Turkey Eclipse - FINAL CALL!

To all

I have just had word from Terry that the final details for the trip to observe the eclipse in Turkey in March 2006 are finally taking shape. This means that we will be presenting the tour operator with the list of those who have already expressed their interest in participating, probably on Monday next the 21st.

I am not looking for deposits now, but when I do, probably early next week, I will need the deposits to be made immediately. If they are not paid immediately, the list and whatever remittances have been received to that date will be sent to the operator. You will only be on the list as soon as we have received your deposit. We haven't settled on a deadline yet, but you can be sure that it will be coming at you like an express train!

I make no apology for being ruthless, but the interests of the majority must not be endangered by stragglers and tyre-kickers!

The reason for the pressure is mainly that for our booking to be firmed up, we must give the operator a deposit as soon as possible, if not sooner. It may be that we will be able to add latecomers later, but I wouldn't depend on it. We have at this moment 86 names, so we will probably settle on booking 90 to give us a bit of wriggle room (I have indications from a couple of people that they may be accompanied by some friends, but I must have the names by Monday morning)

I will then be looking for deposits in the region of £100 stg, 150 euro.

So if you have been dithering about whether or not to go, crunch time is here...

David Bell
Chair, Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies

From Terry:

Hi all,

A. We (IFAS) have now decided on the Turkey eclipse trip details! We have got a fantastic deal in a 5* luxury hotel, Half Board, excellent location, in Antalya, for £409 pps (about €595) including direct flights from Stansted, transfers etc! David Bell will now be emailing all who have registered, requiring a deposit of £100 or €150 per person, to be paid BY RETURN! He will give details of the account name, postal address, & whether it is possible to transfer the funds electronically. So check your email in-boxes regularly. We now have exactly 100 registered to go, and have definitely secured places for 100 OK, and MAYBE a few more....
But if you want to go on this chance of a lifetime & haven't already registered, do so now to <sdbell@gofree.indigo.ie> & be ready to send a cheque for the deposit right away, with the following details:
1. Full names of all persons as on your passports - VERY IMPORTANT! (e.g. I'll be registered as 'Terence' not Terry)
2. Addresses
3. Tel number(s)
4. Email, if any
5. Room type (Double, twin, single, family, or single sharing with A.N.Other)
6. If not taking the operator's insurance, give details of your own holiday travel insurance: name of insurance company & policy number.
7. Any special requirements (disability etc)

If you are acting as the email contact for someone else, alert them now & BE SURE TO GET THEM TO SEND THEIR DEPOSIT TOO!

Just to be safe, I will also issue that notice to all on this list, but the replies should all be sent to the address which you will get in that email.

N.B. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate any more than these 100, but if you don't ask, or if you want to on a waiting list for cancellations, you have no chance if you don't email David Bell NOW!

NB: Until your deposit is paid, you are NOT definitely booked for this trip!