BGF News…

To all Friends & Supporters of the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation

It is with a degree of sadness that we announce the closure of the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation after 12 successful years.  Whilst this has not been an easy decision to reach, we, the trustees, feel that the time is right to conclude the great work we set out to do back in 2011 in Ben’s name. 

The vision of ‘The Foundation’ was to support sport from grass-roots level, promote the sports which Ben was so passionate about in addition to supporting young Motorcycle Riders who were taking the same route into racing that Ben did. The aim of the Benjamin Gautrey Foundation was to ensure Ben’s name lived on and his legacy is that other young people got welcome assistance in achieving their sporting goals.

We are so proud to have raised in excess of £400,000.00!  Supporting individuals and teams in a wide variety of ways, from purchasing kit, equipment, race entries, assisting with logistics costs and so much more.  We also ran race academies offering young racers the opportunity to hone their skills, learn from others and gain valuable track time.  A lasting legacy for Ben and the foundation was the updating of the changing and reception facilities at Southport Gymnastics Club of which Ben was a member for many years.

Over the 12 years we have had many excellent and enjoyable fundraising events – our Annual Dinners held in a diverse range of fabulous locations, all compered by the outstanding Claire Simmo, Annual Bike Rides from the historic Meols Hall, Spinathons, Swimathons, Comedy Nights, Fun Bingo and so much more.   

The Foundation’s sincere thanks go to all who have attended our events over the past 12 years, made generous donations of both their time and money and aided us in achieving our aim – for Ben’s name to go on.  Thanks also go to the many companies who have supported the Foundation.

Remaining funds will be distributed to local organisations who continue to support sports at a grass roots level, following this we will wind the charity up following all necessary legal requirements.  

The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation wishes all its previous recipients continued success for the future.

‘Keep it lit’ #25 Forever!

Registered Charity No: 1145749 

 

The BGF Annual Bike Ride 2020

The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation would like to thank you for your support over the past 9 years, sadly due to the current circumstances we have been unable to proceed with our Annual Cycle Event. We do hope to bring this succesful event back next year and look forward to seeing you all again under happier circumstances.

The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation 9th Annual Dinner

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances and after serious consideration we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our BGF Annual Dinner that was to be held on May 16th 2020 given the current situation of the developing global coronavirus pandemic. 

We had been preparing for this event for a long time so it saddens us to a great extent to cancel it at this time.

However, we shall be organising this event in the future and hope that you will grace the occasion with your presence whenever it is held.

The BGF Annual Bike Ride 2019

Approximately 100 cyclists gathered Sunday morning to participate in our annual BGF Cycle Ride. The event as always had the choice of two routes, 30 and 50k beginning and finishing at Meols Hall in Churchtown.

Both courses head out across the countryside in the direction of Scarisbrick on virtually traffic free roads before the ride divides; the 30k takes a leisurely course passing the WWT Wetlands Trust of Martin Mere and through the quaint village of Holmeswood before heading back across the flat lanes of Banks. The 50k ride continues, passing through the town of Burscough, crossing canals and railways as the course progresses towards the charming villages of Newburgh and Parbold. It is here the 50k becomes more challenging on the ascent of Stoney Lane a cat 4 climb of a distance of 1.5 km.

Having reached the top, the route takes in some undulating scenery as the journey advances through the pretty towns and villages of Mawdesly, Eccleston and Croston. The final stage meets back up with the 30k course on the outskirts of Southport at Mere Brow. On returning to Meols Hall, refreshments of sandwiches and welcoming cups of tea were much appreciated and provided by Langdon’s of Southport.

Organised once again in conjunction with Dave Williams from DHW Agencies.

The BGF #25 would like to thank all who participated in this event and to all the generous individuals, companies and organisations who supported this successful cycle ride.

BGF 8th Annual Dinner 2019

The impressive Titanic Hotel, Liverpool was the chosen venue for this year’s annual dinner, which took place on Saturday 18th May. The restored warehouse which is steeped in history and set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly exceptional and lent an amazing waterfront setting for the event.

On arrival guests were welcomed to a drink’s reception where Benjamin’s motorbikes were in a spectacular display at the foot of the imposing Titanic staircase. The dining tables were adorned with candelabras and incorporated a nautical theme, blending with the character of the hotel and dockside.

As in previous years the event was graciously presided throughout by broadcaster and the Foundations great friend Claire Simmo. The proceedings got underway with a Heads and Tails game with a cash prize of £50 followed by a beautiful and moving dance display by the Adam Brown Dance Company. A three-course dinner was served to the accompaniment of charming vocalist Gabrielle Zanobini from In-Cahoots performing delightful melodies. A fun addition to the night was Spencer the Artist, drawing fabulous caricatures if you were a willing muse, creating masterpieces for a donation to the Foundation.

After dinner, Claire interviewed a number of beneficiaries to showcase where funding has been disbursed over the last 8 years; including Sam Cooper from sailing, Luca Bailey from Mawdesly FC, Amy Fraser – Latin dancer, from cart racing Megan Stephenson & Luke Evans. Additionally, Daniel Drayton motorcyclist, street dancer Paisley Fox and cyclists Adam and Lewis Hartley.

Photography courtsey of Denis Oates

So on to the main event of the evening, the auction – the BGF has been fortunate to have been bestowed an array of auction prizes. These included the lots listed below and were kindly donated by the following persons or companies – a massive thank you to all.

Royal Ascot Box Saturday 5th October · Donated by Keltbray

Woburn Residential Package for Two · Donated by Wentworth House

Kuota Kobalt Bicycle · Donated by DHW Agencies

Yaffe Photo Shoot & Wall Portrait · Donated by Yaffé Photography

Pair of BSB Season Paddock Passes · Donated by Stuart Higgs from MSVR

Bespoke Art by Clare Wright

Tickets for Alice Cooper, Russell Howard or Little Mix & overnight stay at Genting Hotel · Donated by Karen Hodson Resorts World

Afternoon Tea & overnight stay at Titanic Hotel · Donated by Titanic Hotel

Choice of overnight stay at Hallgarth Manor or Three Ways House · Donated by Tom Cawdell

Radio City Tour with Claire Simmo

Bespoke Cufflinks · Donated by Gary Bromley

Special thanks to photographer Denis Oates for your continued support.

The foundation would like to thank everyone who attended the event, your support is invaluable and enables the BGF to continue to support grassroot sport that Benjamin was so passionate about.

The Benjamin Gautrey Cycle Challenge

Sunday 19th August 2018

The BGF Cycle Ride is an annual event beginning and finishing at Meols Hall in Churchtown. There are two routes, 30km and 50km that both head out in the direction of Scarisbrick, across virtually traffic free roads before the ride divides; the 30k takes a fairly casual course passing the WWT Wetlands Trust of Martin Mere and through the quaint village of Holmeswood before heading back across the flat lanes of Banks. The 50k ride continues, passing through the town of Burscough, crossing canals and railways as the course progresses towards the charming villages of Newburgh and Parbold. It is here the 50k becomes more challenging on the ascent of Stoney Lane a cat 4 climb of a distance of 1.5 km. Having reached the top, the route takes in some undulating scenery as the journey advances through the pretty towns and villages of Mawdesly, Eccleston and Croston. The final stage meets back up with the 30k course on the outskirts of Southport at Mere Brow.

The Benjamin Gautrey Foundation 7th Annual Dinner

The Annual Dinner is the Foundations main fundraiser with a vision to support sport from grass root level, promoting sport that Benjamin was so passionate about.

Sounds of the City’ was the theme for this year’s event, inspired by the new location of Liverpool and the talented musicians’ that hail from the city.   The dinner took place on Saturday 3rd February at the fabulous new venue; The Shankly Hotel which lent a fabulous backdrop for the occasion. The event was sold out and guests were once again welcomed by a great friend of the BGF – Claire Simmo from Liverpool’s Radio City.

Guests were seated at tables named after Liverpool artists from across the decades for a delicious three-course meal.  Dinner was served to the accompaniment of charming vocalist Gabrielle Zanobini from In-Cahoots performing delightful melodies throughout dinner. A fun addition to the proceedings was Spencer the Artist, drawing fabulous caricatures if you were a willing muse, he created masterpieces for a small donation to the Foundation.

After dinner, videos were played from beneficiaries to showcase where funding has been disbursed; including Zappi cycling team, from sailing Sam CooperAmy Morris from ice-skating, the NRG street dancers, fencer Grace Michell and the Mini Gym Stars launched by the Foundation in 2017.

So on to the main event of the evening – the auction and the BGF had been fortunate to have been bestowed an array of auction prizes. These included the lots listed below and were kindly donated by the following persons or companies – a massive thank you to all.

Royal Ascot Summer Mile Racing Weekend • Donated by Keltbray

Woburn Golf Club Residential Weekend • Donated by Wentworth House

Kuota Kobalt 105 Bike • Donated by David Williams from DHW Agencies

Yaffe Photo Shoot & Wall Portrait • Donated by Yaffe Photography

Pair of BSB Season Paddock Passes • Donated by Stuart Higgs from MSVR

Radio City Tower Tour • Donated by Radio City

Liverpool Skyline Portrait • Donated by Clare Wright

Overnight Stay for 2 • Donated by The Shankly Hotel

Bespoke Cufflinks incorporating wire from Edinburgh Tram System • Donated by Gary Bromley

U23 Team GB Cycling Jersey from Tour of Britain • Donated by Adam Hartley

Premier Experience at Ron Haslam Race School • Donated by Daniel Drayton

As the night advanced in to the early hours, music and dancing was top of the agenda – guests happily danced away to their favourite hits old and new, courtesy of Essential Entertainment.

The BGF #25 would like to thank all that attended the event and to all individuals, companies and organisations who supported and helped create this successful evening.