What a welcome Kevin had at Mortagne sur Gironde in 2024

Kevin welcomed at Mortagne by Mayor Stephane Cotier

Kevin’s epic 1600-mile cycle ride to Mortagne sur Gironde and back last year was to start fund raising for a monument in Wales in recognition of 14C Welsh soldier Owain Lawgoch to match the fantastic one they have at Mortagne sur Gironde. (See picture)

Kevin (and back up driver Jim) was given a huge welcome on arrival and hospitality was generously provided for Kevin for the duration. . They were accompanied by a group of local riders from Royan to Mortagne, followed by a welcoming party and reception by the Mayor Stephane Cotier.

 At Mortagne there is a special interest in forging links with Wales with such an important historical Welsh connection. In 2003 a very successful fund-raising effort in Wales enabled the monument to be erected at Mortagne (with a terrific joint ceremony there as well). This continuing effort by Kevin Bowen follows years of trying to raise interest in getting a monument here in Wales.

Not deterred by the very modest interest so far by authorities here in Wales last year, Kevin and his whacky musician pals are revisiting Mortagne this July to continue their quest to raise funds but are not cycling. They are instead driving down with stops both in the UK and France. They have contacted many interests and supporters and will be arranging publicity and music at these stops en route. They plan to stay at Mortagne for a few days around the date of Owain’s assassination on the 22nd. July.

It is hoped this will further raise interest and set in motion a serious fund-raising activity for a monument to Owain Lawgoch

More details will be available soon about the trip on this website and in the meantime, Kevin will be continuing his efforts publicizing it with meetings of interested parties and the media. He will be contacting the Mayor at Mortagne again and hopes that an event can be set up with suitable publicity there.