Following on from the success of last year’s trip, three coaches departed Bryn Masonic Hall. Their destination was the same as 2024, Babbacombe. After an uneventful and thoroughly relaxing trip, all three coaches, organised by Ogden’s Travel, arrived safe and sound at the picturesque Babbacombe Hotel overlooking Babbacombe Bay.
A group of porters were on hand to ferry everyone’s luggage to their rooms whilst the travellers stretched their legs and sampled the delights of the lounge bar. Dinner was served at 6pm, followed by the first game of bingo of the week and some splendid entertainment which soon had the crowd dancing.
Day two’s hearty breakfast hardly had time to digest before the coaches departed for the first trip of the week to Exmouth and a boat ride on the River Exe. The river was thankfully like a millpond which made the serving of the cream teas onboard an easy task. Once the scones were washed down with a tea or coffee, the onboard bar provided a fine selection of drinks for every taste.
Highlights of the one-and-a-half-hour trip were the local seals which were chilling out on specially made pontoons and various sunken remains which were pointed out by the skipper. Although fine, the weather was chilly, and whilst some brave souls remained ‘up-top’ more people retired to the lower deck which was warm, wind free and close to the bar. On returning and following another veritable feast, charity bingo ensued, with singer and keyboardist Dave Hughes enabling all to dance the night away prior to retiring to the resident’s bar for a night cap or three.
Day three soon arrived for the much-awaited sponsored walk. Once the participants were off-loaded at Paignton Sea front, they wound their way via the coastal path and several hills back to Torquay, taking in the lovely coastal views and feeling relieved that the weather held, the warm glow worked up during the walk leaving most walkers with a healthy thirst.
The last coach picked up the remaining sightseers at 4pm and headed back to the hotel, where after a quick wash and brush up, the entourage were treated to another excellent meal. The evening’s entertainment, of course preceded by the charity bingo, was an entertaining singer who provided an eclectic and humorous mix of tunes which once again tempted the more fleet footed amongst the audience back to the dance floor.
Day four’s trip was only a short trip to Teignmouth, full of lovely quaint shops, cafes and of course, an array of pubs. As the coaches pulled up, the sky was looking very heavy, fortunately most sightseers managed to take refuge in the local cafes as the heavens opened and deposited hail and torrential rain accompanied by claps of thunder!
Upon returning to the hotel and following another outstanding meal, it was time for the final bingo game, followed by the raffle for which tickets had been sold throughout the week. The grand total for the week was over £10,000, which was split between the contributing groups for Masonic and non-Masonic charities depending on how many members attended as follows; Wigan Group £5,000 presented to Ian Green, Leigh and Swinton Group £1,750 presented to Pam Pearson, Bootle Group £1,000 presented to Graham Chambers and Warrington Group £350 presented to Dave Whitmore.
Wednesday’s sponsored walk raised in the region of £2,000 for the Wigan and Leigh branch of the Blind Institute, special mention must go to Sarah Brogan who raised the splendid amount of over £700 towards the total on her own.
The night’s entertainment was provided by Simon Rees who enlisted several members of the audience to assist him, including a large conga which wound its way around most of the hotel! A last nightcap was had in the resident’s bar before retiring after a very satisfying week in a lovely venue.
The trip home on Friday was uneventful with all participants being dropped back off at Bryn Masonic Hall around 15:30. A thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all whilst raising in the region of £10,250 for charity. Next year’s trip is to Bournemouth, watch out for further details!
