On Sunday 16th May 04, in glorious weather conditions, members of the Fishguard & District Stroke Club with all their baggage, mechanised scooters, wheelchairs, and other medical aids stowed on the Edward’s Coach, from Tiers Cross, proceeded East to the Cambrian Woollen Mill for lunch, enroute to their centralised respite holiday, at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.
We arrived in the Victorian spa town, enriched with ornate architecture and magnificent surrounding of country scenery in plenty of time to have a relaxing siesta and freshen-up before the evening meal, which was served by a team of youngsters from countries far and wide, who indeed brought credit upon themselves and their respective Nationality in their courteous, polite and responsive manner.
Entertainment for the evening was the customary “eyes down looking” scenario to gently ease Club members into a holiday frame of mind. Prizes for the winners were supplied from Rita’s bottomless “Pandora Box”.
Monday, which was declared “a free day”, some members adventured to Shrewsbury and Newton by public transport, whilst others enjoyed a relaxing day soaking up the beautiful sunshine or swimming in the Hotel’s pool.
Tuesday, one could start to observe different configurations to member’s torsos to that of a more portly shape, after the consumption of enormous helpings of excellent food.
Volunteers from Llandrindod Wells, Lion’s Club gave assistant in wheelchair and mundane carer’s duties. John, our coach driver, ensured everyone was onboard and proceeded to the Welsh Royal Crystal factory and showroom at Rhayader. Many purses and wallets were made much lighter in the purchasing of affordable gifts and mementos from the glassware shop. After lunch we were driven a short distance to Gigrin Farm, a Red Kite feeding and rehabilitation centre. The Red Kites, beautiful birds of prey, together with other Carrion feeding birds gave delight to us all as we watched them swoop low pick-up food and rise to open air space to enjoy their meal. Eithel, Lena & Chris Powell owners of the farm ferried members to respective “hides”. Lady luck even supplied us all with a rare sighting of a White Kite.
Wednesday, volunteer support for various caring duties was afforded once again by the Lion’s Club. We travelled through the breath taking scenic views of the Elan Valley and countryside set against a spectacular backdrop of Victorian stone dams. The Elan Valley visitor centre, gave us a golden opportunity to take memorable group and family photographs in glorious sunshine with temperatures soaring higher than those recorded in Tenerife. Our coach tour must have covered the full 70 square mile estate of the five reservoirs, which have supplied Birmingham for over a hundred years. “
Donald” playing his accordion supplied the evening entertainment, with hidden talent arising from some of the Carers in song and verse, which in its self gave enjoyment and relaxation from their legacies and problems.
Thursday a shopping day in Hereford to buy those last minute gifts for friends and relatives back in Pembrokeshire. John our coach driver was seen with a puzzled expression on his brow wondering how he could accommodate stowage space on the coach for so many parcels.
During dinner, gratitude was given to Rita, the organiser of the holiday, Viv for mechanised scooter management, Metropole Hotel staff & management for their warm hospitality, John Evans, coach driver and the dedicated Lion volunteers for their support.
The evening finished with a delightful video comedy named “The Plank”
Friday, as predicted it was a very tight squeeze to encourage luggage, mechanised scooters, wheelchairs etc into the coach baggage space, but by some clever manoeuvring all was taken onboard.
The Lion’s President Tony Phillips bid us all a safe journey to our homes, hoping to see Club members in the not too distance future. A fantastic lunch was enjoyed by all at the Plough Inn, which saved the carers the task of cooking on arrival home.
Our most sincere thanks to Awards for all Wales, The Four Acre Trust, Local organisations & Businesses for their excellent support in helping us the committee to plan and provide a total respite holiday for Stroke victims and their Carers, which was a complete tonic, and cannot be given on a doctors prescription.
Glorious weather conditions, good company, tremendous public support, courtesy and willingness given by all but most of all, that smile which costs nothing, helps Stroke victims rise above their afflictions, who could ask for more.
Our next regular Club meeting will be on 1st June 04 at St Teresa’s Convent hall. For more information please contact Michael on 01348 840282 or John on 01348 872240, or indeed visit our website www.fishguardstrokeclub.co.uk sponsored by ePembs.
For more information on the Fishguard Stroke Club, please contact Michael on 01348 84082 or email us at info@FishguardStrokeClub.co.uk
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