News update including our visits to Kidwelly Castle & Pembrey Country Park
A busy time recently for Wye Dean members, beginning with a very good turnout for our monthly get together at the Harewood End Inn on June 20th. 18 were present, which included one guest – also we were pleased to welcome Peter Tomlinson, who attended for the first time (I think!)We caught up with members' news and car challenges / developments – John Williams was busy taking notes for inclusion in his next editorial for TR Action.
On Sunday 24th June, Sian & Martin, John & Pauline, the Tudhope 2 & Alan met at Nevill Hall Hospital car park in glorious sunshine to set off for Kidwelly Castle & Pembrey Country Park.Kevin & Carol joined us as we drovealong the A465 towards Neath – they were suffering the effects of jet lag having returned from a trip to S Africa only a day or 2 before, with Carol bringing home an unwelcome souvenir in the form of a chest infection. Happily she kept that to herself!
Our first stop was for coffee at the Swansea West services, then on to Kidwelly Castle – a superbly preserved castle in the care of CADW.It dates from 1114 – 1476, and was originally built as a defence against the Welsh. The Welsh however took (and presumably subsequently lost) the castle several times in the 12th century, and in 1403, Owain Glyndwr made an unsuccessful attempt to take the castle. The gatehouse was rebuilt on the orders of Henry 5th.We spent about an hour here - see the photos in our Gallery.
Next we made our way to Pembrey and parked up for a sunny picnic. John & Pauline headed for home after a leisurely lunch, and the rest of us headed to the (8 mile long) beach. A few minutes' walk on the sand, and we almost had it all to ourselves. We strolled, chatted, picked up shells (I think the mystery shells were Goose barnacles Carol) and 'sea potato' urchins, also known as heart urchins (an interesting little creature – it burrows into the sand to a depth of around 20cm. Then there was nothing for it but to indulge in cooling ice creams (thank you Alan) before setting off for home. We took a different route back, heading into Carmarthen then onto the B4300 to Llandeilo and from there onto the A40.Kevin & Carol left us in Llandovery, Sian, Martin & Alan stopped in Crickhowell, and the Tudhope 2 headed for home with a stop for a cooling pint at the Bell, Skenfrith….yum!! A really grand day out Gromit!!
Over the weekend 29th June – 1st July Wye Dean members headed for Lincoln for the 'Pistons in the Park' event. Hopefully we'll get an account of the weekend when they return – Jeff & Caroline, Tony & Karen were planning to stay in Lincolnshire for the week, and Julian was making a flying visit to meet up with his father-in-law.
Pete & Andrea took part in the Brecon Motor Club Black Mountain Classic Tour on July 1st – here's her account –
"MEMBER NEWS! We took part in the fabulous Brecon Motor Club Classic car run through the beautiful Brecon Beacons and surrounding area. Stunning lanes and fantastic views and 69 other cars to admire. We were very lucky with the weather. Over 200 miles covered with the top down and sunscreen on. Car ran like a dream apart from a squeaky wheel bearing......that'll be next weekend's job."
Andrea also sent in some photos – many thanks for both.
Nick has been finalising plans for his trip to Le Mans with his son 6th – 8th July – hopefully I can 'encourage him' to write a piece for us when he returns.
So…………lots going on! We next meet for our monthly get-together on July 18th, but Alan's spotted a challenge with road closures affecting Harewood End, so we may have to change the venue. We'll let you know nearer the day. Our next Event will be the 'Drive with Clues' organised by Pete & Andrea on Sunday 22nd July. Details for start time & place will be circulated nearer the date, but in the meantime Andrea would like to know how many will be attending and staying on for a meal at the Lough Pool, Sellack. A menu has been circulated already, or you can look on the website for details. Please let Jeff or Beryl know if you'll be joining us. And that's it for now - Beryl