Wolseley Register Spring Rally 2023
Our Spring rally this year was based at the Nant-y-Ffin Motel in the village of Llandissilio, and within the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire in South West Wales. Our Regional Representative for the South and West Wales region, Ernest Jones with help and support from his wife Janet organised the weekend, preparing the routes and producing detailed maps and information packs. Some members arrived early in order to have a free day on Friday, but the main driving routes were organised for Saturday, and for Drive-it-Day on the Sunday.
Wolseley Register Spring Rally: Saturday Drive
Saturday saw us driving around the North of the County in a clockwise direction. Our first stop was at the Llys-y-fran country park, where Ernest had arranged a special drive down to the bottom of the dam for a unique photo opportunity.
Continuing along our route, we headed down to Newgale and its glorious beach, where Ernest related the history of the IRA cache and arrests in December 1989, which led to a conviction at The Old Bailey in November 1990.
From there we headed for St Davids, the smallest city in the UK and with its hugely impressive cathedral.
On to Fishguard where we briefly stopped at the waterfront and heard about the last French invasion here in 1797 followed by their surrender at the Royal Oak pub.
Then on towards the Preseli Hills and our last stop at the Dyfed Shire Horse farm to see the Shire horses, some of which are sent as drum carrying horses in the Household Calvalry.
Saturday Evening
Ernest had arranged a special celebration buffet dinner for Saturday night, which included a full locally caught Salmon – superb! After dinner, Ernest presented Vic and Thelma Waddilove with their 40 year long membership awards.
Wolseley Register Spring Rally – Drive It Day!
On Sunday, Drive-it-Day, we drove around the south of the county in an anticlockwise direction.
On the way towards Haverfordwest, we passed Slebech Church, a grand looking but sadly now redundant church. It is rumoured to have been built the wrong way round, leading to its architect hanging himself in the church tower!
We continued through Haverfordwest, then Milford Haven and onto Neyland where we stopped to view the Cleddau Bridge. An accident during the building of the bridge resulted in a span collapsing between 2 houses in the village below, killing four site workers and injuring another five.
Driving over the bridge, we continued to Castlemartin where we stopped to see The Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks which were covered with Guillemots at that time.
Castlemartin is an army training ground, and we took the opportunity to stop for a picture by some displayed tanks. On towards Tenby and then Saundersfoot, although we didn’t stop as both were very busy. A beautiful drive along the coast saw us passing through more small villages and then Pendine Sands, after which we headed back to the hotel.
In Summary
Two beautiful and enjoyable days’ tours, each being about 90 miles in length, and accompanied by fascinating talks about the local history from Ernest. A good selection of Wolseleys were driven along the routes, including all 3 marks of 1500, 2 Series cars, 2 16/60’s and a Wedge. We were also accompanied by a Morris Minor, a Ford Cortina and a couple of moderns.
Thanks to Ernest and Janet for hosting and organising a perfect weekend and for all their hard work with the preparation, routes and documentation. Ernest had offered to organise this rally in tribute to our late member, Stuart Nell. He met Stuart on a previous rally in mid Wales a few years ago, and Stuart suggested that Ernest organise a rally in Pembrokeshire.
Our spring rallies can be held anywhere in the UK, where there is suitable accommodation and scenic touring options. If any member knows of a potential venue and potential tours from that venue, please let the secretary know. We might then arrange to visit your area in the near future!