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08 November 2020. Ovillers Cemetery, Thiepval memorial, Newfoundland Memorial, The Somme, France. Remembrance Sunday. Ovillers Cemetery. Just across the valley from Lochnagar Crater lie the remains of 3,440 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 2,480 of the burials are unidentified. The cemetery also contains the graves of 120 fallen French servicemen. Many of the casualties occured the first day of the Battle off the Somme, July 1st 1916 when British troops attempted to take the towns of ovillers and la Boisselle after detonating an enormous mine at Lochnagar. Heavily fortified German positions annihilated the British advance leaving in excess of 6,000 casualties on the first day of the battle of the Somme. In total there were over 1 million casualties during the battle with over 60,000 casualties on July 1st 1916. Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Remembrance Sunday. The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme is a war memorial to 72,337 missing British and South African servicemen who perished in the Battles of the Somme of the First World War between 1915 and 1918, with no known grave. The visitors' centre opened in 2004. The memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and has been described as "the greatest executed British work of monumental architecture of the twentieth century". On the Portland stone piers are engraved the names of over 72,000 men who were lost in the Somme battles between July 1915 and March 1918. Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, The Somme, Picardy, France. Remembrance Sunday. The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is dedicated to the commemoration of Dominion of Newfoundland forces members who were killed during World War I. The 74-acre (300,000 m2) preserved battlefield park encompasses the grounds over which the Newfoundland Regiment made their unsuccessful attack on 1 July 1916 during the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme was the regiment's first major engagement, and during an assault that lasted approximately 30 minutes the regiment was all but wiped out. Purchased in 1921 by the people of Newfoundland, the memorial site is the largest battalion memorial on the Western Front, and the largest area of the Somme battlefield that has been preserved. Along with preserved trench lines, there are a number of memorials and cemeteries contained within the site. Opened by British Field Marshal Earl Haig in 1925, the memorial site is one of only two National Historic Sites of Canada located outside of Canada. The site also contains a number of memorials as well as four cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission; that of Y Ravine Cemetery, Hawthorn Ridge Cemeteries No. 1 and No. 2 and the mass burial site of Hunter's Cemetery. All Photos©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com

©Charlie Varley/varleypix.com All rights managed. Phone +33 787120501. 09 Apr 2020. Montreuil Sur Mer (MSM), France. Olivier and Belinda Tirel, (both 45 yrs) owners of La Cave de Montreuil and Le Touquet, 1hr south of Calais with emergency vehicle, the 'Vinbulance.' Belinda, an Australian met Olivier, a Frenchman in London in 1996 when they worked at Café Rouge in Kew Gardens. Married 24 years with 4 children they own 2 wine shops, one in Le Touquet (2007), one in MSM (2015). The Tirel’s knew they were in trouble when the French Government dramatically ordered their businesses shuttered March 17th as part of lockdown laws.. However realising the country’s need for wine to help ease the pain, the govt relented declaring businesses supplying alcohol and tobacco ‘première nécessité’ – literally translated as ‘first necessity.’ Their wine bar closed, restaurant sales decimated, Belinda knew they must act fast. Sitting home with a glass of wine one evening Belinda experienced ‘one of those light bulb moments.’ ‘Why not convert our delivery van into a ‘vinbulance?’ After all the word for wine in French, is 'vin,' pronounced ‘van’ in English and the word for ambulance is the same. Not wishing to offend anyone working on the front lines of the war against Coronavirus, the couple contacted medical professional customers and friends. ‘Our friends’ response was overwhelming. Why not cheer people up, bring some smiles and lift people's spirits in these difficult times. And that is the point of it,' explained Olivier. 'People give us thumbs up, honk horns and wave when they see the 'vinbulance.' Belinda is stopped countless times with people asking to take photos,’ says Olivier. 'The coronavirus crisis crippled our business. We lost our restaurant trade, people don't have parties or celebrate and we don't get any government aid. We have 4 kids and a Brazilian exchange student staying with us. She is trapped and can not fly home. We had to save our business and provide for our family.’ Olivier and Belinda learned of the mandate closing all bars and restaurants when a customer came to the shop and asked for their wi-fi code to listen to Macron's speech. 'Only then did we learn we must close our doors at midnight. It was the same for everyone. It was brutal,' explained Olivier. Looking on the bright side Oliver said, 'certainly these are difficult times for every business, who knows how many will survive? Yes, it's important to maintain social distancing and we worry we could catch the virus and take it home to our kids, but business needs to go on. You drink to celebrate and you drink to forget, luckily we will always have business.' And with that, Belinda loaded the ‘vinbulance’ and headed out to bring a little cheer to countless customers during these uncertain times. *MSM was British Army HQ during WW1, Field Marshal Haig's stature stands in the square honouring British sacrifice. ©; varleypix.com.

02 April 2020. Hesdin, Pas de Calais, France. Coronavirus - COVID-19 in Northern France. Easing restrictions on local markets. For the first time since government restrictions came into force, the main market in Hesdin has been permitted to re-open. The historical town has hosted a usually vibrant and bustling market since the middle ages. With stall holders limited and many suffering huge financial losses, those selling food today were happy to be back to work despite the ongoing risks posed by coronavirus. Shoppers, many wearing masks were mostly maintaining their social distancing with people happy to be out and able to meet and talk with other people. A lot of shoppers were elderly people who have been trapped in their homes for weeks. One shopper complained of 'la misère,' - the misery of this virus and being stuck in her home. Anyone leaving their home must carry with them an 'attestation,' in a effect a self administered permit to allow them out of the house. If stopped by the police, one must produce a valid permit along with identification papers. Failure to do so is punishable with heavy fines. Movement in France has been heavily restricted by the government and today's market re-opening was a brief return to normalcy for many able to escape the confines of their homes. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.co All Rights Managed.

23 March 2020. Montreuil Sur Mer, Pas de Calais, France. Coronavirus - COVID-19 in Northern France. A selection of images from in and around the ancient citadel town of Montreuil Sur Mer in the NW of France, an hour south of Calais. Images from local supermarket Leclerc where the amount of shoppers permitted into the store at any one time is restricted to respect 'social distancing' laws. Shoppers wait patiently in line, shoppers wearing masks plus images of stocked and stripped shelves. Lots of toilet roll! Images of the usually bustling market square, now mainly deserted with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars closed. Montreuil Sur Mer was the former headquarters of the British Army during WW1.A statue of Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig dominates and looks over the square. Also images of the usually busy and now deserted A16 toll road/motorway from Calais to Paris. The A16 is one of France's main arteries carrying freight, tourists and people North and South from the Belgian border servicing Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe, and Havre with connections to Paris and the french interior. Images of signs in shop windows relating to coronavirus. From March 16th French lawmakers imposed strict controls on the movement of people in an effort to stem the spread of the virus. Anyone leaving their home must carry with them an 'attestation,' in a effect a self administered permit to allow them out of the house. If stopped by the police, one must produce a valid permit along with identification papers. Failure to do so is punishable with heavy fines. Movement in France has been heavily restricted by the government. Montreuil Sur Mer was the headquarters of the British Army under Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig from March 1916 to April 1919. Over 1,200 year old, the ancient fortified town with its high ramparts has endured through history, surviving the plague and King Henry VIII's invasion of France in 1544 when the Duke of Norfolk under Henry VIII's command laid a disastrous siege to the town which held firm until Norfolk was forced to withdraw in 1545. Residents are confident the ancient town can survive the coronavirus too. All Photos ©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com

14 March 2020. Saint Denoeux, Pas de Calais, France. Rallye du Touquet. The 60th Rally du Touquet winds its way through the French countryside. The Rally is one of the few sporting events taking place in the midst of the almost total cancellation of all sporting events due to the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com Please note – All rights reserved. Rights managed images. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential editorial or commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. You have been warned. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2020.

12 March 2020. Record rainfall and flooding in Northern France. Canche River overflows, Hauts de France, Pas de Calais. Floodwaters continue to rise. Following months of record rainfalls, the Canche River near Montreuil Sur Mer burst its banks flooding local homes in Beaumarie St Martin. The river last flooded in 2013, however residents claim they have never seen it as bad as this. Photo © Charlie varley/varleypix.com Please note – All rights reserved. Rights managed images. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential editorial or commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. You have been warned. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2020.

20 Sept 2019. St Denoeux, Pas de Calais, France. Barn fire. Local fire brigades from Montreuil Sur Mer and Hucqueliers attend a barn fire which destroyed a local farmer's entire winter hay supply for his cattle. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com

03-05 September 2019. Fast Cars. Photo shoot in and around the gîtes at Festina Lente, St Denoeux, Pas de Calais, France. Personal group photo-shoot with Rob, Chris, Simon Mark and Warwick with sports cars. Porsche Boxter, Jaguar F Type and Lotus Elan Sprint. Please note – All rights reserved and restricted. Personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential editorial or commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. You have been warned. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2019.

14 June 2019. Pas de Calais, France. Mucking about with bikes. Great fun shooting Mark Featherstone (Silver Honda Hornet 900) and Chris Jago (Ducati Multistrade 1200) around the country lanes of Hauts de France. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com

17 January 2019. Paris, France. Gaëlle Chevalier - survivor of the 2015 Bataclan Terror attack in Paris speaks of her life as she continues to recover from the horrific injuries she sustained when she was shot in the face and arm with an AK-47 during the horrific attack. The 37 year old has lost count of the number of operations to recover her smile, she thinks it could be as many as 25 since the attack. A truly remarkable and inspirational woman. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com Full story in The Daily Mirror of 05/02/19. link here; https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/bataclan-terror-survivor-shows-how-13956550 Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2019.

01 February 2019. Montreuil Sur Mer, Pas de Calais, France. The ancient citadel town of Montreuil Sur Mer awoke to a blanketing of fresh snow. L'ancienne citadelle de Montreuil Sur Mer s'est réveillée avec une couverture de neige fraîche. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2019.

30 January 2019. Pas de Calais, France. Snow falls on the hills of Hauts de France in the villages close to Montreuil Sur Mer. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2019.

19 January 2019. Paris, France. Gilets Jaunes - Acte X take to the streets of Paris. An estimated 7,000 people took part in the looping 14 km route from Place des Invalides to protest tax hikes from the Government of Emmanuel Macron imposed on the people. An estimated 80,000 people took part in protests across the country. Regrettably the movement has attracted a violent element of agitators who often face off with riot police at the end of the marches which tends to deflect attention away from the message of the vast majority of peaceful protesters. Photo©; Charlie Varley/varleypix.com Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2019.

Signs of our Times......... A quirky selection from the various signs one finds in everyday life. Reminders of he world in which we live from street graffiti to memorials and much more. Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2015.

A random selection of portraits from throughout the years. Please note – Use of these images is restricted to EDITORIAL or personal use only. No model/property releases are supplied unless stipulated. For any potential commercial use please contact varleypix.com. Cutting/copying/pasting/printing images for media/web sites/blog use without permission constitutes copyright theft. ONLINE Media/bloggers please note - your use of images DOES NOT constitute 'personal' sales, this is considered editorial use - editorial rates apply. All images ©varleypix.com 1990-2015.