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MEMBER LETTERS |
Dear Claire,
Thank you for all that you have done. I know I was a pain with
changing my flights etc........I can honestly say that nothing was
too much trouble booking with you.
I WILL be returning my custom in the future (next time I'll sort
myself out prior to booking to avoid the extra work I have caused
you) and have already recommended your company to HMS Monmouth's
Ships Company for their wives and girlfriends.
Again many thanks from the bottom of my heart. Warm regards.
Ali James, Plymouth |
Claire |
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Karrie |
I am just putting pen to paper to say a big thank you
to your organisation for arranging such a splendid trip to Zambia
and then onwards to Cape Town.
Everything went like clockwork and all the various trips and
arrangements so smooth.
My special thanks go to Karrie who made all the arrangements and
actually told me that she had done this trip.
Many thanks again Karrie. I will soon be arranging my next
trip!
Christine Piper, Staffs |
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Dear Laura,
I have just returned from my visit to the Victoria Falls and I felt
I must tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My pleasure started when I found that you had booked me into the
"bubble" cabin on the plane. At my age, I appreciated the
extra space and was able to stretch out and get a few hours sleep on
the flight for once. Thank you.
After a fortnight in Jo'burg with my daughter and partner, I caught
the Nationwide plane to Livingstone and arrived safely at the
Zambezi Sun. As you have done the trip, you know the rooms are
comfortable with an excellent bathroom. I was amazed at the
choice available for breakfast and, like everybody, headed for the
Falls on the first morning. |
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I was surprised how close the hotel was to the Falls,
literally a few minutes walk. As for the Falls, all I will say
is seeing them is truly a lifetime's experience. The grounds
around the hotel are also pleasant to walk through.
The highlight of the Chobe day trip for me, apart from the thrill of
crossing the mighty Zambezi in that little motorised skiff, was the
cruise along the Chobe River. We had a very pleasant morning.
A tropical storm put a damper, literally, on our visit to the game
park in the afternoon but the elephants did enjoy the fresh mud
baths!
The sunset cruise on the "African Queen" the next day was more
serene and gave one a sense of Africa which goes on as it has done
for ever it seems.
I must mention the Zambezi Sun hotel staff; their service was beyond
praise, almost anticipating your wishes and always cheerful, smiling
and friendly. And that was that.
So back to another fortnight with my daughter and home with another
night's sleep on the way. I really did enjoy the trip. I
love Southern Africa and this was a chance to escape from the cities
and see a bit of real Africa. Thank you.
Alec Robins, Somerset
For full details of our great Vic Falls packages, please
click here
For detail of the other activities mentioned at Vic Falls, please
click here |
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Dear Mr Weaving,
We have just returned from our ninth visit to see our son in South
Africa. This time we travelled on Nationwide - what a splendid
airline!
Gatwick is so much nearer and convenient to us and as Nationwide are
flying a Boeing 767, the plane is not so crowded and has much more
leg room. We found the staff to be much more friendly and
helpful. Wine and spirits were dispensed from normal large
bottles and the far better dinners were served as separate courses -
far less plastic to cope with!
We have nothing but praise for Nationwide Airlines and on all future
visits arranged by Lion World Travel, they will be our preferred
carrier.
We strongly recommend them to other travellers to South Africa.
L Basden, Kent
For full details of our great, low Nationwide fares,
click here |
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Dear Laura,
I promised to let you know how our holiday went. Our week in
Bangkok went very well. We arrived the day before the King's
birthday and were lucky enough to get a booking for the nest day on
a river boat to enjoy dinner and the firework display. The
hotel and trips you booked for us were all excellent!
We then had four weeks in Perth with our two daughters and
grandchildren, so you can imagine we really enjoyed this part of our
trip. We visited some lovely places.
We had our last week in Bali for a beach holiday and a 'chill out'
after the hectic time with the grandchildren! The Balinese
people made us very welcome. While here we decided to go white
water rafting, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was a wonderful
experience.
Thank you so much for all your help with the arrangements for this
trip and we will be in touch later this year to arrange our next
one.
Our best wishes to all at Koala for all their work on our behalf"
Anne & Alan Clayton, Nottingham |
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Dear Sirs,
May I take this opportunity to say a very big 'thank you' to Sue
Warner for arranging our travel to South Africa and return, the
understanding and the 'fitting in' our times and dates was first
class.
Before contacting Friendship House I tried a couple of airlines
direct.....frankly I just wasted a great deal of phone time!!
Yours, as ever,
J Pettitt, Herts |
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Dear Sir,
We have just returned from a holiday in South Africa and Namibia,
flying with Air Namibia. We thought you would be interested to
know that this airline - which we first heard of through one of your
newsletters - more than came up to expectations. The Business
Class accommodation was excellent, with very ample leg room, good
food attractively presented, and courteous, helpful and friendly
service from the Cabin Crew. WE would certainly be very happy
to fly with them again.
We were also very impressed with the Springbok Atlas and Avis Point
2 Point drivers. It was very pleasant to be greeted with a
happy smile and a friendly handshake, and on every occasion each
driver "went the extra mile".
The recommended hotels - Winchester Mansions in Cape Town and the
Windhoek Country Club Resort - were excellent too, with friendly
staff, good food and comfortable accommodation.
In fact, the whole holiday was absolutely first class and went
without a single hitch.
We very much appreciated all the hard work which our Travel
Consultant, Suzanne Areington, put in our behalf and would like to
thank her for dealing so patiently with all our queries, worries and
problems!
Yours very sincerely,
Trevor & Margaret Terry, Norwich
For full details of our great, low Air Namibia fares,
click here |
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Dear Mr Weaving,
I am prompted to drop you a line to thank you for the excellent
service you perform through the Friendship Associations.
I benefited recently from your organisation's blend of
professionalism and friendliness in arranging my trip to South
Africa. The girl who handled my enquiries and ticketing had to
cope with a last minute change of flight due to a medical issue,
which she managed a efficiently and with pleasant personal
attention. It entailed my calling at Friendship House to
collect the new ticket, where I could see all the girls in action.
Wishing you all well.
C H J Elston, Slovak Republic |
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Dear Sir,
I would just like to say thank you for all the help I have received
from your organisation and most particularly yesterday from Suzanne
Areington.
it was a very busy morning in your office and each time I spoke to
her she was helpful and friendly. She called me back when she
said she would and confirmed the changes in detail that I requested
only the day before I fly to Cape Town with my baby!
I have used your organisation for a number of years now and
frequently recommend you to friends. I will always come back
to you rather than anyone else.
Kind regards and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Jane Stephens (by email) |
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Dear Amy,
Having just returned to the UK after spending seven weeks in South
Africa, we would like to thank you for all your help and information
that you supplied. The organisation you had set in place was
faultless.
Nationwide Airlines were very good, much better than the service
given by SAA on our previous holiday. The Springbok Atlas tour
of the Garden Route was marred by exceptional weather that had
washed roads away and damaged rail tracks. This resulted in
some large diversions, never the less the experience was very
enjoyable and the accommodation and food was exceptional.
The short stay in Cape Town was great, again food and accommodation
were good. Franschhoek was wonderful, such a pretty place and
the people were so helpful. The accommodation was outstanding
and Sue so helpful, we have no hesitation in recommending both the
hotel and the town to anyone who is looking for scenic beauty and
outstanding food in so many restaurants.
Finally our visit to Entabeni Game Reserve will rank with
Franschhoek as the top two memories that will remain with us for a
long time.
Once more, our sincere thanks for your part in our latest South
African holiday.
Mr & Mrs I Graham, Lincs |
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Dear Laura,
We had a wonderful trip to South Africa thanks to your efficient and
painstaking organisation and attention to detail. All our
flights were perfect with excellent seats and the highlight of the
visit, the 3 day Victoria Falls (Livingstone) package was fantastic!
We highly recommend the Zambezi Sun Hotel as a base - it's like
walking into another world (wild zebra grazing on the lawns) and
it's so close to the beautiful falls. |
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The activities
you organised through Bushtracks, are a must! We received a
friendly welcome at Livingstone airport and, from that moment on,
were able to relax completely as they took care of everything.
We enjoyed the Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi aboard the African
Queen, the day trip to Chobe with river and 4wd game viewing and the
magical elephant back safari. All wonderful. The
Bushtracks guides and drivers are all so well informed, efficient
and courteous and their organisation rivals yours for friendly
efficiency.
The same is to be said for the staff of the Zambezi Sun who were
interested, attentive and welcoming. We felt that they really
wanted us to be there. We fully agree with your recommendation
to take this package.
Many thanks indeed for all your help. We're saving for the
next one and will enter all the draws, hoping to speed the occasion
by winning free flights!
Jenny Spera & John Shillito, Devon
For full details of our great Vic Falls packages, please
click here
For detail of the other activities mentioned at Vic Falls, please
click here |
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Dear Laura,
Please excuse the delay in writing to you after our (reluctant)
return from another really enjoyable visit to South Africa.
All the arrangements you made for us went like clockwork.
We were particularly impressed with the Avis Point-to-Point service.
They were all on time, the cars were clean and comfortable with
smart, competent and courteous drivers. Our day tour to
Pretoria was well planned, The Shosholoza Meyl was as enjoyable as
last time and our night in the Cedarberg Mountains was truly
memorable. |
It can be a mistake to cover old ground again but the
West Coast Tour disproved that theory! Only two complaints: we had to come back and when we
got home there wasn't a letter from the Premium Bond Office so that
we could turn around! Seriously though, thank you very much
indeed for once again making all the arrangements for us and
especially for doing so at such short notice.
With best wishes.
The Baileys, Hereford |
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Dear Amy,
We are back! All went superbly - we spent the first 2 weeks in
Jo'burg and Durban with family and friends then the last week in
Cape Town. We loved the Winchester Mansions. Cannot
fault them - ideal location, great staff, brilliant hotel - highly
recommended. The Franschhoek was equally fabulous - and the
host Sue just a gem.....I cannot speak highly enough of both those
choice of hotels and the people in them. The car hire was
great - no problems and extremely efficient. |
The flights were superb - going out the plane was
empty and everyone managed to get a row of seats to bed down.
One the way back it was full - but the new Airbus was very
comfortable and lots of legroom. Thanks again for all your
help and all the arrangements.....it was a lovely holiday and we are
planning another trip next year so will be in touch.
Thanks once again for all your help - as usual Lion World Travel
came up trumps!
Faith Maxfield, London |
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Claire
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Dear Claire,
Thank you for your patience in arranging my travel to Australia.
I was very apprehensive, only once before having taken the journey
some years since and being 74 years old and suffering from several
age problems. It took some time for me to make up my mind once
I had seen the special offers of fares to Perth. Knowing that
my grandson Joe would be on holiday from school and possibly my
daughter and son-in-law would have some time off, I finally plucked
up the courage and phoned your number. |
Everything went so smoothly, especially with your
"Meet and Assist", that the journey was enjoyable and I felt
confident all the time.
Thanks for all your help and I hope that many "grannies" in similar
situations will take the plunge and realise that their loved ones
are not so far away and that Lion World Travel is only too ready to
help them stop longing and take the first step to realisation.
Sincere thanks.
J Morris, Chorley |
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Dear Mr. Weaving,
I just wanted to thank you and all your staff for the friendship
that is shown when I phone Staines, and to thank Laura Smith for arranging my
daughters flights to South Africa.
As my travelling days are coming to an end now at 83 years it is
nice to belong to a club like this to be able to send presents,
so will you please give my kindest thanks to Carol Parker for
the flowers sent to my daughter on her Wedding Anniversary which
she said were wonderful.
Thank you and all the staff for your help over many years.
G.Watson, Norfolk
For full details of our flower service, please
click here |
Carol
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Jenny |
Dear Jenny,
I'm sorry not to have got in touch before this. It's just to let you
know everything has been super all the way through my trip. I'm now
gradually winding down very slowly and enjoying my last few weeks
here with my family and friends. Thanks for all you did to make this
holiday one I will never forget for a very long time. Cheerio from
Cape Town.
Love and God Bless
Kathy Sellwood |
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Dear Suzanne,
Wow ! What a holiday!
I would first of all thank you so much for your excellent service to
me, the friendly and professional way in which you attended to my
airline reservations and seating needs. In all the years that I have
made my bookings through Lion World Travel, your personal service
was simply the best! Very many thanks and no doubt we will liaise again!
Kris Massie, West Sussex. |
Suzanne |
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Cindy |
Dear Cindy,
Just a line to say how very comfortable and pleasant my journey to
and from South Africa was this year with Nationwide. I do hope they
continue this executive economy seating. I can only underline all
that was said in the letter published in the last Newsletter and
shall hope to use them again next year.
Many thanks for your help and the suggestion to use Nationwide, I am
very grateful.
Iris L.Quinn |
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Dear Karrie,
I just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to Nationwide
Airlines during my recent visit to Johannesburg. What a positive
experience! This was the most comfortable flight we have ever had
to South Africa. I jokingly told my daughter, who accompanied me on my visit, that
the price will be reflected in the service on board but I was proved
wrong all along. The crew were extremely friendly and helpful, the
service was excellent and the food was delicious. The crew made us
feel special and gave the impression that we were |
Karrie |
the most important and valuable customers on board
- and this was ECONOMY! If one wants all the added extras such as a mini touch television
screen, this might not be the aircraft for you, but if you are
looking for a comfortable long haul flight this is the airline for
you. Mind you, the movies and programmes on show during the flight
were of high standard. We had more than enough leg room and the
seats felt wider than any other airline we have used before.
I will definitely fly Nationwide Airlines in the future. I hope the
airline will be able to maintain its competitive rates.
Then lastly, thank you very much to The Friendship Association for
arranging wheelchair assistance for my daughter on very short
notice. I panicked for a very short time while my daughter was in
hospital, but thanks to your intervention the wheelchair assistance
was sorted out without a hassle. Many thanks to you all and keep up
the good work.
You make travelling an easy experience.
Regards,
Emma O'Neil
For full
details of our Nationwide fares, please click
here |
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Dear Springbok,
I would just like to say thank you for all your help in helping
myself and my daughter with our trip to South Africa. I am looking
forward to booking another trip next year on Budget Travel Plan.
Thank you so much.
Lesley and Loverna O'Rourke
For full
details of our Budget Travel Plan, please
click here |
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Dear Laura
Thank you very much for making my booking to South Africa. Everything about the journey was excellent. I can thoroughly
recommend Nationwide Airlines. Having never heard their name
previously, I was apprehensive about flying with them. It was your
advice about Nationwide's standard that encouraged me to make this
booking. Many thanks for that.
Not only was the fare cheaper but the service was great. The cabin
crew attended to every passenger with cheerful efficiency, making
very sure everyone was comfortable and had all they needed. |
On arrival at Johannesburg airport, a member of cabin crew gave me
assisted passage. This was wonderful. It was such a great help to
me. Again on my return flight this first class service made my
arrival at Gatwick so easy and quick. They even escorted me to the
coach pick up point for my onward journey.
I had a lovely holiday in South Africa - and Mozambique. It was
really fantastic to visit these amazing countries again.
Once more thank you Laura for all the help and advice you gave. Also
special thanks to the Friendship Association - a truly helpful
organisation.
A. Patricia Williams, Staffs. |
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Dear Springbok,
I have just returned from a two week holiday in South Africa.
Prior to going I purchased from you two of your pre-paid phone cards at a
cost of £10.00 each. Whilst in South Africa I stayed with my
sister who lives in Faerie Glen Pretoria. Many times whilst there I telephoned my family at
various UK numbers - as indeed did my brother and cousin who
accompanied me on the trip. We all used my sister's private
residential telephone and the new phone cards that I had purchased
from you.
For the first
one or two times of use we had to go rather slowly to conform to the
correct procedure but we quickly got the hang of it and from then on
had no trouble whatsoever. Despite being
generous in my use of the first card I even came home with some
little time to spare on it. The second card remains unused - ready
for my next visit. On previous trips to South Africa, rather than
impose my telephone bills on my sister, I have made use of the BT
Charge Card system - this means that the charges are put onto my
phone bill when I get home. Every time I have incurred a bill of
at least £50, and often a lot more. So you will
understand that I thoroughly recommend and endorse these new cards -
they are easy to use (if you carefully follow the instructions) and
are indeed very very cheap.
Thank you for
sending the cards to me and for all of your help and guidance so
many times over the years!!
Ken Andrew
For full details of our pre-paid telephone cards, please
click here |
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Dear Friends,
I know how very
busy you all are and you all do a wonderful job, it is a terrific
service and I don't think I would travel any other way.
God bless you all.
J W Leicester |
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Once again I have only praise for the efficiency of
the whole booking for the holiday - flights good, hotel perfect and
in a marvellous position. The tour to the Blue Mountains was
lovely and the visit to the wildlife park was great Being able
to stroke a Koala and the kangaroos roaming freely was a lovely
experience.
The courier/driver was friendly, helpful and made the day enjoyable.
We saw another side to Australia other than just a big city - I'd
certainly recommend this tour to anyone. |
Thank you for organising this holiday. We shall
certainly use your company again as I have in the past for my visits
"down under."
J Moore, Essex |
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Lynne |
Dear Lynne,
Thank you so much for arranging to send the planted arrangement to
my niece. She had recently had a serious operation and it was
her birthday the day she received the flowers.
She rang and said that their were so many lovely plants in the
arrangement which would eventually be planted in the garden.
Without your "flower service" I would not have been able to send
anything so again a big thank you.
Pat Firkins, Dorset |
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Dear Friends of The Springbok,
Thank you for your help, and the speedy provision of the
arrangements when my sister died suddenly in South Africa. You
kindly booked my passage to South Africa and back again 2 weeks
later. At a time like that, your prompt help was invaluable.
Thank you again.
M.Pobjoy, York |
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Dear Friends of
the Springbok,
A big thank you for all your help recently. I became a member of
Friends of the Springbok 25 years ago on arriving in England. I
eventually took out lifetime membership and named my elder brother
on the Serious Accident Emergency Travel Benefit.
Unfortunately, following his murder in South Africa, we had to rush out
to South Africa to be with our family and for his funeral.
My mother is also a member of Friends of the Springbok and with
your help and assistance an extremely distressing time was made a
lot easier.
Thanking you once again for your expertise, help and
understanding.
Mrs M Heyburn, Surrey. |
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PS: I would strongly advise all your readers to take out the Serious
Accident Emergency Travel Benefit. You like us, will think you'll
probably never use it, but its free and if the worst nightmare
happens, knowing a phone call away help is at hand to arrange your
flight without the worry of how much it will cost is a major burden
lifted in a time of crisis.
For full details of our Serious Accident Emergency Travel
Benefit, please click here |
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Hi Laura,
My husband and I have just returned from an amazing trip to South
Africa. We were recommended to contact Lion World Travel
through friends and I have to say you were brilliant with helping us
to organise our trip.
All the girls had been out to South Africa and therefore were a mine
of information regarding flights, accommodation and general
knowledge of the country. |
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I have already recommended Lion World Travel to many
of our friends and I will definitely be using you again in the
future.
Eric & Jane Martin |
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Dear Laura,
I have just returned from South Africa travelling on Nationwide.
This was the most comfortable flight I have ever had. The
staff were so attentive and courteous and did everything possible to
make the journey easy.
I would recommend this way of travel 100% and will certainly use it
again in the future.
Thank you for all your help.
Dorothy Brown, London |
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Dear Laura,
My husband and I have recently returned from a marvellous first
visit to Natal. We wanted you to know how much we appreciated
the professionalism and attention to detail that you and the
Friendship Associations provided. We are recommending your
services to our friends.
I thought you would like to know that we were very satisfied with
nationwide and shall certainly travel with them again if we can.
The staff were very attentive and thoughtful, and although we
experienced a fair amount of turbulence, the Captain's cheerful and
reassuring explanations kept me feeling much safer than I have done
in the past.
We particularly like the way Nationwide serve meals; it was pleasant
to have our dinner served in separate courses, and the hot food was
really hot and enjoyable.
Once again, thank you very much for the excellent service.
Elizabeth Holley, Hereford |
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Dear Mr. Weaving,
I have been a member of the Friendship Association for just over
a year now and being a South African living in Leeds, really
look forward to receiving the monthly newsletter - always filled
with great snippets and news. Last November my son and I flew
out to visit family, and your staff were absolutely marvellous
with their help and advice during the booking of our tickets.
I have been wanting to write for such a long time now but keep
procrastinating.
At last I have
got round to it and would like to thank all involved. Again,
many thanks for a truly wonderful organisation - makes South
Africa feel so much closer.
Karin Moor,
Leeds |
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