A homemade boat built around a tandem for a cancelled Calne Carnival procession has taken to the road this weekend, as Barry and his four grandchildren tackle a 60-mile challenge to raise money for Goatacre Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Barry spent three months over the winter working with his 10-year-old granddaughter to design and build the unusual creation for the Bromham and Calne Carnival processions.
The result is certainly hard to miss, a boat-shaped tandem complete with nautical decorations, bunting, a life ring, sea creatures and the words “Water Is Life” painted along its side.
When this year's carnival was cancelled, the family decided that rather than dismantling their creation, they would put it to a different use.
Barry, who volunteers at Goatacre Farm Animal Sanctuary, is now taking on the challenge with his four grandchildren to raise much-needed funds for the rescued animals.
The family is travelling along the A4 between Calne and Marlborough and back, with 30 miles planned each day on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September.
Barry's grandchildren are taking turns riding alongside him, while their parents follow in a support and safety vehicle, allowing the riders to swap over and take breaks.
The unusual tandem is described by the family as “big, heavy and slow”, making the 30-mile daily distance a considerable challenge.
We caught up with Barry and his family today at The Dandy Highwayman Coffee Shop in Cherhill, where they stopped for a well-earned break.
Barry said everything was going very well, and was particularly impressed with the lunch, declaring that The Dandy Highwayman serves “the best BLT in Wiltshire.”
The fundraising total has already passed £2,000, with the money going towards the ongoing costs of caring for the animals at Goatacre, including food, veterinary treatment and general care.
After completing the first day's 30-mile challenge, Barry and his grandchildren will be back on the road tomorrow to tackle the second half and complete their planned 60 miles in total.
The family is hoping people will continue to support the fundraiser, with donations of any size welcome. Sharing the fundraiser can also help spread the word.
