www.homebase-hols.com                                                                                                June 2012 (issue 86)

Pomp, celebrations... and some traditional British weather!  

Jubilee celebrations underway to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne

Despite the traditional British summer weather, more than a million cheering spectators, many waving "Union Jack" flags, lined up to catch a glimpse of the 1,000 boat procession along London's River Thames. The procession is part of a long weekend of events organized to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - marking 60 years on the throne.  

If you're currently in London you can see a list of events by visiting the BBC's dedicated Diamond Jubilee page... 

Home exchange offers in London  

With the Diamond Jubilee in full swing and the Olympics just around the corner, London is such a popular destination for home swap vacations. Home Base Holidays has 1000's of home swap offers in and around London. To view these and many more home exchanges offers worldwide - visit our browse home swap listings page... 

Visiting London on a home swap?  

Visit Southwark Cathedral, an off the beaten track London attraction  

"I will never forget the announcement that London had been awarded the 2012 Olympics. I was in my office at the Education Centre in Southwark Cathedral and even my good friend and colleague Tricia was unprepared for the hysteria.  

Southwark Cathedral is an oasis of spirituality and calm on busy Bankside. Through its ancient walls you can hear the bustle of the adjacent Borough Market but inside is peace and serenity, places to sit and think, or to pray, and to marvel at the beauty which surrounds you. Shakespeare's brother is buried here, as is Lancelot Andrewes, one of the main contributors to the King James Bible and John Gower, held by many to be the first person to write poetry in English, as opposed to French or Latin. My favourite spot is the Lady Chapel, the most tranquil part of the building, with its lovely series of stained glass windows depicting the Nativity.  

You could spend days in this part of the city. There is Tate Modern, The Globe theatre, Tower Bridge, City Hall and the re-vamped buildings of the docklands."  

Sandra Newnham, London  

Until her retirement, Sandra worked at the Education Centre in Southwark Cathedral. Sandra and husband, Paul, are very enthusiastic travellers and have enjoyed many home swaps through Home Base Holidays. View Sandra's home exchange offer in London

...but 25% off home exchange membership is even better! 

Competition: Tell us a (home swap) story!  

This is a reminder that we're looking for your special (short) home swap stories for the competition to win a copy of the latest edition of Travel Writer's Handbook. See the May issue of Home Swappers for full details. 

Everyone's a winner who sends a story as, when published in a newsletter, on the blog or website, each story includes a link to the writer's Home Base Holidays listing, giving extra publicity for his/her exchange offer. And, as an added incentive to enter the competition, all members whose articles are published will have three extra months added to their membership.

Deadline: Send your entry to info@homebase-hols.com with subject line, Story Competition, any time up to 30 July 2012. We'll announce the winner of The Travel Writer's Handbook in the August newsletter.   

June - August: members can join 2nd home swap site for free 

If you are a current Home Base Holidays member (or join during June, July or August 2012), you are offered complimentary one year membership to a second long established home swap agency (based in Canada). To take up this offer, contact us (subject line: Free home swap offer). Contact us to sign up to the free offer! 

Olympic volunteer needs swap in London   

"I am volunteering at the Olympics for a maximum of 6 weeks from 9 July until 15 August. I am looking for somewhere to stay within easy reach of the Olympic Village for any period of time within those 6 weeks."     

Monique, Northumberland  

Monique is offering her lovely cottage with great views (and cats!) in Northumberland, HE26763