Cycling - FT Bidlake Memorial Garden Appeal
Donation protected
The FT Bidlake Memorial trust is looking for support to raise £5,000 for the restoration, maintenance, and safety of the FT Bidlake Memorial Garden, at Girtford Bridge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, and to continue to present an award annually in the name of Frederick Thomas Bidlake. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Thomas_Bidlake
Biddy as he was known was a record breaker on aTricycle a Journalist, Timekeeper, and an outstanding Administrator for the Sport of Cycling. He was an excellent time-keeper for the sport of motor Racing. He also was the timekeeper for the Schneider Trophy seaplane races in the 1920's
In 1933 a Testimonial Fund from donations was set up for F.T. Bidlake. However just before his retirement he was in collision with a car and 3 weeks later he passed away.
The testimonial fund then became a Memorial Fund, with a trust being set up to award a prize to a recipient each year who performed an outstanding Cycling Performance, Journalistic writing, Administrator, or Invention in our sport. Part of the fund went to buy a plot of land and the building of a Memorial garden at a site on the Great North Road (Al) where he did most of his timekeeping, and where his ashes are scattered. It is a garden where cyclists visit, reflect, and scatter the ashes of their loved ones. Over the years the ashes of many cyclists and officials have been scattered over the site.
A Trust committee was set up to award the Prize each year, and look after and maintain the memorial garden. The only income comes from donations. The Trustees had to make a large appeal in 1980, which ensured the continuation to date. However, the trustees now find that funds are insufficient for the large expensive commitment of maintenance to the Garden, which includes removal of the aged poplar trees, repair all the stonework and generally bring the garden up to high standard of safety. Also to be in a position to still award the annual prize.
Photos of Memorial Garden showing the work that is needed to be done.
Please visit our web site to see more information on FT Bidlake and the Bidlake Memorial trust. Details of the Bidlake Memorial Trust
The Original Garden in 1933
Biddy as he was known was a record breaker on aTricycle a Journalist, Timekeeper, and an outstanding Administrator for the Sport of Cycling. He was an excellent time-keeper for the sport of motor Racing. He also was the timekeeper for the Schneider Trophy seaplane races in the 1920's
In 1933 a Testimonial Fund from donations was set up for F.T. Bidlake. However just before his retirement he was in collision with a car and 3 weeks later he passed away.
The testimonial fund then became a Memorial Fund, with a trust being set up to award a prize to a recipient each year who performed an outstanding Cycling Performance, Journalistic writing, Administrator, or Invention in our sport. Part of the fund went to buy a plot of land and the building of a Memorial garden at a site on the Great North Road (Al) where he did most of his timekeeping, and where his ashes are scattered. It is a garden where cyclists visit, reflect, and scatter the ashes of their loved ones. Over the years the ashes of many cyclists and officials have been scattered over the site.
A Trust committee was set up to award the Prize each year, and look after and maintain the memorial garden. The only income comes from donations. The Trustees had to make a large appeal in 1980, which ensured the continuation to date. However, the trustees now find that funds are insufficient for the large expensive commitment of maintenance to the Garden, which includes removal of the aged poplar trees, repair all the stonework and generally bring the garden up to high standard of safety. Also to be in a position to still award the annual prize.
Photos of Memorial Garden showing the work that is needed to be done.
Please visit our web site to see more information on FT Bidlake and the Bidlake Memorial trust. Details of the Bidlake Memorial Trust
The Original Garden in 1933
Fundraising team: Bidlake (1)
Keith Robins
Organizer
England
Nichola Klimcke
Team member
