Taking a Trip Up to Abergavenny
 

We used to visit a delightful old lady by the name of Mrs Newell. She was the widow of a Methodist Minister who finished his ministry and his life in Crewe. Mrs Newell grew up in Crickhowell and after she married, they shared the ministry of either Crickhowel and/or Abergavenny circuits during the war years. She used to tell us tales of the men from the local army camp smuggling out tins of salmon and bully beef in pigswill taken from the officers mess to be enjoyed on Sunday night at the Manse after evening service.

She used to take us on trips to Sugar Loaf Mountain and the surrounding environs from the comfort of her parlour and we enjoyed her stories.

We have always wanted to go to look at where she grew up and this year we have booked to stay in Abergavenny for the Steam and Vintage Rally on 3-4 June.

Is anyone going that I meet on here but have never met in the flesh?

Is there any 'must do's' whilst we are there?

Is the dress code the same as for Anglesey as I get the impression that Abergavenny is a bit 'posher' than North Wales?


"Hoping the weather is fine . . . . ."

Hi Dave not sure whether scruffy Cheshire blokes would get past the border post.... but with some effort you may pass muster.
Must dont,s are no swearing or urinating in public.Must doe,s are various depending on fitness or interest but not much steam wise & definately no Foden.more think scenery.
The rally attracts a few engines in a compact town park settingI with the usual vehicles etc you may well know some of the owners I shall be going to the Rally,& would love to meet up Dave call in . Will pm.

No Foden! Scrap the plans... lol

Last time we went to wales it rained..... and rained ........ and then the wind blew our tent down! Had to go home 3 days early with everything wringing wet. Nice place though!

That's what happend to me 30 years ago, the tent was retired from service after that !. :eek:

:)

Mr Bloor said he,s coming ....& he,s not listening to you wimps.

I have been in foreign parts myself recently and I can tell you that the Travelodge in Merthyr Tydfil is warmer and dryer than any Tent.

We attended this rally for 25yrs or so - only ever missed one while the Foden was being re-boxed.
In recent years the organisation has been taken over by the Rotary Club, and has been declining every year since.
All the sections have been getting fewer numbers in them.
They are more interested in getting the idiot with motorbike doing stunts in the ring than steam.
We have not been invited for 4 or 5 years now - so no there won't be a Foden there, unless Richard Hesbrook takes his traction.
This rally has also suffered with the weather quite spectacularly some years - think washout and you won't go far wrong.
I will be heading to Cornwall that weekend hopefully, with a certain Welsh New Build.