IN AN EMERGENCY IN ENGLAND PLEASE DIAL ‘999’

The “travel buddy” system:

Please pair up with someone else to look out for one another while we are in England. Exchange a copy of your passport, primary physician’s number, and a list of prescription medications in a sealed envelope. The envelopes will only be opened in an emergency and all will be returned to the owner when we return.

In case of the loss of your passport or other critical documents, it is best to have 2 copies of your passport in addition to the original which you must have with you at all times.

Copy 1 should stay at home where it can not be lost.

Copy 2 should be put in a sealed envelope that you give to someone else traveling with us to England.

In addition to the copy of your passport, in case of a medical emergency, please also include in the sealed envelope a list of your medications, allergies, and contact information for the most important people on you healthcare team. Most people would include a GP or internist that you see regularly.

Also make certain that emergency contact information is up to date in Choir Genius.

Paula has recommended that we carry about £100 to use primarily for tips.

The recommended tip for the Thames River boat dinner is £5 for each person

If your bill includes a “service charge” you don’t need to tip, if it doesn’t, 12% to 15% are customary tips.

With all of this in mind, you should carry mostly £1 and £2 coins and a few £5 notes.

To get British cash before we go, it turns out the best source is AAA. If you are a member you can get less than £1,000 for a $12 service charge. More than that is with no service charge for members.

If you are not a member the service charge is $27. That assumes you are picking it up in person. The catch is that our nearest office is in Vestal.

We can “pool” our resources. As a member of AAA, I can get the funds at face value if we are all getting it at once. Let me know if you want to take advantage of a “group” purchase.

FOR THOSE DEPARTING FROM ELMIRA: We meet at 9:45 AM in the CCC Workforce Development Center parking lot at the corner of E2nd Street and Dewitt Ave.

FLIGHTS: June 8, 2026:  Virgin Flight 010 Departs JFK at 6:30 pm and arrives London Heathrow at 6:45am on June 9, 2026

June 15, 2026:(new info as of 5/10/26) Virgin Flight 153 Departs London Heathrow at 3:50pm and arrives JFK at 6:35 pm.

FOR THOSE RETURNING TO ELMIRA Estimated time of arrival at the CCC Workforce Development Center is June 16, 2:15 AM

BUS TO/FROM JFK: Terp’s Enterprise is providing our transportation to and from JFK Airport. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our coaches will be provided by Swarthout.

JUNE 8 & 15 BUS LISTS Please open this link and confirm that you are or are not listed on each bus as expected.

JUNE 8, 2026, 10:00 am: Depart from the CCC Business Development Center parking lot located at 320 Dewitt Avenue, Elmira (on the corner of Dewitt and E. 2nd St).

JUNE 16, 2026, (after midnight): Return to the CCC Business Development Center lot. (The time is approximate)

HOTEL

We are staying at the Riu Hotel Victoria London in the heart of the city. When we arrive, we will check in, one at a time and, if your room is ready you’ll be able to go right to your room. You will need your passport and a credit card to cover incidental expenses to check in. If your room is not ready, the hotel will store your luggage for you until you can get in the room.

PASSPORTS AND ELECTRONIC TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

• Please be sure your passport is up to date and does not expire within 6 months of your travel date. It is recommended that you leave a copy of your passport home and bring a copy with you, in addition to your physical passport.

• It is your responsibility to apply for the UK ETA prior to your visit. You can do so by downloading the UK ETA App on your smart phone or tablet or applying on line at https://www.gov.uk/eta

• From Robin Fitzgerald: There is a free US gov’t app to make your entry back into the US easier.  It is MPC-Mobile Passport Control.  You download the app to your phone and enter your info and a copy of your passport .  When you land back in the US at JFK, and your phone again has service, you enter your re-entry info into this app while you are still on the plane.  When you go inside the airport to do  passport control you go to the MPC line instead of the regular line.  When I entered the US last time the regular line was very long and the MPC as very short.  It saved me lots of time.  All the necessary info was on the app, the agent could see everything and I went right through.  This is a free government service.

Monday, June 8, 2026

*For those taking the group flight:

9:30 am gather for 10 am departure from 320 Dewitt Ave., Elmira (CCC Business Development Center Parking Lot) on charter bus for flight from the US to London Heathrow.

3:30pm Arrive at JFK Airport Terminal 4. Proceed to the Virgin Airlines check in counter and provide your passport and checked bags. Each person will be allowed 1 checked bag (50 pounds and 62 linear inches), 1 Carry On (it is recommended that you bring a soft-sided carry on and not a wheeled carry on due to space restrictions on the coach transfers in London) and 1 Personal Item that must fit under your seat. Boarding Passes will be issued at the airport.

6:30pm Virgin Airlines Flight 10 departs New York City – JFK for London Heathrow

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

6:45am Welcome to London! Meet your tour guide in the Arrivals Hall and then board your coach to your London Hotel.

9:30am Approximate Arrival Time at the RIU Hotel Plaza London Victoria.

1 Neathouse Place, London SW1V 1LH

Check In time is at 3:00pm. If your room is not ready when you arrive at the Hotel, the front desk will store your luggage for you.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore London. Sapphire Tours & Travel is available to assist with sightseeing and West End Show options.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast Buffet at your hotel.

The day is free for you to plan activities as you wish, Sapphire Tours & Travel is available to assist you with Sightseeing options.

7:00pm Arrive at the Westminster Pier to board as a group. A representative

from Sapphire Tours & Travel will be just outside of the entrance to the Cruise to check you in. Boarding begins at 7:15pm.

7:30pm – 10:30pm Enjoy a spectacular Dinner and Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames. You will enjoy a 3-course gourmet dinner, light entertainment, a cash bar (credit cards are recommended – no AMEX) and the beautiful London Skyline at night. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be offered to those who require. All guests will be served the same starter, main course and dessert at the Chef’s discretion. The menu will be provided at a later date.

A Cash Gratuity is recommended for the staff at the end of the cruise (recommend amount is 5 GBP per guest)

Pier Location: Westminster Pier, London SW1A 2JH

Transportation to the dinner cruise will be on your own via Tube, Walking or Taxi. The tube is recommended as it is an easy 4 minute ride directly from Victoria Station to Westminster Station.

*Please note that the cruise will return to TOWER PIER instead of Westminster due to anticipated High Tides. Transportation from the pier back to the hotel is on your own, via the Tube.

Attire: Smart Casual.

Thursday June 11, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast Buffet at your hotel.

8:00am Performers: Depart the hotel no later than 8:00am for rehearsal.

You will need to take morning rush hour into consideration for getting to rehearsals on time. The easiest/quickest way to get to the church is via the Tube from Victoria Station. (Approximately a 30 minute total walking/tube ride door to door. *Bring your music, Lanyard, Water, Snacks and Pencil.

8:50am Rehearsal Briefing

9:00am – 3:00pm Rehearsals for “CREATION”

Location: The National Musicians Church/Holy Sepulchre Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2DQ

12:00pm – 1:30pm Lunch Break

Non-Performers will have free time during the rehearsals.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free time to plan as you wish.

Friday, June 12, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast Buffet at your hotel.

8:00am Performers: Depart the hotel no later than 8:00am for rehearsal.

You will need to take morning rush hour into consideration for getting to rehearsals on time. The easiest/quickest way to get to the church is via the Tube from Victoria Station. (Approximately a 30 minute total walking/tube ride door to door.

*Bring your music, Lanyard, Water, Snacks and Pencil.

8:50am Rehearsal Briefing

9:00am – 3:00pm Rehearsals for CREATION

Location: The National Musicians Church/Holy Sepulchre Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2DQ

12:00noon – 12:15pm Meet and Greet with Dan Forrest

12:15pm – 1:30pm Lunch Break

Non-Performers will have free time during the rehearsals.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free time to plan as you wish.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast Buffet at your hotel.

9:30am – 10:00am Board Coach for Rochester Cathedral for all Performers and Non-Performers who wish to spend the day in Rochester. Performers: Bring Lanyard, Water, Snacks, Music and be in Concert Dress. There is no place to change in the Cathedral. *Exact departure time and coach #’s will be determined at a later date.

12:00noon Arrival at Rochester CathedralSaturday, June 13, 2026 (continued)

12:30pm – 2:25pm Dress Rehearsal for CREATION at Rochester Cathedral.

*Concert Call times to be advised at a later date.

There be a short break to have a lite bite between the end or rehearsal and the concert call time.

1:30pm Afternoon Coach Departure for Non-Performers from the RIU Hotel

4:45pm Performers: Please be in your allocated seats at this time.

5:00pm Concert Performance of CREATION at Rochester Cathedral

7:15pm Celebration Dinner hosted by VOX Anima London

Location: Corn Exchange (within walking distance to the Cathedral) Northgate, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1LS

Transportation back to the RIU hotel after the dinner is provided

Sunday, June 14, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast Buffet at your hotel.

Today is free to plan as you wish.

Monday, June 15, 2026

7:00am – 10:00am Enjoy a complimentary English Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am For those taking the group airfare, please meet in the hotel lobby to board your coach for London Heathrow Airport.

9:00am Upon arrival at Terminal 3, please proceed to the Virgin Airlines Check In Desk to receive your boarding pass and check your bags.

12:50pm Virgin Airlines Flight 153 departs London Heathrow and arrives New York JFK at 6:35pm.

Return to Elmira via charter bus, estimated time of arrival sometime after midnight..

*All timings for proposed events are subject to change.

REHEARSALS!

Thursday 11 June & Friday 12 June 2026

Where: Holy Sepulcher Church, Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DQ

Please Bring: Music, pencil, water, snacks

Arrival: Doors open at 8:30 am, be in place by 8:50 am; Rehearsal is 9 am to 3 pm with a lunch break from 12:00-1:30

CONCERT DAY SATURDAY 13 JUNE

Please come in concert attire; Please bring music in black folder, pencil, water, snacks

9:30-10:00 AM Performer coach departure from London (place and exact time TBD)

12:00 noon - arrive at Rochester Cathedral

12:30 -2:25 pm - Dress rehearsal

4:30 pm - concert call time (be in allocated seats by 4:45 pm)

Performers will be given a lanyard & badge detailing all dates, timings, and places.

Friends & Family will be given an envelope containing: a badge detailing all pertinent dates, timings, and places, (including coach pick up point in London and time on concert day), concert ticket/s and programmes voucher/s.

Concert dress is all black - hem length below the knee, sleeve length below the elbow, black leg coverings. Formal black shirts can be open neck or with a black tie, black jacket optional. Black shoes. Any clothing garment that can be seen on stage must be black. Please keep jewellery to a discreet minimum.

Please come to the dress rehearsal in concert dress - there is nowhere to change at the concert venue. Please bring the minimum amount with you to the concert venue. All music, including electronic tablets, to be held in a plain black folder / cover for the concert performance.

Black folder information: The JW Pepper 901 choral folder (Item number 8603888) is $17.95

“The Black Folder” (Item number 10376487) is $24.95 

Both appear to be good choices, they both have hand straps for ease of holding with one hand, and both seem to have straps to hold them open at the right angle for holding the book. The folders we have with rings are the three-ring version of The Black Folder that is probably a good bit sturdier than the 901.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink on Rochester High Street. Paula recommends Viaduct Tavern, The Conductor, Pret a Manger, Honi Poke, Fleet Place or Market Place Food Hall at St. Paul's - click the link for more information (and there is a cafe in the Crypt of the Cathedral.) https://www.visitmedway.org/stay-and-shop/food-and-drink/

Nothing to be taken on stage (apart from music) during the performance.

Lanyards must be worn at all times (except during the performance) and will be needed to gain entry to the celebration dinner.

You are performing second on the programme. You will then have a seat in the Cathedral to enjoy the first half of the concert.

The celebration dinner is a very short walk from the Cathedral. You will be served a welcome drink on arrival and a glass of wine / soft drink with dinner. There is a bar available selling a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. All declared dietary requirements will be catered appropriately.

If you are returning to London on the coach, please ensure you return to the coach pick up point when advised to do so after the dinner.

Packing

• Each traveler will be permitted one checked bag (no more than 62 linear inches and 50 lbs), one carry-on (a backpack or other soft luggage is recommended) and one personal item. *For those not taking group air, please check with your carrier

• UK weather can be very unpredictable. For summer months, it is best to bring a lightweight jacket, comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket. Dressing in Layers is recommended. Pack your Concert Attire, Music and Solid Black Music Folder. Concert Attire is ALL BLACK, Including Shoes. More specifically, plan to wear black long sleeved shirts and long trousers, with optional black jacket for those who wish, or long black dress/skirt with long sleeves for the top.

• The hotel is equipped with hair dryer, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Iron and Ironing Boards are on loan from the hotel Please refrain from packing curling irons, flat irons and travel irons as the current is very strong and not easily adaptable, even with an electric converter. This is hazardous and can cause a fire. If you do plan on bringing any of these items it is imperative the you purchase an Electrical Converter with a Transformer to accommodate these items. Interesting Fact: Most hotels do not provide Wash Cloths! If you are a person who uses a Wash Cloth, feel free to pack a few because you will most likely not find them in your hotel.

• Please be sure to pack all of your prescribed and OTC meds as well as Vitamins. There are plenty of Pharmacies to pick up anything that you might have left behind, however if you are accustomed to a favorite brand of OTC meds or Personal Products, you might not find them in London.

• The type of electric converter that you need to purchase is specific for US to UK and is a Type G. These can be purchased from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or Target.

• Ladies: Please be sure that you pack a purse that has a zip closure for safety reasons. City streets can be very crowded and pick-pocketers are attracted to open bags.

• In addition to your original passport, please bring a copy of your passport with you and keep another copy at home in a safe place.

• Sapphire Tours & Travel will be providing every traveler with a Market bag and a luggage tag. Please attach the luggage tag to your checked bag and pack the Market Bag with you. London is very “green” and shopping bags are not normally provided without paying a fee. The bag fold up into the size of a credit card for ease of carrying in your purse, backpack or pocket.

• It is recommended that you bring a refillable water bottle with you to save on the plastic usage. You can fill your water bottle up with water from the hotel bar or restaurant each day.

Concert Day Buses UPDATED 5/27 Click here to download the bus assignments for Saturday, June 13.

Concert Tickets

Everyone who has booked travel with us through Sapphire Travel already has tickets in the preferred seating area for the concert. If you have other friends or family members who’d like to purchase tickets, use this link.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creation-tickets-1982183752964?aff=oddtdtcreator

CONCERT ATTIRE

ALL BLACK, Including Shoes. More specifically, plan to wear black long sleeved shirts and long trousers, with optional black jacket for those who wish, or long black dress/skirt with long sleeves for the top. Men: bring a black tie just in case they are required.

NOTE: Best practice is to pack your concert attire in your carry-on so you’ll have it even if your luggage takes a different flight…

ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL “DRESS CODE”

Rochester Cathedral has no strict dress code, but asks visitors to wear clothes appropriate for a place of worship, meaning modest attire that covers shoulders and knees, avoiding overly revealing outfits or offensive graphics, and removing hats. It's best to dress respectfully, similar to how you would for a wedding or job interview, keeping it smart-casual, with bare shoulders and short shorts generally discouraged for everyone. 

Recommended Attire

    •    Cover shoulders and knees: This is the most important guideline for both men and women.
    •    Tops: Shirts, t-shirts (without offensive prints) are fine; avoid tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
    •    Bottoms: Trousers, jeans, skirts, or dresses that reach at least to the knees are suitable.
    •    Footwear: Sensible shoes are recommended; flip-flops are generally discouraged.
    •    Hats: Men should remove hats (baseball caps, etc.) inside the cathedral. 

What to Avoid

    •    Short shorts, miniskirts, and overly revealing tops (halter tops, bare midriffs).
    •    Clothing with offensive images or text.
    •    Excessively ripped jeans. 

Tips for Visiting the Cathedral

    •    Carry a wrap: A scarf or pashmina is useful to cover shoulders if you're wearing sleeveless items.
    •    Be respectful: Remember it's a place of worship; dressing with consideration for others is key. 

Getting Around London

• Public Transportation is highly recommended when traveling around London. The Victoria Station Tube and Bus Station is located across the street from your hotel.

Get your pre-paid Tube pass (Oyster Card) at this link.

• For real time travel advice, please use Google Maps to plan your journeys. This applies to Bus, Tube, and Walking.

• Uber and Taxis are readily available to use in London.

• Using the tube is very easy. The Tube Stations are equipped with ample signage to point you in the right direction. Here is a quick tutorial on navigating the London Tube System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHeo9yy0fg

• Please be sure to allow ample time when planning your journey, especially when strict arrival/start times are noted. Traffic can be quite brutal during rush hour and it is better to be early than late.

• There are a lot of stairs and a lot of walking in London. Please be sure you have mapped out your journeys and are aware of the conditions before heading out.

Cash vs. Credit Card

• Credit Cards are the preferred method of payment in the UK. Please check with your bank and credit card company to determine which card offers you the best value. American Express as well as any Travel Rewards Credit Cards do not charge International Transaction Fees. Please confirm with your credit card company before traveling.

• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is less accepted in Restaurants and Shops.

• The local currency used in the UK is the British Pound. Although you can obtain currency in London with your ATM card, it is advisable to bring a small amount of British Pounds with you from the US. The ATM will charge you a fee and it won’t necessarily be the best rate. Most large banks can obtain the currency for you within 1 week. Currency will be needed for tipping drivers and tour guides.

Travel safely…

The travel purse recommended by Betsy can be found at this link

A phone lanyard recommended by Andi can be found at this link

West End (London) Show Tickets

Click here to get to Today Tix (https://www.todaytix.com/?location=london) or purchase your tickets directly with the theater box office of the show you’re hoping to see.

ADDITIONAL TOUR INFORMATION

To book individual and small group tours in london use this link - https://www.viator.com/London/d737-ttd?pid=P00013448&uid=U00013894&mcid=58086&currency=USD

SEE Stonehenge!

Jess Fierro has booked bus reservations to Stonehenge for her family on Sunday, June 14, leaving at 1 pm. She can add additional folks to her booking. Reach out to her for details (jnfierro4@gmail.com)!

jnfierro4@gmail.com

To hear Rick Steves talk about the “bustling heart of London,” click the link below and fast forward to about 13 minutes, 40 seconds in.

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio

The US Centers for Disease Control has the United Kingdom as one of 32 countries with a “level 2” travel advisory for Polio. Here are the facts: jnfierro4@gmail.com

jnfierro4@gmail.comThe UK National Health Service has a full report here, the bottom line is that there has been no known transmission of Polio since 1984. If, after reading the UK NHS report you’d like to consider a Polio Booster (an adult, one-time booster), contact Autumn VanCuren at the Arnot Occupational Medicine office for further information. The booster costs $44. To receive the booster from AOM you will also need to pay for a consult with the Occupational Medicine office or provide a prescription from your provider. NOTE that your Health Insurance might cover the cost, but AOM will not bill for you, you’ll have to submit the claim yourself.

You might also check with your favorite pharmacy.

Cell Phone Usage

• Please check with your cell phone carrier regarding your options for Cell Phone Usage in the UK.

• The hotel will have free Wi-Fi to connect your device while you are in the hotel. I recommend using WhatsApp while in the UK. You can download this app for free to your cell phone. It is a Wi-Fi Based app that is widely used for communicating with international destinations.

• If you do not want to be charged for using your WiFi, please be sure to have your cell phone turned on to Airplane Mode while you are in the UK

• Google Maps and Apple Maps will work off-line.

Alternative Communications

Download WhatsApp messaging app to your phone so we can connect while in England without additional charges to our phone bills.

For more information see this link.