some pictures, some words

The High Street

The town remains as usual neatly balanced with one eye to the future and the other fixed firmly on the past. The last few days have demonstrated this to perfection. First, what is still the world’s only rally for the electric bike took place, as usual a combination of mad costumes and futuristic technology. This was almost immediately followed by the Welsh Guards marching through the town to the Judge’s Lodging, where they were awarded the Freedom of the County. Said freedom being not, as some hopefully suggested, to drink the pubs dry and ravish the female half of Presteigne, but to march with ‘bayonets fixed, drums beating and banners flying’. The occasion was straight out of Thomas Hardy, and was attended by all the great and the good of the district, plus the rest of us. The rain mostly held off on both days, though when it did arrive it was tropical. Scroll down for some pictures, while more pictures of the Tour de Presteigne are here and of the Guards are here.

They're off

Pete Mustill, organiser of the Tour de Presteigne, takes it easy

The Guards arrive

Boudicca on her tricycle

Outside the Judge's Lodging

Ian Marchant and fans take shelter

Through the churchyard

Broad Street

Britannia rules

Queen Victoria and friends