The weather on Tuesday 2nd January was atrocious, with slashing rain and floods and I would not have ventured out had I not had a hospital appointment. 

I had hoped to use the train for part of the journey but the Frankwell car park in Shrewsbury was closed and the station car park required the use of a mobile phone app which I do not have. I had no option but to drive the nearly 80-mile round trip to Telford.

On return the B4386 to Montgomery was flooded in many places but navigable as far as Westbury after which a queue formed to use the higher lane to avoid deep water.

OTHER NEWS:

Cars like mine with a low clearance had to find an alternative route or risk stalling in deep water. I chose the single-track route over the Long Mountain and enquired directions at Lower Wallop as it was getting dark and I am not familiar with this route.

After six miles I came to a crossroads and (as directed) took the road signposted to Forden. Wary of potholes (I have had three tyre-bursts in so many years) I was driving carefully and nearly half an hour later I found myself back where I had asked directions.

It was now dark and I had seen only one other car which had followed me for several miles. I stopped it to ask directions again since the signpost had misled me.

The young lady driver explained that the signpost had been twisted by some prankster and, seeing that I was elderly (I am 87) and at a loss to find my way, very kindly offered to lead me back to the crossroads and put me on the correct road. In fact she led me right through to Forden – going some 20 miles out of her way as she was on her way home to Minsterley.

It was an act of great kindness for which I am duly grateful though I do not know my Good Samaritan’s name.

A few thoughts occur to me. Altering signposts is irresponsible. Making carparks available only to people with mobile phones and suitable apps is “ageist” and penalises older people.

My village has no public transport so I have no option but to drive a car if I am to go anywhere. As I approach 90 I view with some anxiety the prospect of hospital appointments nearly 40 miles away.

Perhaps our First Minister would give some thought to the problems of old people in rural Wales.

Meanwhile my thanks and blessings to the good-hearted young lady.
John Billington
Llandyssil