Brodies big British boat and bike bash Welcome home event report

Brodies' Big British Boat Bike Bash Welcome home event

Kate and Graham Brodie have returned from their mammoth trip round the British mainland by boat and bike. They also toured the northern isles, and both sets of Hebrides.

Richard and Jean Cridland hosted a celebration buffet event at the clubhouse on Saturday 30^th July. We had a wide range of delicious food which included several vegan options and some very tasty tarts from Janice Vining. The crowd spread out to the marquee and the yard for puddings and cheese and biscuits. The bar was ably manned by the Vice commodore. The meal raised £250 for Macmillan and then donations by cash and card-reader took the total to £405.

It was a beautiful evening with Hulaballoo laid alongside the pontoon and Graham's bike, Bob, in pride of place in the clubhouse.

The slide show loop of their separate and shared journeys lasted well over two hours and generated many oohs! and aahs! from over 50 of their cycling and sailing friends.

The commodore introduced the intrepid couple, and we explored the highs and lows of their travels. Kate humbly thanked her sailing mentors and explained how her own experience with breast cancer as a patient had prompted their desire to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Despite this serious background, the evening was a joyous affair with much chat and laughter.

There was a celebratory toast to their fundraising success over £5000 by the last day of the voyage.

A tour of Hulaballoo was available and Kate also had several items of sailing paraphernalia (some broken and replaced) on display. These include a child's kite which neatly attached itself to the wire guard rail of the boat while sailing near St Andrews.

It is clear to your author that they share a determination, which they describe as stubbornness, that allowed them to complete this epic voyage despite many of the usual travails of weather, both on land and at sea, as well as mechanical breakdowns. The vagaries of ferry timetables were compensated by unexpected bacon butties and the kindness of many harbour masters who asked for mooring fees to be donated to Macmillan.

I am sure most club members will regard this couple as an inspiration to maintain the best traditions of cruising by Topsham Sailing club, and we are glad to celebrate their achievements.

I know Graham was still taking photographs at this event and some may end up accompanying this article. But please take a few moments to check out the wonderful blog pages that are available elsewhere on the TSC website.

It is still possible for a little while to donate via

Last updated 08:59 on 2 April 2024