In the early hours of Tuesday morning, over 40 excited students and staff from The Holgate Academy departed Hucknall at 1am, embarking on an unforgettable journey to Normandy, France.
After travelling by coach to the Eurotunnel and crossing the English Channel, our group made a poignant stop at the Pegasus Bridge Memorial. This historic site commemorates the daring operation carried out by British airborne forces in the opening minutes of D-Day. On 6 June 1944, soldiers from the 6th Airborne Division successfully captured the bridge to secure the eastern flank of the Allied landings—a mission that proved vital to the success of the Normandy campaign.
From there, we continued on to our accommodation: UNCMT “La Closerie des Djinns” in Bernières-sur-Mer. Nestled just 400 metres from the beach, the centre offers comfortable rooms, spacious dining and activity areas, and outdoor spaces ideal for group stays. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to key historical sites, it’s the perfect base for our Normandy adventure.
After settling in and enjoying a hearty evening meal, the group took a refreshing walk to soak in the local sights and sea air—an ideal way to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates as our journey continues!




















