Well not quite so long between posts as before!!!
We had a great time in Wales, miles away from anywhere it seemed in wonderful countryside. We were actually about 10 miles (16km) from Lampeter which is home to the Lampeter campus of the University of Wales, Trinity St David; making it the smallest university town in the UK! Its population is approx 2,900 and the university increases it by 1,000!!
The small-holding we were staying on was about a mile down a rutted farm track which had to be navigated with care!
On arrival, Carol (Naomi’s Gran), Naomi, dogs and cats welcomed us and Naomi immediately put the kettle on for a cup of tea and in a very short time we felt at home. After the cuppa, Naomi helped us lug our luggage up to our room. It was a lovely room with a great en-suite and marvellous views over the valley. During the course of our stay, we met Andy, who milked the goats, Barry – Carol’s grandson, Ian - her handy man, David – Naomi’s boyfriend, and Kath, Naomi’s mum. We had quite few cups of tea chatting to everyone!
On arrival, Carol (Naomi’s Gran), Naomi, dogs and cats welcomed us and Naomi immediately put the kettle on for a cup of tea and in a very short time we felt at home. After the cuppa, Naomi helped us lug our luggage up to our room. It was a lovely room with a great en-suite and marvellous views over the valley. During the course of our stay, we met Andy, who milked the goats, Barry – Carol’s grandson, Ian - her handy man, David – Naomi’s boyfriend, and Kath, Naomi’s mum. We had quite few cups of tea chatting to everyone!
The weather the first few days was lovely but we did have many days when you could not see across the valley for rain clouds – typically Welsh weather for the area we were told!
We explored the area a little while we were there and on one of the first sunny days we visited Aberaeron, about 10 miles away on the coast.
We explored the area a little while we were there and on one of the first sunny days we visited Aberaeron, about 10 miles away on the coast.
It was a beautiful small harbour town with the church overlooking the harbour and pretty painted houses all around.
There was even a plaque to a “distinguished yachtsman” David Sinnett Jones who having survived cancer, the loss of one lung and part of his heart took up ocean sailing and, among other things, became the first disabled single-handed ‘Cape Horner’ leaving from Aberaeron in his 26 ft (8m) self-built boat!!! He then built a replica of Joshua Slocombe’s “Liberade” from 100 years ago and re-enacted his voyage from Paraganua, Brazil to New York! “A man of astonishing determination and courage”
Aberaeron shown by marker; St Davids far down at bottom left, Aberystwyth shown and Abermeurig about 12 miles just south of due east of Aberaeron. (Haven't found a way of adding extra places!)
A little further up the coast is Aberystwyth – a lovely holiday resort and another university town. It was only small but it had a really lovely feel.
Carol was working some days a week in St David’s – the smallest city in the UK and we decided to take a trip there to look at the city and the cathedral.
In the 16th century any town with a cathedral within its limits was entitled to call itself a city but this link was abolished in 1888 so St David’s, (among others) lost the right to call itself a city.
In the 16th century any town with a cathedral within its limits was entitled to call itself a city but this link was abolished in 1888 so St David’s, (among others) lost the right to call itself a city.
In the early 1990s the town council proposed a case for city status and eventually in 1994 at the request of the Queen, St David’s was again granted city status. It’s virtually on the coast in Pembrokeshire – a county with truly amazing coastline.
The city was small!! And not at all ‘trippy’ as I would have thought and the Cathedral and Bishops Palace were lovely. Unfortunately, it was not one of our sunny days but the buildings still looked wonderful.
The city was small!! And not at all ‘trippy’ as I would have thought and the Cathedral and Bishops Palace were lovely. Unfortunately, it was not one of our sunny days but the buildings still looked wonderful.
We then spent a couple of very happy days with Peter & Gwen, my brother and his wife, and their son, David and his wife Elsie at their place in Rhandirmwyn near Llandovery – about 15 miles away as the crow flies but this is Wales so by the time we had rounded a few mountains it was nearer 30!!
It’s in the middle of nowhere again but although so close the countryside is quite different! We had a great time with them all – David & Elsie live in Canada (at the moment!) and I’ve not seen them for more years than I care to say!!
Few more days back at the small holding and then we moved down to our next home in Wellington in Somerset – in between Taunton and Exeter.