Stranded Powys holidaymakers now plan to retire to Wales

Holidaymakers Trudy and Preston Kemp came to Wales over the Easter weekend – but dtheir huge Ducato motorhome became engulfed in smoke. They got to Rhayader and discovered their water pump was broken.

Left stranded, they feared their dream trip touring the Welsh coast was doomed, but thanks to kind-hearted locals and a hero mechanic, they salvaged their holiday.

The couple were already contemplating swapping Wiltshire for Wales when they retire in a few years – and their near disaster seems to have only strengthened their determination to do so.

Grohl (front) and Poppy enjoying a run out in the Elan Valley. (Image: Trudy Kemp)

Grohl takes in the sights of Llandrindod's Rock Park. (Image: Trudy Kemp)

“Almost as soon as we got across the border we saw smoke coming out of the engine,” said Trudy.  

“Preston grabbed the fire extinguisher and we’ve got two massive dogs in the van with us, so we were panicking. It turned out to be steam, we poured water in but it ran straight back out.

“We worked out it was a problem with the water pump and fanbelt, and realised we couldn’t go any further.”

They managed to reach Rhayader, where they pulled into a housing estate to assess their options.

After night one, they put a sign up in the motorhome’s window letting locals know their seven-metre home had broken down, and they sought help on social media.

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Trudy posted a message on the ‘Whats On In Rhayader And Surrounding Areas’ Facebook page, and they were inundated with recommendations for assistance.

As it was Easter bank holiday weekend, most garages and mechanics were booked, couldn’t accommodate such a large vehicle, or get hold of parts.

But, Llandrindod Wells-based SRW Mobile Mechanic came to the stricken tourists’ rescue.

“SRW were amazing,” said Trudy.

“They asked if some of their other customers were able to rebook and they slotted us in, and worked until 9.30pm to get us back on the road. We were so grateful.”

While in Rhayader, Trudy said she and Preston were treated brilliantly. The couple – accompanied by their elderly Hungarian Vizsla, named Grohl (after Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl), and three-year-old rescue Caucasian Shepherd, Poppy – made the most of their predicament.

Rock 'n' roll lifestyle: Poppy and Grohl enjoy a well-earned pint at the Llanerch Inn, in Llandrindod. (Image: Trudy Kemp)

They ate out, visited the Elan Valley, as well as the Rock Park and lake in Llandrindod, before enjoying the rest of what Wales has to offer.

“We just had this image of being stuck by the side of the road for over a week,” joked Trudy.

“But it was only two days we stayed there in Rhayader, then we carried on with the holiday. We did loads along the coastline, went through Snowdonia, we did like a figure of eight around Wales, it was a really lovely trip.

“In Rhayader we went to a couple of pubs and had great meals; the sun was out and they (the locals) were lovely hosts.

“We are actually retiring to Wales, so it confirmed it was a nice place. We’re looking to sell up where we are and buy a place in Wales. So this turned out to be something of a fact finding mission.  

Preston with Grohl and Poppy (left) enjoying the Elan Valley. (Image: Trudy Kemp)

“It’s absolutely stunning here. Preston’s retired already so he’s just waiting for me. We’re going to travel for a year then retire to somewhere and it will now most likely be Wales, somewhere by the seaside.”

Besides Powys, Trudy said the couple adored Caernarfon. “Oh my goodness, it was stunning, incredible,” said the former chartered surveyor, who now works with young people not in education or employment.

“We had a great trip and Wales is now top of the list to retire to, so you might be seeing more of us in the future.”