Almost 200 Minis and their drivers came together over the August Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Legendary Grand Tour, raising vital funds for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).
Founded by Terry and Linda Baker in 1996, the event has become a much-loved tradition, bringing together Mini enthusiasts from across the South West in support of local children and families. Following Terry's death in 2024, Linda made the commitment to continue the tour in his memory, ensuring the event's remarkable legacy lives on.
Over the past 3 decades, the Small Cars Big Hearts group has raised an incredible £682,093.33 for CHSW, helping to fund services including the Sibling Team, Music Therapy and contributing towards making Toad Hall at Little Bridge House possible.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the traditional visit to Little Bridge House. Children and families staying at the hospice joined members of the local community to wave and cheer as the colourful convoy made its way through North Devon. A unique part of the visit sees the cars drive the "wrong way" around the Little Bridge House roundabout, a tradition that began after CHSW co-founder Jill Farwell granted Terry's special request many years ago.
The convoy travelled through communities across North Devon, accompanied by motorcycle marshals and welcomed by spectators lining the streets. The annual tour has become a much-loved Bank Holiday tradition, bringing together supporters, volunteers and Mini enthusiasts, all united by a desire to make a difference for local children and families.
CHSW Chief Executive Phil Morris joined the tour alongside members of the care team and colleagues from across the charity, thanks to 3 branded Minis kindly loaned by Vertu Exeter Mini. The vehicles enabled the Little Bridge House team to experience the event first-hand and take part in the celebrations.
Bank Holiday Monday's finale was a spectacular sight, with almost 200 Minis and their drivers dressed in imaginative fancy dress costumes, bringing colour, fun and plenty of smiles to the hundreds of people who gathered along the route and at Little Bridge House. The brass band added to the celebrations, creating a wonderful atmosphere for everyone involved.
Debbie Birtwisle, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, said:
"We are so proud to have been supported by the Legendary Grand Tour for the past 30 years. The dedication and generosity shown by Linda, the organising committee and everyone who takes part is simply incredible.
The funds raised over the years have made a real difference to the lives of the children and families we support, helping to fund services including our Sibling Team and Music Therapy, as well as contributing towards Toad Hall at Little Bridge House.
Seeing the convoy arrive at Little Bridge House was such a special moment. Families staying with us came outside to wave and cheer, while supporters lined the route to welcome the cars. It was a wonderful celebration of everything the Legendary Grand Tour has achieved over the last 30 years, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support it."
CHSW would like to thank Linda Baker and the organising committee for their hard work and dedication in delivering another successful tour, as well as all the drivers who continue to support the event year after year.
Special thanks also go to Vertu Exeter Mini for loaning 3 branded vehicles to enable the Little Bridge House team to join the tour, Ben Byrom for generously providing the stage and speakers free of charge and the many volunteers whose support helped make the event possible.
The day after the event, CHSW was delighted to welcome Linda and members of the organising committee to Little Bridge House for a well-deserved celebratory cream tea, providing an opportunity to reflect on another memorable year and celebrate the incredible impact the Legendary Grand Tour has had over the last 30 years.
