Having planned the itinerary now we had to find Hotels and B&B's. I asked Margaret if she would do this task and we were soon ready to go.

Hotels

Haverfordwest 1 night Mariners Hotel
Aberystwyth 2 nights Queensbridge Hotel B&B
Caernarfon 2 nights Bron Menai B&B
Rhyl 1 night Kilkee Guest House B&B
Wrexham 2 nights Lemon-tree Hotel
Welshpool 2 nights The Royal Oak
Abergavenny 1 night The Angel

I'm sure Hercule Poirot would have been very pleased to know that I was using my "little grey cells."

When I had first told my daughter, Lynwen and family they all thought it was a brilliant idea. Some of our friends thought we were very brave, some said they wished they could come with us, and others said that they were determined to do something similar later on.
Two days before we started, the President of Bryncoch W.I., Mrs. Dianne Browne, rang the local paper- the Evening Post- and told Paul the reporter, of our trip round Wales. He rang and asked me if I would mind being interviewed over the phone, and I said, "No," of course. Then the day before we left, John the photographer for the Evening Post rang and asked if he could come to take photos of Margaret and me. So Margaret came with her trolley and we walked to the Bus Stop where we had our pictures taken, standing at the Bus Stop, holding out our arms to stop the Bus, and on the steps of the Bus. Margaret and I thought it was hilarious and the happy tone of the forthcoming trip was set.
Also on the Wednesday before we left, I had phoned the Secretary or President of the Soroptimist Clubs in some of the towns where we were staying, to let them know that we would be stopping either for coffee or stopping overnight in their town. Soroptimist International is a world-wide organisation for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. The Neath Club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008, and having been a Soroptimist for 35 years, I knew we would have a warm welcome wherever we went. I also tried to contact Women's Institutes but I had left it too late and disappointingly, I failed.

Part 2 - Day One

Day One
I went to open the door for my daughter as I thought, but there on the doorstep were three WI friends who had come to wish me well. Then two other friends came along and took photographs. My daughter had also arrived and we all went into Neath. When we got to Victoria Gardens Margaret arrived at the same time, and there were about twenty ladies altogether from the Soroptimists and the WI, and even a few husbands were there as well. While we were waiting, there was much laughter and talking. I couldn't believe how much interest our trip had engendered. We shall never forget the wonderful send-off we had.
We left Neath with loud cheers ringing in our ears. Only a few passengers were on the bus and the driver was interested to know what was going on, so we told him about our trip. He thought it was a great idea and when he very kindly helped us with our luggage in Swansea, he told the driver of the bus alongside about our trip and he, too, thought it was a great idea.
The day was fine, and it was such a pleasure to look at the beautiful countryside. Looking from the bridge which goes over the river I never get tired of the beautiful view of the Neath Valley, whatever time of year. When we left Neath behind us we soon saw the sea on the one side and the hills on the other; very different from the Neath Valley but just as lovely. We very soon arrived in Swansea.
People who are not familiar with South Wales would, perhaps, find Swansea an ideal centre to use their Bus Passes. Travelling from Swansea the whole of the Gower Coast would be attractive - specially for the younger "oldies" who still enjoy walking. They would see such beauty. Also from Swansea there are buses which take you through delightful countryside to Brecon, Builth and Abergavenny; and day trips to Pembrokeshire would not be impossible.
The scenery changed as we made our way to Carmarthen. It was lovely to look at the luscious green fields stretching away as far as we could see, and very soon we arrived in Carmarthen.
We found a cafe near the bus station and ordered a coffee and sandwiches. We had just started eating when my phone rang and it was Paul, the reporter from the Evening Post telling me that the article and pictures of us were on Pages one and three that day. Margaret nearly choked on her sandwich when I told her. What a laugh! About ten minutes later the phone rang again. This time it was a young man called Nick who worked for BBC Wales News. He had seen the article about us in the Evening Post and asked if he could come to interview us there and then. I told him he would have to be quick because we had to catch the 12.15pm bus as it was the only bus going to Haverfordwest that day. A young man kindly helped us down some steps with our luggage, and Nick got to the bus stop almost as soon as we did.
He took a picture of us, interviewed us and said that he would be reporting it on the Web Site. We were both laughing our heads off, but really we were very flattered and very pleased. Later on I phoned Lynwen to tell her what had happened, and very soon she was ringing me back to tell me she had seen it all on the Computer and had phoned my grandchildren to tell them to look on their Website.
When we arrived in Haverfordwest we found our Hotel, and after a short rest we went for a walk around the town. Haverfordwest is in the middle of Pembrokeshire and ideal for exploring places, and Margaret and I wished we had had more time to visit St. David's Cathedral and other places of interest.
In the evening we met a few ladies from the Soroptimist Club. It was lovely to meet old friends. We chatted away catching up on some news. Four of the ladies had made arrangements to go to other events but had taken the trouble to come to meet us first, which was so kind of them. One of the ladies, Norah, had nothing arranged so she joined us for dinner.

Day Two

After breakfast we went to the Reception desk to pay our bill and the owner of the Hotel was busy working on the computer. We told him how we had been interviewed the day before and that we had appeared on the Web site. We explained that we hadn't seen it ourselves and please was it possible for him to show us. He immediately brought it up on screen and also printed it out so that we had a copy to keep. This was an example of the kindness shown to us throughout our Trip.
We left the Hotel and made our way to the Bus station where we were catching the bus which would take us to Cardigan. While we were standing at the bus stop a lady came along, and after a while she asked us if we had been shopping or were we going on holiday. We told her what we were doing, and immediately she said that she had a Bus Pass too and could she come with us. Her name was Annie Phillips and she was catching the bus to a Garden Centre where she would have a coffee, have a walk around the Centre and then catch the bus home where she lived in Sheltered Accommodation; but where she lived an independent life and where she looked after herself. Annie was 92 years old.
The bus came and we soon arrived in Cardigan having again travelled through more beautiful countryside. We were met at the bus stop by a Soroptimist, President Kitty, who took us to the Mwldan Theatre where we had coffee with four ladies. During the conversation I discovered I was related to one of the ladies - through her husband Dick Jones the famous Welsh Bard, who is the present Archdruid of Wales. Jean called him immediately on the phone, and we had a long conversation. I was delighted.
We then caught the bus to Aberystwyth. What a pleasant journey - the sea on the left and fields and hills on the right, and what a beautiful leisurely run.The bus didn't keep to the main road only - it went to different villages; down the steep hill to Aberporth, and then down another hill to New Quay, on to Aberaeron and eventually to Aberystwyth. Travelling on the local buses we saw so many little villages throughout Wales which we would never have seen otherwise. When we arrived in Aberystwyth we had a taxi to our B&B Hotel on the sea - front and so ended an enjoyable day. Margaret was as enthusiastic as I about all the events and experiences and neither of us really felt our ages. We were thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

Day Three

Today started off with still more excitement. The President of the Aberystwyth Soroptimists rang to say that she hoped that we would join a few ladies for lunch. During the conversation Ann said that we had been mentioned in the Western Mail on Saturday. Well! we thought, to have been mentioned in our National Paper - fame at last.
We left the Hotel, walked to the end of the Promenade and kicked the Bar - a custom which has gone on for many years. We then climbed a short hill to the Cliff Railway that went up a very, very steep incline to the top of Constitution Hill. Oh! What a view when we got to the top. We looked down on the whole sweep of the Bay and the town itself. Magnificent!!! When I was a little girl I used to go every year to stay with my Grand-mother for my summer holidays in Penllwyn, Capel Bangor which was about five miles out-side Aberystwyth, but this was the first time I had been up Constitution Hill. How I regret the missed opportunities.
After arriving back at the bottom of the Hill we took a leisurely walk along the Prom and met Mrs Ann George, Mrs. Chris Southern and Miss Beryl Thomas for lunch which took a long time because we talked so much. After lunch Beryl asked us if we would like to go for a trip to Devil's Bridge. I was delighted, because Beryl drove us along familiar ground. Leaving Aberystwyth we drove through Llanbadarn Fawr where my Father was born, on through Penllwyn, Capel Bangor where my Mother was born, and on to Goginan.
Just before we came to Ponterwyd, we drew in to a local centre of interest - Bwlch Nant Yr Arian where there is a silver lead mine Museum. In this area there is an increasing number of Kites. The Kite is a large bird of the Falcon family which flies so gracefully for such a big bird, and in the nearby lake we saw ducks with tufts on their heads. The Centre must be a very interesting place to spend some time and walk about; and fortunately accessible by the 501 bus. We drove through Devil's Bridge and down through the Rheidol Valley and back to Aberystwyth. The trip had been wonderful and a mere "Thank You," seemed so inadequate for such kindness.
We returned to our Hotel and decided that there would be no more walking today, so we rested ready for tomorrow's long trip to Caernarfon.
Reminiscing about the day I thought that Aberystwyth would be a good centre with buses going to Cardigan, Machynlleth, Clarach Bay and Llandudno - to name but a few towns.

Day Four

We left Aberystwyth at 9.45 and travelled up to Machynlleth and on to Dolgellau. What marvellous scenery. The further north we went the higher the mountains became, and looking eastwards there seemed to be layers and layers of them.
Arriving in Dolgellau we were met at the bus stop by three Soroptimists. Dolgellau Soroptimists are in the Northen Region whereas we are from the Southern Region, so we had never met these ladies. Mrs. Beryl Clark, the President, welcomed us, and we were taken across the road to a Cafe which had once been an Ironmonger's Shop. It was a Listed Building, and an interesting feature of the room was the rows of shelves which had been left on the walls. We had a most welcome coffee, which was followed by a very tasty lunch at the nearby Hotel and the time flew. Having met the very friendly ladies in Dolgellau, I was so pleased that I had had the sense to make contact with the different Clubs, because we met as strangers but parted as Friends.
Dolgellau was another place I was loathe to leave. Because we had to move on to our next resting place we had no time to explore the town, and I know Margaret regretted this as much as I. And we both felt that here was a lovely place as a centre for touring by bus, walking and seeing more of our luscious countryside.
It was soon time to leave, and we continued our journey through this beautiful country of ours. Soon we came to the estuary and crossed the Toll Bridge into Porthmadog. The town appeared to be very busy and Margaret and I promised ourselves that we would return to Porthmadog because we wanted to explore the area using our Bus Passes. We could spend some time in Port Meirion - "The Italian Village"- which is nearby; buses go to Caernarfon, Bangor and Bedd Gelert to name just a few places; a steam engine carries you up to Blaenau Ffestiniog known as "The Slate Town"; and the familiar names whetted my appetite for further investigation.
Leaving Porthmadog the scenery became more rugged and the mountains much higher and we were so lucky to be able to see the landscape so clearly on such a bright day. In no time at all we arrived in Caernarfon, found our B&B opposite the Bus Stop, made ourselves a cup of tea and rested before we went out to look for a place to have an evening meal.
Nearby there was a big Hotel and we decided to go there for our Dinner. Today was rather a special day. It was Margaret's Birthday. So we decided to celebrate in style. And why not. Margaret was 83 young.

Day Five

Before coming away, a very good friend of mine, Mrs. Beryl Williiams, had contacted a cousin of hers living in Anglesey, to tell him about our trip, and immediately he very kindly offered to take us on a sight - seeing tour of Holyhead. I spoke to her cousin Mr. Glyn Thomas on the phone and we arranged to meet at the Cenotaph in Holyhead. I worked out the time we would leave Caernarfon and the time we would arrive in Holyhead. We caught the x5 to Bangor, changed to the x4, and settled down to enjoy the hour's journey around the countryside of Anglesey, and were met by Glyn and his brother Kelvin at the Cenotaph where they took us to the car.
They first took us to Canolfan Ucheldre, once a Convent, and which had been converted into an Art Centre where, fortunately, there was an Art Exhibition, and a lovely hall where Concerts are held and Plays are performed. The two brothers were very knowledgeable and interesting, and the time flew. From Canolfan Ucheldre we went to South Stack where we saw a lighthouse which is still used, but no person works there. Everything is worked by machinery. The lamp is lit by a bulb or bulbs of 500 watts, and I found this amazing since we use a 100 watt bulb to light a room in our homes. But because of the wonders of modern technology the lighthouse beams can be seen 25 miles out to sea.
We also went to see Cybi's Church - Caergybi being the Welsh name for Holyhead, and it was so sad to see the Church falling to ruins.
The young men took us back to the bus stop and we caught the bus for Bangor and then the bus to Caernarfon.
Once again we went to the Hotel to have an evening meal. This time the excuse was to celebrate my 82nd birthday which was due a week after getting home. Tonight the staff was very busy because the dining room was full of American Tourists and again we enjoyed our Evening Meal.

Day Six

After breakfast we went to the Castle, had a walk round the town, returned to our B&B and picked up our trolleys, then caught the bus for our next stop at Rhyl.
As we stepped on the bus the driver smiled and said, "Excuse me, but are you the two ladies going round Wales using your Bus Passes?" Then I said, "Excuse me, but have we met?" He laughed, "No, but an article about you is on the Notice Board in the Depot and we've been asked to keep a look out for you and to help you if you needed it." Soon afterwards, a man and wife sitting behind us asked us if we were the two ladies going round Wales using our Bus Passes. We said we were , and it seems that the gentleman had seen us in the local paper and on the Web site. During our conversation he told us that he had worked in the Steel Works in Port Talbot forty years ago and he used to live in London Road, Neath. It was most interesting to meet someone who, a long time ago, had a connection with Neath.
We soon arrived at Conwy. We were now in a part of Wales where I had never been before, and I really wanted to see the Castle about which I had heard so much. I had been looking forward eagerly to this part of our trip but I was to be disappointed. We didn't see anything of the town or the Castle because, when we got off the bus, there was a biting wind and it was so cold we felt as if we had landed in the Arctic. We looked across the road and we saw the welcoming sign "Cafe". We had a lunch of hot soup and when we had thawed out we caught the bus to Deganwy where we were met by Mr. Aled Edwards and taken to his home. His wife Patricia, the Secretary of the Llandudno Soroptimist Club, and several members were waiting to greet us and we had a wonderful welcome. The ladies were anxious to meet us because our fame had gone before us and they had read about us in the Denbigh Newspaper. Again the time passed very quickly and as we left I thought how nice it was to have again met a group of ladies as strangers and parted as friends.
We then caught another bus which took us to Rhyl where we were staying for one night. It was a B&B so, again, we had to go out and look for our evening meal. We didn't want to go far because we didn't want to wander in a strange place in the dark. As we walked down the street we saw a Fish and Chip shop ahead of us and we went in. I asked if we could eat inside and we were told we could, so we ordered our fish and chips and sat down. The fish and chips were freshly cooked and very tasty, but we nearly burst out laughing but we didn't. The reason why we nearly laughed was this. The two nights before, we had dined in the big Hotel and had paid a lot of money, and here we were tonight, only paying £3.20 each. Even so, the food was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our supper. It was money well spent. We went back to our B&B and made a cup of tea in our bedroom. They say that variety is the Spice of Life.
We had had a varied and busy day, and here we were half way through our trip and enjoying every minute.

Day Seven

We left Rhyl and caught the bus to Holywell where we had a cup of tea, after which we caught another bus which went through Mold and then on to Wrexham.
The Hotel where we were staying was called The Lemon Tree. A friend of mine had told me about this Hotel. She didn't know what the Hotel was like but she recommended the Restaurant. Margaret had arranged all the accommodation up to this stage, but when I told her what Jan had said she was happy to let me find out more about the Hotel. I had looked on the Computer and had seen an example of an evening meal. My mouth watered, and I thought, why not stay there. Most of the time we would be staying in B&Bs so I thought it was time to give ourselves a treat. When we arrived at the Hotel we weren't disappointed. The owner was an Italian gentleman and his wife was the manager. The staff was young, and although they smiled and chatted to each other in between serving, it was obvious that they would not take advantage and the service we had was cheerful, friendly, courteous and efficient.
It had been an uneventful and quiet day and we were quite happy to stay indoors and rest before we went down to dinner. I had booked a two - day package deal which included one free evening meal and a bottle of red wine. The meal was delicious but a bottle of wine was too much for us, so we kept a half for the next night.

Day Eight

We had no plans for today, but having found out that we could travel into Chester on our Bus Pass, we caught the bus and spent a very enjoyable day. It was another cold day but we didn't mind because it was nice and warm in the shops we went into; and we went in to a number. We also went into the Cathedral, but unfortunately we weren't able to stay long because the Cathedral had been prepared for a graduation ceremony. There had been a ceremony in the morning for students from Liverpool University and the afternoon ceremony was for the students of Chester University.
However, we made our way back to the Main Road by which time we needed a cuppa badly, so we saw a poster advertising teas, coffee and cakes inside the Church we were standing by, and in we went and had a very nice cup of tea and a cake.
We were very tired by now so we caught the next bus back to Wrexham. By this time I think re-action had set in. We had had such excitement hearing we had been in the paper and on page three too!! We had also been on the web site and people had taken such interest in what we were doing we suddenly felt a bit flat. But our spirits soon revived and after an excellent meal, the manager apologised to us for forgetting to give us a bottle of Champagne which was also in the Package deal. No way could Margaret and I drink a bottle of Champagne, so we retired to the lounge and invited the manager and some of her staff to join us, and a good time was had by all.

Day Nine

Today was a lovely sunny day and I was full of the joys of spring. I got on the bus and said, "Good morning" to the driver in a chirpy way, but obviously he was not as chirpy as I or the cheerful driver who had picked us up in Caernarfon. The journey to Oswestry was very pleasant, but when we got off the bus the weather had changed and again it was cold.
The bus stop was a long way from the town so no way could we drag ourselves to look for a cafe. There was a Supermarket on either side of the road, but neither of them had a restaurant. But there was a very old hotel facing us and we went to investigate. As we walked in, a young man came to meet us and I asked if we could have a coffee. He asked me how many sugars I wanted. I said, "I'll see where my friend is." But my friend was right behind me. Then the young man said that he only had mugs and I said, "I don't care if it's a pint glass as long as I can have some coffee." Again he asked how many sugars and we soon had our mugs of coffee.
We sat near the fire which was half way up the chimney. It was lovely, because by this time it was very cold again outside. It was quiet at first, with two men standing at the bar chatting quietly, but soon the "regulars" came in. The first was a gentleman who had a whisky and smoked a cigar, and obviously this was a daily event. I have never been a smoker myself, but I thought how sad that this man wouldn't be able to do this when the No Smoking order became law in England. Perhaps pubs could have Smoking Rooms as they used to years ago.
The next to come in were two ladies who sat and talked. They smiled at us but we were too far away to have a chat. Then a man came in carrying a leather bag. We wondered who he was because everyone knew him and smiled at him. But we didn't have time to find out. It was time to go. We were total strangers to the people in the Lounge but they had given us a very warm welcome. So we left, caught our bus where we were welcomed by a lady driver with a warm smile. We left the town and had a very pleasant journey, and we soon arrived in Welshpool.
When I was planning the Trip I had contacted the Tourist Information Board in the places where we were staying asking for information and they were all most helpful. When I spoke to the lady in Welshpool I explained what we were doing and that we were hoping to be in Welshpool on the Sunday, and could she tell me if there was a place that would be open for visiting. She recommended a visit to Powis Castle which would be open from 1o'clock. I also asked her if she could recommend an Hotel and when I thanked her she even asked if she could make reservations for us, an offer I gratefully accepted. During our conversation I found out that she has been many times to Bryncoch visiting an old School friend, and I thought that life was full of co-incidences.
Well, we found our Hotel which was near the bus stop and again we had struck lucky. A very good Hotel and excellent food and again the staff was young, pleasant, cheerful and courteous.
So the day ended on a high note and we were looking forward to more adventures.

Day Ten

What a beautiful, sunny day. We went for a walk around the town but being a Sunday the shops were closed except for Woolworths which made me think of the Windmill Theatre. That never closed either. We walked along the Canal and saw four ducks swimming. Neither of us had seen ducks like these. We both had seen ducks with green heads but never ducks with such gorgeous blue heads. They were very pretty.
We went back to the Hotel and after coffee we asked the young lady at the desk if she would please ring for a taxi to take us to Powis Castle. She made several calls but failed. So she asked us to excuse her for a few minutes while she got someone to take her place at the desk; and then she took us to her own car and took us up to the Castle - having arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 4 o'clock at the Castle and not the car park. I thought how very kind the young lady was. She had gone out of her way to help us and her kindness was so spontaneous and much appreciated.
Powis Castle, which looks over the most breathtaking, beautiful countryside, is very old, dating back to the fourteenth century, and it was so interesting to see the well kept furniture and paintings of the Herbert family. Although the present Earl doesn't live there, we were told that he does keep a few private rooms for himself when he visits.
The grounds and gardens were beautifully kept and it was a peaceful sight to see the peacocks strutting about. We didn't have time to go around all the garden, so after walking along the first terrace we strolled back to the entrance gate where the Keeper was standing. We stopped to have a chat and suddenly he asked us our names. I said, "This is Margaret and I'm Olwen." Then he said, "Are you the two ladies going round Wales by bus using your Passes?" We said we were. Well he had read about us in the Shropshire News. He said he was very pleased to meet us. We laughed and went on our way.
The taxi had been booked to pick us up at 4 o'clock. We waited patiently but it didn't arrive. We kept looking down at the road below us but the driver had gone to the car park. We saw him leave and we were now stranded. Margaret became worried but I told her not to worry. Someone would take pity on two white-haired old dears, and we would be all right. Sure enough a lady soon came up to us and asked us if we were the two ladies going round Wales, and asked us if we would like a lift back to our Hotel. Her husband had gone to get their car from the car park and we soon arrived at our Hotel. We thanked the Good Samaritans for their kindness, went up to our room, and rested our weary legs which weren't used to such exercise. But we survived!

Day Eleven

We were up early this morning to make sure we had a good breakfast and were in plenty of time to catch the bus at 9.45am.
We left Welshpool behind us and again travelled through unforgettable beauty. We had been through countryside with sea on one side and fields on the other, and had seen high hills and low hills, high mountains and very high mountains. So much variety. Now we were travelling through country where the hills were a series of rolls where hundreds of sheep and lambs were grazing. I know New Zealand and Australia have the largest number of sheep, but by the end of the tour I felt that we must come a close runner up.
From Welshpool we went through Radnorshire to Newtown where we changed buses for Brecon - and for the first time on our travels the bus was fairly full. In Brecon the bus was waiting to take us to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. In the last few days we had travelled from Flint through Denbigh, on through Montgomeryshire again, through Radnor, Brecknockshire and lastly in to Monmouthshire, where we arrived at our destination - Abergavenny.
Although it wasn't very far from the bus station to the Hotel where we were staying, Margaret didn't feel she was able to walk that distance with her case. So after making enquiries I was told to go to the Snack Bar nearby where someone would ring for a taxi. When I asked for a taxi to take us to our Hotel they looked open - mouthed, but I explained that my friend couldn't climb the hill with her luggage and use her stick which was essential. With that, a young man who was sitting at one of the tables eating a bap said, "Don't bother with a taxi." And turning to the owner he said, "Keep my bap safe, I'll be back." And he took Margaret's trolley and away we went - slowly but successfully.
Throughout our trip we had met nothing but kindness. Young men and women had been so anxious to help us with our luggage, and this had been in North, South, East and West Wales. I only wish we could hear more about the good deeds of young people and give less publicity to the not so good.
Before leaving home I had also contacted the Soroptimists in Abergavenny and we were delighted when two ladies, both called Jean, whom we knew, came and joined us for tea. We had quite a chinwag catching up on news of the club members, and the time passed very quickly. We also found out that we could go free, using our Bus Passes, from Abergavenny to Gloucester, Hereford and Bristol which made me think what a wonderful centre this town would be for another trip another time.

Day Twelve

As the old song goes, we were heading for the last round - up. We were on our way home. But before we went to the Bus Station we spent the morning visiting the Market and walking around the town. After a light lunch we had a taxi to the Bus Station and on to the bus which took us to Merthyr Tydfil. Now, certainly, there was a change in the scenery. The mountains were half - covered with rows and rows of houses, which were fascinating in a different way from the greenness of Mid Wales. And so it was through Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and on to Merthyr. Changing at Merthyr we left for Hirwaun which I didn't recognise because so many new houses had been built; and I had no idea where we were until we got to the big Roundabout and started down the Neath Valley, and here we saw such familiar beauty once more.
It was a lovely run down through the Valley, and we were delighted to see Lynwen and a crowd of our friends cheering us off the bus. They had given us a good send off and welcomed us back just as enthusiastically. We had had a wonderful and unforgettable experience, and we were so pleased we had succeeded in visiting all the old 13 counties having travelled approximately 550 miles on 25 different buses in 12 days.

Part 3

Before setting out on our journey we had been asked by a Soroptimist friend, Marguerite, a Primary School teacher, if we would take a small Teddy Bear with us and send cards to the children of Clyne School showing where Teddy had been, so that they could follow on a Map his journey with us around Wales. We took a book with us too and Teddy kept a diary of his experiences for the children, and which they were able to read when we got home.

Part 4

When Margaret and I first talked of going on the trip neither of us ever imagined, or anticipated, the great interest that would be engendered. To say we were flabbergasted is putting it mildly.
When I arrived home there were messages on the phone and soon afterwards I had a phone call from a lady in Lincoln who was most interested in hearing about the trip. She, too, had a Bus Pass, and having heard about us she felt inspired to do something similar in the County of Lincolnshire.
The next day a young lady from a Swansea Radio Station rang up and asked if she could interview me live on Radio. I felt very flattered. Then, a few days later a journalist from Cardiff asked if I would be willing to be interviewed for a Women's Magazine. I agreed, and soon, our exploits appeared in print. In the March edition of the W.I. News 2008 there is an article about Margaret and me, and we are both delighted.
But this wasn't the only interest shown. When we were at the end of the W.I. Conference in Rhyl I was asked to give a brief account of our trip to the Glamorgan group of ladies staying at the Hotel, and on the way home I was invited to speak at the W.I. Group Meeting in Pontarddulais in 2008. This is really a great honour which I have accepted.
After returning from the Conference in Rhyl I was invited to speak to our W.I. in Bryncoch about our journey around Wales, and in June, Margaret and I were asked to speak to the Neath Soroptimists. I only had one engagement in July when I went to Briton Ferry. Except for a speaking engagement in August to the Ladies section of the Senior Citizens of Skewen, life got back to normal. In September I spoke to ladies in Briton Ferry and the afternoon Guild in St. Thomas's Church, and I couldn't get over how interested people were to hear about our travels.
October came, and from here on my phone became very busy with people asking me if I would go to speak to their Guild or Society.
I had also been asked if I would record a talk for the Reading Book for the Blind. So I wrote the story out and on Oct. 2nd, made a serial which was put on disc.
During this same month I spoke to the members of Mothers' Union in Bryncoch and on Weds. the 24th I had been invited to speak to the Men's section of the Senior Citizens of Skewen at 2 o'clock in the afternoon A day before this engagement I had been asked if I would speak to the members of Probus in Neath on Weds. evening. The speaker for that evening had been taken ill and was unable to attend. I quickly considered this and said I would, hoping that I would be as enthusiastic in the evening as I hoped to be in the afternoon. But the members of Probus were true gentlemen and very appreciative. The month ended with a visit again to Briton Ferry to speak to another group of ladies.
November was much less hectic when I spoke only to the Bryncoch Senior Citizens Association and another Guild in Briton Ferry.
The year ended on a calmer note when I had no Speaking engagements in December and was able to relax with friends at the various Christmas lunches and dinners which now seem to have become the way of life for the "Golden Oldies". And long may it continue.
The New Year 2008 started off well when I went to Llansawel W.I. to speak, and then to Llangatwg. I had promised to speak to a Ladies group in the Y.M.C.A. but I had to cancel the engagement because I had caught a terrible cold. Before keeping my promise to speak at the Y.M.C.A. on Monday 18th of Feb. I had been to Bethania Chapel in Neath. Up to the end of February I have spoken to seventeen different groups of people - Ladies and Gentlemen.
But the interest in our adventure still continues. I hope to visit St. Peter's and St. Paul's in Cimla in March. Then in April I am looking forward to the Group Meeting in Pontarddulais on the 8th, the Bryncoch Men's Society on the 14th, the afternoon Guild in the Owain Glyndwr in Waunceirch on the 16th, and Creech St. Michael on the 29th.
The Somerset Federation of Women's Institutes celebrate their 90th Anniversary in 2008 and are holding several functions to celebrate. One of these celebrations is to have a tea-party in Creech St. Michael, near Taunton, when the Guests of Honour will be W.I. members and former members who are in their ninetieth year or over. I have been invited, and I deem it a very great honour, to speak to these ladies at their Party on April 29th.
After that I only have three more engagements ~ with members of "Inner Wheel" in May, Resolven W.I. in June and Penarth W.I. in July.
I have been asked if I am tired of giving the same talk over and over. But my answer is no, not really, because I am re-living a very happy episode in my life and hopefully I am encouraging more Senior Citizens to use their free Bus Pass; to be adventurous and travel further than just to their local town. If I were twenty years younger I would have a project to visit one County every year, find a base, and then explore. It is amazing what one can do. So, if you have a Bus Pass - Travel.