Wed and Thu 9/10 July. Arrived in Cardiff for an ABF event in the Cardiff and County Club at which Dr David Starkey spoke on the subject "Henry Tudor, Englishman, Frenchman or Welshman?" He was very entertaining and he started by saying that Henry VII was THE most boring monarch of the English Throne. Apparently he hardly spoke a word of English and conversed mostly in French. He described the machinations of the Tudor family and amused a party of 88 organised by the Glamorgan Committee under the stirring leadership of Geoffrey Inkin.

The next day we had the Trustees meeting in the Welsh Assembly and had the chance to meet several AMs (Assembly Members). We were very well looked after and we had the opportunity to speak about the work of the ABF and how it benefitted former soldiers living in Wales.

To morrow is final preparation for the ride. Richard Holmes and Nick Hamilton join us at my home for a grand dinner before we set sail for Dale in the early hours of Saturday if only to avoid the noise of the International Air Tattoo which takes place in our back yard.

Not sure how this blog thing works but I will try to keep it going during the ride when I get access to a computer.

Our Route is as follows:

Day -1 Sat - 3pm Longboat landing at Mill Bay
Evening event in Dale Castle, Richard speaks

Day 1 Sun - Ride to To New Moat via Mullock Bridge where we will reenact the famous Rhys ap Thomas incident.

Day 2 Mon - Ride to Newport Sands. Richard speaks at Rhosygilwen Mansion.

Day 3 Tue - PM Ride Carno to Tregynon. Richard speaks at Plas Dinam

Day 4 Wed - Am Ride to Powis Castle. This will be a lovely ride. All welcome. Lots of media here. PM ride into england and finish near Shrewsbury. Evening event at Shrewsbury School (Contact Peter Knox on 01743 262570)

Day 5 Thu - Ride from Kemberton to Chillington Hall , probably not the most exciting ride. But Richard has a rest!

Day 6 Fri - Ride through Cannock Chase. A lovely ride but not that long.

Day 7 Sat - The Finale .We ride to Bosworth Field and meet up with Richard III. There is a reception, beating retreat and free fall parachutists folowe d by another dinner with Richard sealing the story of the battle.

Those who might want to learn more of the trip in Wales should ring Charlie Nutting on 07818 836611. As for the Shrewsbury bit they should contact Peter Knox on 01743 262570 failing that they can try and get me via 0845 241 4822.

Its all going to be great fun and anyone who still wants to contribute can see the link below to the just giving site.

Will report again soon. Evelyn