A Calne grandfather has given his unusual tandem bicycle a spooky makeover for Halloween, transforming the two-wheeled creation - built to look like a boat - into a ghost ship.
Barry Cummings was at Calne Pocket Park yesterday with the decorated tandem, accompanied by his 10-year-old granddaughter Ellia, who has once again joined him for the adventure.
The boat-shaped bicycle was originally built by Barry for the town's carnival procession. When the carnival was cancelled, he and his grandchildren decided to put it to another use, taking on a 60-mile fundraising challenge along the A4 between Calne and Marlborough in September in aid of Goatacre Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Now, the tandem has been transformed once again, with Barry taking on the role of the skeleton captain and Ellia acting as his First Mate.
Barry said: “Aye, I lost all me flesh in a Great Sea Battle, but me hat and coat stayed on! So I am providing the spooky atmosphere.”
Explaining why the ghost ship was being brought inland, Barry joked: “Well we wanted to bring the Ghost Ship inland in order to get more treats. But we have had a dry Summer so the rivers are too low, so we thought with 2 wheels we could get to more places.”
Ellia is responsible for the stern of the ship and, more importantly, the engine room.
Asked about their division of labour, Barry said: “Well, Ellia does all the heavy lifting, the pedaling, and the living, while I just sit up front looking photogenic and rattling my ribs. It’s a wonderful division of labour.”
Ellia had a different view, adding: “Correction - Grandpa gets to play dead, while I do all the actual work!”
As for what the ghost ship carries, Barry told us: “Rum of course. We would invite you aboard for a stiff one, but as you can see most of us are already stiff.”
Ellia added that there would also be chocolates and sweets on board, explaining: “Even spooky pirates need to eat so they have got fuel to power the engine room.”
The pair plan to continue riding around Calne during Halloween, on the lookout for treats and, according to Barry, the occasional sea monster or flying skeleton seagull.
Asked about their plans for Halloween night, Barry said: “On Halloween night we shall be looking for some Sweet TREATS. Else we shall be delivering our TRICK - which is firing our Cannons down the Street.”
And what about the dangers of navigating local roads?
“We were used to navigating the Seven Seas, but now navigating local Pot Holes, it has made me realise the Afterlife isn't any fun on a tandem with no suspension,” Barry said.
He also admitted that the steep hills presented a particular challenge, saying: “The scariest thing on the entire voyage though is for me, trying to brake this heavy thing going down steep hills.”
So, if you spot a ghost ship sailing through the streets of Calne over Halloween, take a closer look – it could well be Barry and Ellia out hunting for treats. Just watch out for those cannons!
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