For the 2024 Wigan Group trip, brethren departed Bryn Masonic Hall at just after 9am, their destination: Babbacombe. With coaches organised by Ogden’s Travel, the travellers arrived safe and sound at around 4:15pm at the picturesque Babbacombe Hotel, perched on the cliffs overlooking Babbacombe Bay.
The first evening’s entertainment, which followed a sumptuous three course meal and the charity bingo, was Tom Brain, an excellent singer who soon had everyone up and dancing.
Day two got off to a splendid start with a hearty breakfast which hardly had time to digest before the coaches departed for the first trip of the week to Buckfast Abbey and Dartmouth. The Abbey looked resplendent both inside and out, and various samplings were had of cream teas washed down with some of the Monks’ Buckfast wine, a tonic indeed!
On returning, and following another veritable feast, charity bingo ensued with singer and entertainer Simon Rees enabling all to dance the night away prior to retiring to the resident’s bar for a night cap or three.
Day three was the big day, sponsored walk time. All willing volunteers were deposited at Paignton from which point they wound their way via the coastal path and several hills back to Torquay, only stopping once at the halfway point for refreshments provided by the willing coach drivers, tea or coffee supplemented with either whisky or brandy, a very nice halfway treat!
After spending the rest of the afternoon exploring Torquay, 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 keyboardist Dave Hughes who provided an eclectic mix of tunes which once again tempted the twinkle toes amongst the audience back to the dance floor.
Day four’s trip was to the quaint seaside town of Brixham, home to the replica of Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind. With plenty of opportunities for local pasties and fish and chips, no one went hungry during their sojourn around the shops!
Upon returning to the hotel and following another outstanding meal it was time for the Dutch Auction which raised £400 towards the grand total, followed by the raffle for which tickets had been sold throughout the week. The grand total for the week was £7,000 which was split between the contributing groups for Masonic and non-Masonic charities depending on how many members attended as follows; Wigan Group, £4,000, presented to John Selley. Leigh Group, £1,500, presented to Pam Pearson. Bootle group, £1,000, presented to Graham Chambers. Warrington Group, £500, presented to Dave Whitmore.
Wednesday’s sponsored walk raised in the region of £1,500 for the NW Air Ambulance and RNLI, special mention must go to Sarah Brogan who raised the splendid amount of over £600 towards the total on her own.
Following an excellent spot from seasoned veteran Mike Samuels, which included a tap-dancing routine, 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 4:15pm.
A thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all whilst raising in the region of £8,500 for charity, next year’s trip is to the same venue, watch out for further details!
