Welcome to the Somme...
...Welcome to Avril's
Anyone familiar with the history of the Great
War's Somme Campaign will be familiar with the village
of Auchonvillers, or Ocean Villas as the British soldiers
knew it, and this small village is home to Avril
Williams' Guesthouse and the integral Ocean
Villas Tearooms.
During the First World War Auchonvillers
was a fortified 'Front Line' village opposite the
German stronghold at Beaumont
Hamel and was of key importance. Now it
is a quiet, rural village nestling on the beautiful,
rolling Picardie countryside, perfectly located for
those wishing to explore the battlefields.
Have a look at the photo
gallery to see around the place.
It is Avril's dream to make guests feel as though
they are 'visiting their best friend' and guests have
been kind enough to say that she is succeeding in
making her dream come true.
Three course English meals
with wine, served in a family atmosphere, are available
every evening for only €20 per person.
Avril's is a typical Picardy Farm House offering
seven bedrooms and Tea Rooms to suit all needs. This
family run business is situated in the heart of the
Somme Battlefields. Ideal for walking or cycling to
many of the 1st World War Memorials, for example,
Newfoundland Park, Ulster Tower, and Sheffield Park.
The house was rebuilt after the 1st World War over
the original cellar, still bearing the scars of the
soldiers who made it their home. In 1915 stretcher-bearers
used the cellar but after the 1st July 1916 it became
a dressing station. Trenches behind the house have
been discovered leading into the cellar. This is probably
the only cellar not to have been completely destroyed
during the four years of the war and can still be
visited today.
Avril's is a warm, comfortable, welcoming house,
in which one feels at home very quickly and fellow
guests, although predominantly from the UK, are likely
to be from many countries and all walks of life.
We offer a good standard of accommodation,
both self-catering and bed and breakfast, as well
as evening meals for guests (and sometimes non-guests).
Ocean
Villas WALL
of REMEMBRANCE
"A Wall of Remembrance dedicated to
all Great War personnel, where servicemen and servicewomen
will be commemorated on individual and identical marble
plaques, no matter their rank, nationality, or whichever
theatre of war they served in."
Our Setting
We at Avril's count ourselves fortunate to live and
work in a beautiful rural location where peace and
quite reign. However, we are not cutoff and
bustling Albert, with its museum,
shops and station, is only a pleasant quarter-of-an-hour's
drive away while Arras is only twenty-odd
minutes away, and Bapaume, Peronne
and Amiens aren't much further.
The surrounding Somme countryside is a walker's
paradise and bike hire is available should
you wish to take advantage of the quiet roads and
tracks that crisscross the area.
Avril keeps chickens, sheep and a goat, and if you
are available to lend a hand at feeding time so much
the better but relaxation with a glass of wine and
a book is a more typical experience.
History
Auchonvillers is simply soaked in Great War history
and part of that history is still encapsulated at
Avril's place where her cellar (complete with
soldiers' graffiti) formed part of the village defences
throughout the War and is reached from an original
communications trench.
Such is the importance of this site that it has featured
on, among others, the BBC's War Walks and Time
Flyers television programs.
Typical Guests
While most guests share an interest in the Great War
and use the house as a base for exploration, research
and study, there are others who come just because
it is a beautiful place to enjoy a holiday - simple
as that, and all are very welcome!
Coat of Many Colours
Will you show your face just one more time?
There is much I would like to know
We managed to exchange just one small smile
Before you had to go.
I am sorry if I seemed afraid I am sure
That you will understand
I am not as brave as you I fear
See my trembling hand.
Was there a Lady; was there a Wife?
Were there children to sit on your knee?
I was pleased to be able to help in some way.
So proud you had chosen me.
Did you die in some battle; was it sudden and cruel?
Did you leave all your good friends behind?
I saw contentment in a sun kissed face
I knew your intentions were kind.
Soldier, Soldier, Soldier true
I heard your solid step
You have finally left for a better place
Oh, have you got there yet?
Will you show your face just one more time?
There is much I would like to know
We managed to exchange just one small smile
Before you had to go.
By: Ray Bradshaw.
Inspired by and for:
Avril Williams July 2005.
Siren/Siret
No: 39074277300018 9