and villages throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

My mother was an evacuee. She was fourteen at the time and was moved from the Liverpool suburbs out to Anglesey, a remote (it certainly was then) island off the coast of North Wales. The family she stayed with spoke Welsh as their first language, and indeed only ever spoke Welsh unless they were speaking to the evacuees, and though they treated my mother well, she always said it was a very lonely time for her.

Evacuees were gathered into groups at the main railway stations and were often put on the first available trains, almost regardless of destination, which must have made the housing of them at the other end immensely difficult. Some went by sea too, paddle steamers took many children from the London area to East Anglia.

In all, 3.7 million people were moved, and it has been estimated that one in three of the entire British population was directly affected in some way by the evacuations. In the first three days of the official evacuation a staggering one and a half million people were transported from their homes to the countryside, the biggest mass migration of British people ever in such a short period of time.

Of these, approximately 800,000 were children of school age, 500,000 were mothers with young children, plus 12,000 pregnant women and 7,000 disabled persons. To help look after them, over 100,000 teachers and other helpers were also required to relocate.

Beyond that, a further two million people, mainly the more well to do, arranged a private evacuation of their families, settling in rural and remote hotels for the duration of the war, while several thousand took themselves further away from any possible bombing raids by moving to the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the Caribbean.

Some, such as the unfortunate passengers on the S.S. City of Benares did not reach their destination. (Keep an eye out for my article: The Children of The City of Benares), and the merits of sending children overseas during wartime has been debated ever since.

Today there is a flourishing Association for the Evacuees, and in recent years they have taken to marching in the remembrance parades, and who could deny them the right so to do?

Brighton has been an immensely popular seaside resort since the very beginning of the seaside tourism industry in the mid to late eighteenth century. Initially a small fishing village a doctor from nearby Lewes began to recommend bathing in Brighton’s sea. He considered the sea in this area superior to elsewhere and even prescribed drinking it (not advisable today!). Following the visit by the future King George IV of England the town flourished and with the arrival of the railway, in 1841, Brighton quickly became popular with day-trippers from London.

Visiting the seaside with a pet is incredibly enjoyable and many dog owners appreciate their pets needs and a visit to the seaside is enjoyed as much by your pet as ourselves (and in many cases more so). Unfortunately Brighton suffers, like many places in the United Kingdom, with a lack of pet friendly accommodation. Although there are plenty of places to stay only a few allow pets to stay in your room. Finding a hotel where pets are allowed can be something of a nightmare so I have listed all those I could find below.

Leona House

The 4 star Leona House bed and breakfast is a town centre establishment right by the famous Lanes. Featuring 7 rooms this pet friendly accommodation offers affordable, yet stylish and comfortable, rooms. Free wireless internet in public areas. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

De Vere Grand Hotel Brighton

The 5 star De Vere Grand is one of the towns famous Victorian landmarks (in an Italian Renaissance style) located on the seafront. The 200 room hotel first opened in 1864 and became renowned throughout Europe for its high standards and elegance. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

Artist Residence

The 3 star Artist Residence is found right in the heart of town overlooking the famous West Pier. Offering superb pet friendly accommodation in a Grade II listed building this 10 room hotel also features an excellent art gallery which displays various artwork by local young artists. Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

The Queensbury Hotel

The 2 star, centrally located, Queensbury is reasonably close to the seafront (a couple of minutes walk to the beach) offering pet friendly accommodation in a Grade II listed building with many of the rooms featuring a sea view. Very affordable pet friendly hotel. Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront

The 4 star Holiday Inn offers superb pet friendly accommodation in fully air conditioned rooms situated directly on the beach road. This is a large hotel with 131 rooms. Just over a mile and a half from the centre of town. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

The Oriental

The highly popular 4 star Oriental Guest House is located five minutes (less than half a mile from the town centre (and the Lanes) and 50 metres from the beach. 9 rooms. Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Kings Hotel

The 3 star seafront Kings Hotel is just under half a mile from the town centre. The hotel features 90 rooms in a Grade II Listed building with superb sea vies, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

Amsterdam Hotel

The 3 star Amsterdam is situated in the heart of Kemptown on the seafront opposite the famous Palace Pier (less than half a mile from Brighton’s centre). The hotel has 25 rooms and features an elevator and rooms/facilities for disabled guests. Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Thistle Brighton

The 4 star Thistle is about half a mile from the centre of town overlooking the seafront on the promenad. The 208 room hotel features a pool, spa and gym a superb restaurant and a bar and lounge. Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Kempfield House

Kempfield House is situated in the fashionable Kemp Town area about half a mile from the centre of Brighton and 150 metres from the seafront. Free wireless internet throughout the hotel and its 13 rooms. Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Lichfield House

The 4 star Lichfield House (7 room hotel) offers pet friendly accommodation in individually designed rooms within a listed Regency building. Located in a quiet street just over half a mile from the town centre and 150 metres from seafront. Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Sea Spray

The 4 star Sea Spray is a centrally located (a little more than half a mile from the very centre of town) pet friendly hotel of 15 rooms. Free wireless internet throughout. Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

Best Western Princes Marine Hotel

The 3 star Best Western Princes Marine offers reasonably priced pet friendly, and spacious, accommodation on the seafront just over a mile and a half from the very centre of Brighton. The 48 room (en suite) hotel features Free Wi-Fi, free parking, a bistro and relaxed bar. Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

The cultural inheritance of India has always intrigued and attracted the world. The richness and the diversity of its cultural heritage and traditions has been popular in all ages across the world. Striking architecture, majestic royal palaces and their beauty has been an integral part of this heritage. Tourists from around the world have always patronized this royal art and India’s cultural heritage. These royal architectures offer a deep insight into the bountiful past of the kings and queens of India.

If you are planning to visit India to take a look at the amazing and exotic locations, choose from several travel operators operating throughout the country. They readily offer custom made travel packages to suit your specific traveling requirements. Services offered by these tour operators include flight books, hotel bookings as per your choice and designing customized travel packages. Some of the best locations to visit during your India travel as Konark Temple, Elephanta caves, Khajurao Temple, Ajanta Ellora Caves, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Nalanda and many more. India Tour is not complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It bespeaks of glorious past of Indian cultural heritage.

Some Famous Heritage Destinations in India:
Taj Mahal: Shahjahan, the Mughal Emperor, made his love for his wife immortal with one of the most beautiful creations in the world, The Taj Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and depicts the true “epitome of love.”

Konark Sun Temple: Dedicated to the Sun God, Konark Temple is built in the form of Chariot of Sun God. It magnanimously portrays the chariot driven by the 7 horses of sun god and 12 pairs of wheels. It has been included in the World Heritage Site in India.

Ajanta and Ellora Claves: Yet another inclusion in the World Heritage Site in India, the Ajanta and Ellora caves portray beautiful paintings on its walls and roof. The picturesque paintings depict the life of Lord Buddha and Buddhist divinities.

Khajuraho temples: Located in the heart of the country, Khajuraho is a vast reservoir of love and its representation. The Khajuraho temples are located in this small village situated in Madhya Pradesh that represents an exclusive expression of matured civilization and is one of the most popular tourist locations in India.

India tour offers a distinctive and glorious past of Indian history. The complete tour offers an inexplicable insight into the rich and glorious past of Indian culture laden with stories of Gods and Goddesses, music, drama, art, culture, traditions and the royal architecture of India. Come and have a look at this rich reservoir of cultural heritage today!

Cornwall, England is loved for its picturesque beauty and quaint history. The region enjoys a cool climate and is located close to the sea. Long associated with the legend of King Arthur, Cornwall is home to many myths of England’s most fabled king.

1. The coastline along Cornwall and Devon is among the most popular in England. It extends from the wave battered granite of Land’s End to East Devon’s sandstone cliffs. This is the longest coastline in England and is scattered with charming fishing villages, luxury resorts and beautiful creeks.

2. The natural beauty of the coastline lends itself to various relaxing activities such as walking along the sandy beaches and surfing. It is possible to visit all the local villages from here on horseback.

3. The natural landscape with the gently undulating greens of the Blackdown Hills is home to a number of sleepy, rustic villages. Cornwall is an ideal place to visit for those who enjoy country activities such as riding, cycling and walking.

4. The ruins of King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel are a tremendously popular spot for all lovers of myths and legends. The past comes alive at Dozmary Pool, which is said to be the home to his sword Excalibur. Slaughterbridge, where King Arthur fought Mordred, is also worth a visit.

5. For those who love greenery and gardens, Cornwall has some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. The array of colours and plant species, coupled with the manicured lawns are a sight to behold. Most of these gardens can be found in the stately homes and mansions around the region.

6. The accommodation in the area is plentiful and caters to all tastes and budgets. The Canyon Bay hotel looks down on the picturesque St. Austell Bay while the Budock Vean Golf and Country Club offers a breathtaking view of the Helford River.

7. There are a number of Tourist Information centres to help travellers to the area and guide them with their travel plans. Travel time tables are also easily available.

8. Lovers of sea food are sure to have a veritable feast at their disposal in Cornwall’s restaurants. A number of bistro’s and seaside cafes serve up a delectable array of seafood, along with large helpings of good wholesome country food. For the more discerning, a delightful choice of local cheeses is available, accompanied by chilled wine from the local vineyards.

9. The warmth and hospitality shown by the locals is one of the main reasons for the popularity of this area. They share their history, cuisine and lives with visitors and are sure to make your stay here all the more memorable.

10. Regardless of the occasional damp weather, Cornwall is an ideal place to visit all the year round. The climate is mild and enjoyable most of the time.

Dorset is fast becoming one of the most well known destinations for a family vacation. Situated in the South West of England, the county of Dorset offers families a good number of things to do. To begin with, one should book themselves into one of the many Dorset cottages. These holiday cottages are available in various sizes and can accommodate large or small groups of people. The Dorset holiday cottages are all situated near the county’s tourist attractions Once your accommodation is sorted out, you can get down to exploring Dorset with the help of the following tips.

Adventure Wonderland

If you happen to be staying at one of the Dorset holiday cottages, then getting to Adventure Wonderland is no issue at all. Located in Bournemouth, you will need to take a day trip to this adventure park, perfect for families with children. The entire family will be able to enjoy more than 30 varied rides. The kids will be in for a treat here. Interestingly, Adventure Wonderland is made up of three parks namely Adventureland, Wild Thing and Wonderland, all of which are appropriately themed. As mentioned earlier a day trip to Adventure Wonderland is required to be able to cover the entire park. It is a good idea to set out from your holiday cottage post-breakfast early in the morning.

Christchurch Priory Church

Once again located in close proximity of the Dorset cottages is the historical Christchurch Priory Church. This church is one of the most popular tourist sites in Dorset. The initial church was constructed way back in 800 A.D, and later on re-structured in 1904; this church was a popular place for those who wished to make a pilgrimage or to offer prayers. Another interesting site situated within the church premises is museum that was constructed in the 15th century. In this museum, you will be taken back in time as you observe historical items. A visit to the Christchurch Priory Church won’t take much of your time and can be fit in after taking a tour of the town before heading back to the holiday cottages.

Be Amazed

Another family-friendly tourist attraction is Be Amazed, which is once again located not too far from the Dorset holiday cottages. As the name itself suggests, Be Amazed is a maze, although it isn’t an ordinary maze. It happens to be the 3rd largest maze in the UK. Made up of more than 5200 bushes, this labyrinthine maze covers around 1.75 miles taking up a good amount of your time to explore and find your way out. Even more interesting is the fact that the maze houses a number of clues, which if guessed wrong will send you right back to the start. Finding your way through the maze is quite a fun task and once accomplished you will be ready to head back to the comfort of your holiday cottage.

Birthday Parties

If your child’s birthday happens to coincide with your family stay in Dorset, then you can always have a fun celebration at the adventure park. To makes things easy, you can book a reservation for the birthday party from your Dorset holiday cottage itself. You can choose from 3 party packages according to your budget. Simply contact the Adventure Wonderland park office from your holiday cottage to make a booking in advance.

San Francisco is actually both a city and a county and is a very large and densely populated region of the state of California. If considered from the aspect of population than S.F. is on 12th number in whole America for being most populous while if considered in regard with density of population it is second most densely populated city of United States of America. The city is actually a hub of transport, finance and culture in the whole San Francisco Bay Area. The infrastructure of San Francisco city is a great developed one with some really great highways and bridges built that lead to other cities and counties.

S.F. has its own International airport that is actually situated in San Mateo County but is under authority of San Francisco city. The transportation network of San Francisco is a huge one with all types of transportation means available to people living and visiting “the city by the Bay”. There are options available to travel by road, by air, by water and through trains too. Even the cable car services are also available to take you to different places.

When you are a traveler visiting San Francisco you need to take care of one thing that try not to hire a private car for yourself because there is a huge problem of finding parking for it wherever you move around in the city. Using public transport that includes buses, cable cars, and trolleys is the best idea to save your money and time both. There are double Decker buses that stop at every worth watching place. In fact walking around the city wherever you can is also a good option to be considered. Cable cars also take you to many famous destinations in the city that you may use to enjoy a different form of rides.

Taxis can also be used as a mean of transportation while the BART is also there as mass transit system not to visit tourist places but if you want to reach airport or other areas. It is easy to get around San Francisco on water too as several ferry services are available to take you around so many places.

If you’re planning a long awaited vacation to Greece and you want to get the best deal for your money, regardless of the amount of time you plan to travel, finding the best budget travel Greece options is crucial. Using the best budget travel Greece practices available will ensure a great vacation to see and do everything you want.

Determining the best budget travel Greece tips will depend on how you plan to travel. Cruise ships have great travel options and a flight package that has been put together very well will also include excellent budget traveling opportunities.

Cruise Packages

If a cruise is your mode of travel, there are numerous packages offered that can utilize budget travel Greece options without giving up amenities or settling for an inferior trip. These types of packages can include land and cruise packages, land packages only, Greek Island packages, country combination packages that include traveling to a second country and extensions which can add an additional 3 days to your original package with choices such as Cyprus, Rome, Egypt and Turkey. Country combination packages may also offer escorted tours.

Flight Packages

Depending on the time of year you plan to travel, both to and from Greece, can have a significant impact on your choice of a budget travel Greece option. A round-trip adult ticket during the non-peak season or summer specials, for example, can mean a substantial savings. Whether flying business class or economy class, special discount packages are available. Another package option that may offer special pricing is the flight plus cruise deal.

Budget Travel Greece Accommodations and Transportation

If you are flying to Greece and booking accommodations, there are numerous economy hotels available to fit your budget. Other budget travel Greece accommodations include bungalows, studio apartments and youth hostels. For sightseeing trips out of the city, you will need transportation. Whether you pick up a vehicle at the airport or from your hotel, there are discount cars for hire. If you want to hire a car and driver and be driven around to your chosen places of interest, depending on how far you plan to travel may or may not make this option a bargain. If you choose to sightsee on your own, there are quite a few local discount car rental companies as well as well known companies offering everything from economy cars and convertibles to full sized family vans and sports utility vehicles.

Valentine’s Day is for everybody who has a special someone, no matter how long they have been together, and especially those who want to kindle their romantic flame. So start planning something special, and consider some unique ideas for Valentine’s Day. If you are on a budget, and looking for cheap Valentine’s ideas, then budget travel destinations could be just what you are looking for.

When it comes to a romantic getaway trip for couples, statistically couples are in favor of spending time in the south, whereas singles like to visit beach resorts. Whichever of these categories you fall into, you will definitely be able to find a way to spend Valentines on a budget.

Rio de Janeiro is one great idea for a singles’ destination for Valentines. The typical cost of hotel accommodation here is less than $85. Other possible choices, with their average room costs, are: Nashville ($114), Washington DC ($102), San Francisco ($113), and Miami ($182).

What kinds of activity might you expect for your cheap Valentines ideas trip? For the singles who enjoy the sun and sand, Miami has great stretches of beach, where you can check out everybody else’s tan. Or, you could enjoy the South Beach night clubs, or perhaps San Francisco’s chic stores, vibrant clubs or great variety of restaurant fare. Here you can snuggle up with your loved one while watching the well known romantic sunset, or maybe get to know someone new. Washington has many clubs to choose from, and 1 Street’s Eyebar is well worth a visit too. Ipanema Beach in Rio is another must for spending time in Rio de Janeiro, and here you can enjoy samba night clubs and open air bars as well. Mostly it is couples who enjoy visiting Nashville, however for singles who appreciate its music and clubs, this city is worth considering.

Savannah, Georgia is another great cheap valentines idea, because the average accommodation cost there is $84, and it’s a great spot for couples. You could also consider Montreal ($111), Bermuda ($180), or New Orleans ($135).

New Orleans’ carriage rides are a lovely romantic idea for couples, after which how about an intimate candle-lit dinner in the French Quarter, and jazz in local clubs. The south, in particular Georgia, is especially popular with couples. Have a romantic stroll in the evening, through historic streets and midnight gardens. Naples and Fort Myers also have elegant resorts and intimate inns. In addition, you can enjoy secluded beaches and nature preserves, as well as fine dining. Tourists, including couples, enjoy the Lover Key State Park’s attractions. Bermuda has beaches of pink sand and captivating little white cottages, and moon-gates of limestone made for kissing under. For nights out under bright lights, consider Montreal with its casinos, or for charming little cafes and cobbled streets, how about Vieux Port.

Married couples and singles alike who need to find cheap Valentines ideas can still have a great time on a romantic getaway this year. Make your choice now and book your trip as soon as possible, to be sure you don’t miss out.

Norwich International Airport is situated in England UK. The town centre of Norwich is around 4 miles away in distance. The airport can be found by punching in the post code or zip code NR6 6JA. Norwich is an old town on the east coast of England. Nearby towns are Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Beccles and North Walsham.

Car
Depending on which direction you are travelling from you can reach the airport by driving along the A140 from Crommer or Ipswich. The A47 from King’s Lynn and then changing to the A140 heading towards the airport. If you are travelling from Great Yarmouth the A47 will take you into the centre of Norwich. From the town centre drivers can then follow the A1042 until they reach the A 140 road signposted for the airport.

Train
The airport does not have a train station located inside the terminal building. Passengers can board the nearest train which is situated in the town centre around a 20 minute drive away. Travellers may wish to hail a cab and the journey time would be around 20 minutes drive away.
Visitors can reach London direct from Norwich train station.

Bus
Passengers can catch a number one bus from the Norwich Airport to the town centre. The number 27 bus runs Monday to Friday. The bus does not stop at the airport but drops passengers of close to the airport also within walking distance. The 27 bus runs at weekends and does stop at the airport then.

Taxi
Weary travellers can find the taxi rank outside the airport building. The rank is suitably placed next to the terminal building.

Car Hire
Passengers will be able to hire a car from Norwich Airport. Car Hire. The car rental firms can be found in the centre concourse of the airport. The car hire companies who operate out of Norwich airport are Avis, Europcar and Hertz.

Lobby is a recipe from Lancashire, a very northern dish (England) which will really fill you up and is very stogy! It has dumplings and meat – you are not going to find this in any fancy London restaurants, it’s a typical up north dish.

Here are the things you will need for the dumplings.

2oz Suet
4oz flour
Little bit of salt
Half a pint of water

This is what you are going to need for the Lobby itself.

1lb Lean Stewing Beef
1lb Potatoes
1lb Carrots
2 stock cubes
And an onion
2 Pints of water

Ok, so now you have all your ingredients, you need to know how to make the Lobby next. Put your meat into a saucepan, add 2 stock cubes (crumble them up) and add your 2 pints of water. Bring your water to the boil and simmer until the meat is quite tender.

Ok, now you need to peel your potatoes, carrots and your onion. I would recommend dicing the potato and carrots then chop the onion into small pieces. Now you need to add the vegetables and cook until the vegetables are almost cooked. If you need to, you can add more water.

Now make the dumplings.

Mix the suet, flour and salt into a large bowl. Add some water to make a sticky dough and sprinkle a bit of flour onto a bread board. Scoop out a golf balls size lump of the dumpling mix and roll into a ball and then roll into the flour. When you have made about 6 of these balls, place them onto the still cooking Lobby and cover.

Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Serve in bowls for up to 6 people.