THE Birmingham War Research Society is a voluntary organisation which has been taking people to visit battlefield sites across Europe for 30 years.

2005 is an historic landmark, 60 years since the end of the Second World War. It may also be the last chance for veterans to visit many of these sites .

The National Lottery is still funding veterans and their spouses or carers and war widows. Veterans are eligible for a fixed sum of £300 to enable them to visit places where they once served, and qualifying persons may also claim up to £225 for a carer.

In order to claim, veterans must call 0800 169 2277 personally, as applications cannot be submitted by a society, The final date for applications is March 31.

In 2005 the society will visit the Normandy beaches, Arnhem, Nijmegen, the Ardennes and Luxembourg, Colditz Castle and many others, including World War One sites at the Somme, Ypres and Verdun.

For details, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to me at the address below.

Alex Bulloch, 43 Norfolk Place, Baldwin Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B30 3LB.